Why I launched an Iced Tea brand at 21 years old. 

The discovery of Iced Tea.

In 2011, whilst sitting at a restaurant in Mallorca I asked the waitress for a non-carbonated soft drink. I was tired of drinking coke and lemonade which were leaving me feeling full and bloated before I'd even started eating! She suggested iced tea and I haven't looked back since. I took a trip to the US in 2016 and that's when my love for iced tea really took off. I loved the fact it was on every menu! Fast forward a few years and iced tea can be found on most menus in Europe too. 

The Poor State Of Iced Tea In The UK.

I knew iced tea was loved in the UK. My friends and I were all drinking it and buying it in bulk from the shops. However it was rare to see it on a menu. The occasional cafe was making their own using syrup but that was the extent. I knew brands like Lipton and Arizona couldn't be sold in a nice venue. With the rise of people going teetotal, icd tea is the perfect alternative. Non-carbonated, refreshing and exciting. 

The Solution.

I realised the reason Iced Tea wasn't on menus in the UK was down to the brands available. They are all sound in plastic bottles and aimed at the grab and go sector. I set out to create Riviera; a premium iced tea sold in recyclable cans which can be sold in a cafe, restaurant or event venue. 

University and the Launch.

I was a COVID university student. Sent home in second year and told not to return. Never one for sitting still, I started working as a freelance social media manager. I worked for a drinks brand and absolutely loved it. I started planning my iced tea brand in the summer after second year. I soon realised my original plan of going into the police wasn't for me. As we were told not to return I finished my third year from home and graduated with a criminology degree from Durham University. A bit of a random journey!

It took so much longer than I thought to save up, plan the launch, tweak the recipe and branding but I finally launched Riviera Iced Tea in June 2022.

Have you tried our iced tea? Make sure you tag us in any photos!