Halewood drinks firm to remain a family business

Halewood, one of Britain's biggest independent drinks firms, will remain a family business despite the death of the company’s founder and majority shareholder, John Halweood, who died on 15 October at the age of 64.

Managing director Andy Smallman confirmed that the ownership and control of the group will remain with the Halewood family, in accordance with its founder's wishes.

The family will continue to build on the company's strengths “to retain the position as market leaders both in the UK and overseas", he said.

Together with his mother Eileen, who died last year, Halewood set up the company, which produces alcoholic drinks such as Lambrini, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and Red Square Vodka, in 1978.

The Huyton, Liverpool-based company now has operations in over 40 countries worldwide, including Japan, Russia, South Africa and China. In 2010, its turnover exceeded £250 million (€287 million).