Monthly Maidstone Spotlight – Beverage Genius

After selling the business he had built over 15 years, Beverage Genius Managing Director David Pearce was enjoying a well-earned break. That pause was cut short when a call from a former team member reignited his entrepreneurial spark.

What made you want to start Beverage Genius?
I originally worked for Slush Puppie, but I believed I could deliver a better product and a better service. In 2002, I set up my own company, Noisy Drinks. It went on to outperform Slush Puppie, and in 2016 I sold the business to Nicholls PLC — better known as Vimto. After that, I decided to take a couple of years off.

In 2018, my former management team got back in touch. They felt there was room in the market to do something special again. We agreed — and that’s how Beverage Genius was born.

What products and services do you offer?
We supply frozen, chilled drinks and dessert equipment — including coffee machines, slush machines, cold drinks, hot chocolate and soft-serve ice cream — to businesses with catering environments. That ranges from cafés and restaurants, to offices and even army catering.

While we’re based in Kent, we operate nationwide. We source high-quality Italian equipment and represent specialist brands such as Ugolini, SPM and Gel Matic, each with their own niche. Crucially, we don’t just sell machines — we deliver, install, train staff, and provide ongoing technical support and servicing.

For slush machines, we also offer a free-on-loan model. Customers who purchase our Atomic Ice slush product receive the machine and servicing at no upfront cost, paying only as they sell the product. It’s a popular option for businesses that want to spread costs, including pubs, garden centres and children’s play venues.

We’re also FCA-approved to offer leasing options and can provide indicative finance quotes for customers who prefer that route.

You also support product development — can you tell us more?
If a customer has an idea but isn’t sure how to bring it to life, we work with them to identify the right equipment and setup. For example, we’re currently working with a company importing acai into Ireland. They wanted to create a chilled soft-serve acai product with customisable toppings. We helped source the right machine for Ireland and are now supporting their UK launch.

You’re exhibiting at the Maidstone Business Show — why are trade shows important?
People buy from people. We have a huge amount of knowledge in our team, and that’s hard to fully communicate through a website. Face-to-face conversations allow us to explain what we do properly, share experiences, and build real trust.

This is our first time at the Maidstone Business Show. Until now, we’ve focused largely on existing clients, so connecting with other local businesses is a great opportunity.

Was it daunting starting your first business?
Absolutely. When I started out, I had a two-year-old, another child on the way, and I’d just lost my father. I took out a £120k loan against my home with no customers, no machines and no products.

It took six years to clear those debentures, but by year seven we were supplying major operators including Merlin Entertainment across Europe, as well as Haven Holidays, Butlins, Centre Parcs and Compass Catering.

Those 15 years were stressful and demanding, but they paid off. My biggest takeaway? Surround yourself with good people. And make sure you’ve got stamina.

What’s been your biggest challenge?
Regulation. The compliance landscape is far more complex than it was when I started in 2002, and getting it right really matters. The key is knowing when to bring in experts — the support is out there if you look for it.

What advice would you give to people starting a business?
First: whatever budget you think you need, double it. Costs always run higher than expected.

Second: invest in the right people. Paying more for expertise early on saves serious pain later. Equally, if someone has the right attitude but lacks experience, you can train them.

Learn to delegate and trust your team. If you don’t, you won’t scale — and you’ll burn out.

Be human. Get to know your people and enjoy working with them. No one sticks around in a joyless business.

Always be honest. Don’t overpromise — disappointed customers don’t come back.

And finally: rest matters. Sleep properly.

What are your plans for the future?
Our focus is on growing the soft-serve ice cream side of the business. We’ve built a strong partnership with Italian manufacturer Gel Matic, who are keen to support us in expanding their presence in the UK.

The UK market is currently dominated by two major players — Taylor and Carpigiani. In Italy, Gel Matic is a leading name. We believe their equipment is more reliable, better looking, and delivers higher output — and over the next five years, we want to put them firmly on the UK map.

To support this, from the end of February we’ll be hosting monthly open days where customers can see and try our range of machines including Gel Matic soft serve firsthand. With machines starting as low as £1,700 that can go up to £20,000, the chance to try before you buy is a real advantage. We’ll provide food, drinks, and live demonstrations — details will be shared on our website.

Beverage Genius is amongst dozens of exhibitors at The Maidstone Business Show on Thursday 26th February. Maidstone Borough Council will also be in attendance to discuss our various business support events and funding opportunities. You can book your space at the show here.

Find out more and follow Beverage Genius:
https://beveragegenius.co.uk/
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