Nichols, which has iconic brand Vimto as part of its portfolio, said that VITHIT is an “excellent strategic fit” and represents a “significant strategic milestone” in its plans to invest in differentiated soft drinks brands.
Founded in Dublin in 2001, VITHIT has a portfolio of low-calorie, low-sugar beverages fortified with vitamins and functional ingredients. Its products offer 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of eight essential vitamins through a portfolio that spans bottled ready-to-drink beverages, sparkling cans and effervescent products.
The business has distribution in UK and Ireland together with a presence across 13 other international markets. In the UK and Ireland, its relationships span across grocery, convenience, foodservice and specialist retail channels.
Nichols said it will retain VITHIT’s Dublin office, and will be supported by its management team, some of whom will step away after the transition.
Chairman and Founder, Gary Lavin, will step down from day one.
Nichols said there is an opportunity to accelerate VITHIT’s international growth by leveraging Nichols’ proven international operating model.
Andrew Milne, Chief Executive Officer of Nichols, said: “The brand has built strong market positions in both the UK and Ireland, supported by a differentiated consumer proposition, high levels of customer loyalty and - above all - a great tasting portfolio of functional soft drinks.
“Nichols is ideally placed to accelerate VITHIT’s development through our commercial capabilities, customer relationships, route-to-market expertise and international infrastructure. A significant opportunity exists to expand distribution across the group’s existing customer base. “
Gary Lavin, Founder of VITHIT, added “Since launching VITHIT more than twenty-five years ago, our ambition has always been to build a distinctive health and wellness drinks brand with broad consumer appeal. We are proud of what the team has achieved and consider Nichols the ideal partner to support the next stage of the brand’s development.”
For the financial year ended 31 December 2025, VITHIT generated revenue of €26.5 million (representing a 3-year CAGR c. 9.5% with over 90% sales growth since FY21), an adjusted operating profit of €4.2 million and adjusted PBT of €4.1 million.
