London bank funds tequila brand's US expansion with five figure funding

A tequila brand has received a five-figure funding package from a UK bank to build on a successful 2019 and protect its long-term future.

AquaRiva Tequila has received a five-figure bounce back loan from HSBC UK as part of £3bn that the bank has made available to companies trading internationally that require additional support.

The loan has helped AquaRiva to start exporting to US customers, beginning in the state of California. AquaRiva has also agreed a deal with the UK’s largest distributor to launch pre-bottled handmade cocktails this year.

AquaRiva is the main in-house tequila for TGI Friday’s, Red Dog Saloon, and a number of other bars and clubs nationwide. The company has three tequilas in its portfolio and it also produces AquaRiva Organic Agave Syrup, which is sold in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

The products were created by comedy actress and author Cleo Rocos in 2011, who worked with a master blender in Mexico over 11 months.

Cleo commented: “Although Covid-19 has been challenging from the hospitality industry, the funding from HSBC UK has allowed the company to remain in a strong financial position so that we’re able to continue expanding our brand range and business in the US.”

David Subba, Relationship Manager for HSBC UK, said: “We are delighted to support AquaRiva Tequilas through the Covid-19 crisis and we are looking forward to seeing how the brand will continue to supply restaurants, supermarkets, and bars around the UK and overseas.”

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