CRL Foods

CRL Foods is the fastest growing RTD coffee manufacturer in the UK. We have unique thermal processing capabilities that underpin our superior quality of product; many of the leading brands in the market choose to work with us for this reason. We also support customers in the low/no alcohol, sports nutritional and meal replacement markets, to name a few, leveraging our unique technologies. Based in Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, CRL Foods currently manufactures products for customers based in the UK, US and Middle East.

http://crlfoods.com/

11-50 employees

Growth Trajectory

CRL Foods is expanding its manufacturing facilities and commissioning a continuous retort using patented thermal processing technology, indicating a focus on increasing production capacity. They are prioritizing mechanization, building extensions, and brewing apparatus projects, particularly in low/no alcohol RTDs and nitro widget cocktails, signaling a trajectory towards larger-scale production and new product development.

Technical Challenges

Designing and building bespoke pick and place units for loading aluminum beverage cans.

Maintaining product quality (flavor, appearance, texture) during high-speed thermal processing.

Integrating new technologies (e.g., continuous retort) into existing manufacturing processes.

Optimizing thermal processing techniques to minimize sterilization times and energy consumption.

Ensuring consistent foam head delivery in nitro widget canned cocktails.

Tech Stack

AutomationCold BrewingNitro CanningThermal ProcessingPick and place unit design

Team Size

Manufacturing Facilities

Key Risks

Maintaining flavor, appearance, and texture of beverages during high-speed thermal processing could be a technical challenge.

Reliance on patented technology exposes the company to risks if patents are challenged or circumvented.

Dependence on specific suppliers for specialized equipment (e.g., pressure vessels) could create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Scaling production rapidly might strain quality control processes and increase the risk of defects.

Market demand for low/no alcohol RTDs may fluctuate, impacting sales projections.

Opportunities

Further optimize thermal processing techniques to improve sterilization times and reduce energy consumption.

Expand into new beverage categories or offer white-label manufacturing services for larger brands.

Develop strategic partnerships with Northeast-based automation and manufacturing specialists.

Leverage certifications (BRC, Fair Trade, Red Tractor Organic) to attract environmentally and ethically conscious customers.

Capitalize on the increasing consumer demand for canned cocktails and innovative RTD beverage experiences.

Live Data Stream

Access Our Live VC Funding Database

30,000+ funded startups

tracked in the last 3 months

B2B verified emails

of key decision makers

Growth metrics

Real-time company performance data

Live updates

of new VC funding rounds

Advanced filters

for sophisticated queries

API access

with multiple export formats

Access Database

Updated every 5 minutes