A YOUNG north west drinks entrepreneur today unveiled ambitious expansion plans as he aims to steal a march on his rivals in the fast-growing fruit juice and smoothies market.
Col Marafko, 38, is rolling out his Barefruit Juice chain across Britain and is eyeing other countries, too, after securing more than £1m in funding.
The Cheshire-based businessman has opened his sixth branch, in Manchester’s revamped Arndale Centre, and is looking to establish 60 UK outlets over the next three years.He is being backed by Ron Scott, a former director and shareholder at the Republic clothing chain, who has joined as finance chief.
The growth of Northwich based Barefruit Juice reflects soaring demand for healthy eating and drinking.
The healthy drinks market was reckoned to be worth £800m in 2006, with smoothies accounting for £134m of sales, and it is growing at a rate of around five per cent a year.
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