Liverpool-based zero-sugar drinks company bought out of administration with 30 jobs saved

Hydrate Drinks Group, established in 2017, has been snapped up by Sky Drinks Group Ltd. Jason Greenhalgh and Stephen Berry, Partners at the Liverpool office of business recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, were appointed as joint administrators of the beverage developer and manufacturer on 1 December 2025.

The company specialises in creating zero-sugar drinks using stevia. It initially underwent a period of rapid growth, but encountered cashflow issues due to a mechanical failure on its bottling line in 2024. Its revenue was hit again when a key client experienced major operational challenges.

Jason Greenhalgh, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: "After a difficult period, the sale of Hydrate Drinks Group to Sky Drinks Group is very positive news. The company had seen its products be sold overseas and on the shelves of major retailers before falling into distress.

"The factors that pushed it towards administration were often beyond its own control and so we were confident we could secure the rescue of the company. However, we needed to act quickly and we are grateful for the swift actions of the buyer and the directors at the company for making this work.

“We hope that the company and its employees can now look forward and continue to innovate in the booming zero-sugar and no-alcohol space."

The directors of Sky Drinks Group Ltd added: "We are very happy to have been able to acquire the business and assets of Hydrate Drinks Group. Its scientific approach to overcoming the challenge of creating tasty, naturally- flavoured zero-sugar drinks was something we did not want to see end.

“It is a fantastic company and we're very happy to help it and its employees continue to fulfil its mission of growth. Begbies Traynor made this as smooth an acquisition as possible and we're grateful to the administrators for having worked in a collaborative manner to complete the deal. We're looking forward to taking the company forward."