Established by Dutch twins, Raissa and Joyce De Haas, Double Dutch offer a range of 100% natural mixers and tonic waters that are specifically developed to drink with premium spirits. Richard Branson supported the Double Dutch vision by giving the twins a Foodpreneur award for their innovative Food and Beverage brand.
The brand began as a joint MA dissertation in technology entrepreneurship at University College London four years ago, inspired by the twins’ passion for partying. Their dissertation won them a £10,000 grant from the university and a year’s office space, and saw them produce their first batch of 6,000 bottles a mere 4 months later.
Double Dutch were referred to The Department for International Trade (DIT) in 2016. Their International Trade Advisor (ITA), Juliette Cattell, introduced them to POSTs around the globe including USA, South East Asia, and South Africa, who assisted them in-market and helped showcase their products at international trade shows. They have participated in five meet the buyer events to date.
Juliette’s advice on all aspects of exporting, including mentoring on market fit, has helped their exporting success.
Double Dutch has teamed up with a manufacturing partner in Johannesburg to make and distribute all 10 of its mixer expressions locally, which also gives the company a base to further grow the business by expanding into new markets nearby.