The Publication For The Grocery Trade

Caddy - The 'Champagne' of Coolers

Enjoying drinks at the perfect temperature any time, anywhere, has always been a bit of a holy grail for consumers. Now the quest is over for your shoppers thanks to Caddy UK Ltd, a marketing company based in Sale, Cheshire, who are introducing their new range of 'Caddy' neoprene can and bottle coolers. Entrepreneur James Poole created Caddy UK Ltd late in 2006 to develop and supply a convenient range of 'stubby' drinks holders. Beer, wine, soft drinks, hot beverages, you name it - Caddy is perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold whatever the weather. So far the innovative Caddy concept has attracted considerable attention from a number of Premiership football clubs and major drinks companies. James explains: "The big clubs are showing a lot of interest in Caddy, since they recognise drink coolers' value as an excellent vehicle for their corporate branding. We're also looking at sales opportunities in France, where there is similarly strong interest. We have done extensive research and developed the concept into a quality proposition, and found a reliable, high quality manufacturing partner." The Caddy product range comes in a variety of colours and is manufactured to European standards. The thickness of the neoprene material can be tailored to the customer's specification. Caddy UK Ltd can also supply these products with clients' own branded logos. A record of success Caddy UK director James Poole moved into the cooler business after a career selling the world famous Fox 40 whistle in the UK, which he brought over from Canada in 1995. The idea for beer and wine coolers of this kind had been on James's mind for several years before he set up Caddy. "Neoprene can cooler technology has been around for many years," says James, "but until now it has had limited success in the UK and Europe - mainly because no one has invested in developing the concept for these markets." Neoprene is a synthetic rubber. It has a high resistance to heat and petroleum-based products and was first used for hoses and cable insulation. Due to its flexibility, durability and insulating properties, divers and surfers find it an ideal material for wet suits. These same qualities make it the material of choice for all Caddy products. The Caddy cooler range has enormous potential in retail, James reckons: "There are many outlets where these products can be sold, including the major supermarkets, Co-ops, convenience store chains, forecourts and all stores that need that special promotional item." Caddy products currently available include can coolers for soft drinks and beer cans, bottle coolers for champagne, beer, wine and water, and baby milk bottle warmers. Coolers can be supplied to hold bottles and cans of all shapes and sizes. Sunglasses cases, sunglasses straps, laptop sleeves, wristbands and mouse mats are also available, designed and manufactured to the same high standard. "If there's a particular product you'd like us to supply," says James, "please let us know and we will try to accommodate your requirements." For a brochure and samples, call 0161 962 8495 or visit www.caddyuk.com