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Fevertree Drinks

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FY2020 Annual Report · Fevertree Drinks
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ANNUAL REPORT   
AND ACCOUNTS 

for the year ended 31 December 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR 
PURPOSE

FEVER-TREE WAS FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF 
THAT THERE HAD TO BE A BETTER WAY, TO NOT 
COMPROMISE OR ACCEPT THE STATUS QUO. 

OUR CULTURE

OUR CULTURE CONTINUES TO BE FOSTERED BY 
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL VALUES OF THE GROUP’S  
CO-FOUNDERS, ENABLING ALL OUR TEAM, 
REGARDLESS OF LOCATION, DEPARTMENT OR 
LEVEL, TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THE 
BUSINESS AND, IN DOING SO, GROW TO THEIR 
FULL POTENTIAL WITHIN THE COMPANY AND BE 
PART OF ITS ONGOING SUCCESS.

#1 GLOBAL PREMIUM 
MIXER BRAND 

FAVOURABLE MARKET 
TRENDS DRIVING 
PREMIUMISATION AND 
LONG MIXED DRINKS

HIGHLY DIVERSIFIED IN 
GEOGRAPHY, CHANNEL 
MIX AND PRODUCTS

RESILIENCE DURING 
UNCERTAINTY

SUSTAINABLE AND  
AGILE BUSINESS MODEL

  Read more in The Global 
Opportunity Ahead  
on page 12 to 13

  Read more in Fever-Tree 
At A Glance  
on pages 6 to 7

  Read more in  
Our Key Strengths  
on page 2

  Read more in Our 
Pioneering Approach  
on pages 14 to 15

This remains central to ever ything Fever-Tree does. Whether it be going to the 
ends of the ear th for the highest quality ingredients, continuing to innovate in 
terms of our products and packaging, challenging ourselves to make a meaningful 
difference in the fight against climate change or how we build direct, sustainable 
relationships throughout our supply chain, we want our approach to have a positive 
impact, inspiring and engaging our colleagues, our par tners and our consumers in 
the pursuit of the best.

HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL

REVENUE 

£252.1M 

(2019: £260.5m)

ADJUSTED EBITDA 

£57.0M 

(2019: £77.0m)

CASH 

£143.1M

(2019: £128.3m)

  Read more in Financial 
Review on pages 36 to 40

OPERATIONAL

BOTTLES SOLD 

370M

CANS SOLD

176M

Footnote: Analysis on pages 1 to 77 of this front end of the Annual Report 
refers to adjusted EBITDA. The Group believes adjusted EBITDA to be a key 
indicator of underlying operational performance, adjusting operating profit for 
certain accounting estimates and non-cash items and is an important metric 
for the Group’s various stakeholders. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 
December 2020 is operating profit of £51.3m before depreciation of £2.7m, 
amortisation of £1.1m and share-based payment charges of £1.9m. Adjusted 
EBITDA is an appropriate measure since it represents a normalised, comparable 
profit, excluding the effect of accounting estimates and non-cash items.

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW 
Highlights 

Our Key Strengths 

1

2

Resilience during uncer tainty case study  4

Fever-Tree at a glance 

Chairman’s statement 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
The Global Oppor tunity Ahead 

Our Pioneering Approach 

Our Strategy 

Strategy in action case study 

Chief Executive’s Review 

Sustainability Review 

Sustainability case study 

Financial Review 

S.172 and Stakeholder Engagement 

Principal Risks and Uncer tainties 

GOVERNANCE 
Board of Directors 

Corporate Governance  
Statement 

Audit Committee Repor t 

Nomination Committee Repor t 

Remuneration Committee Repor t 

Directors’ Repor t 

Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Independent Auditor’s Repor t 

Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income  

Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows  

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements  

Company Statement of  
Financial Position 

Company Statement of 
Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company 
Financial Statements  

OTHER INFORMATION 
Company Information 

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

6

8

12

14

16

18

20

26

34

36

41

46

54

56

59

63

64

77

79

82

 88

89

90

91

92

 118

119

120

124

125

Notice of Annual General Meeting – 
Explanator y Notes 

128

Stock code: FEVR

01

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   OVERVIEW 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
OUR KEY STRENGTHS

1

2

AWARD-WINNING, HIGHEST QUALITY 
PRODUCTS WITH GLOBALLY SOURCED 
INGREDIENTS AND PREMIUM PROVENANCE
 ƒ We use only the highest quality ingredients in our 

products, sourced from around the world. 

 ƒ In our effor ts to source these ingredients we spend 
time with the growers to fully understand how local 
climates and growing techniques affect the ingredients 
and contribute to their flavour. 

 ƒ This approach has allowed us to forge long-

standing relationships with our suppliers, creating a 
clear differentiator from Fever-Tree’s mass-market 
competition and is key to our product quality and 
brand image.

 ƒ For quality and environmental considerations, 

Fever-Tree drinks are not sold in plastic bottles.

A STRONG DISTINCTIVE BRAND WITH FIRST 
MOVER ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF SIGNIFICANT 
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
 ƒ Fever-Tree is the leading premium mixer brand 

internationally.

 ƒ The brand has been voted the no.1 best-selling and 

no.1 trending tonic water for the seventh year running 
by the world’s best bars in Drinks International’s 
Annual Brand Repor t. 

 ƒ Fever-Tree was the first mover and innovator of the 
global premium mixer categor y, which enriches the 
brand’s authenticity and attractiveness to the industr y’s 
leading bar tenders and trade influencers.

3

4

PROVEN INNOVATION TRACK RECORD
 ƒ Innovation is – and has always been – at the hear t of 

our brand and business.

 ƒ We remain the pioneers, continuing to lead the way 
within premium mixers, creating original and exciting 
products for unrivalled drinking experiences and 
meeting the evolving needs of our consumers around 
the world.

 ƒ Alongside new flavours and ranges, we continue to 

evolve our format mix to reflect changing purchasing 
behaviour, such as the successful introduction of the 
15x150ml can pack in the UK during the year.

SCALABLE AND AGILE BUSINESS MODEL
 ƒ Our largely outsourced business model, underpinned 

by strong, well-established relationships with suppliers, 
bottlers and distributors, allows for scalability and 
operational flexibility whilst maintaining the highest 
quality control, without the requirement for major 
capital commitment.

 ƒ We continue to increase our footprint of outsourced 
production and manufacturers with seven different 
par tners across the UK and Europe, and we 
commenced production with our new US bottling 
par tner in December 2020.

5

6

DIVERSIFIED OPERATIONS
 ƒ We are a globally diversified business selling in over 

75 countries globally.

 ƒ Notwithstanding the impact of the pandemic on our 
On-Trade sales, our revenue, and global oppor tunity 
ahead, is well diversified across geographies, channels, 
customers and products.

STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION
 ƒ We ended 2020 in a strong financial position; debt-
free, with £143.1m of cash on the balance sheet. 

 ƒ This robust platform underpins our ability to continue 
to invest and make strategic progress despite the 
uncer tainty seen in 2020.

02

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.com FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC / OVERVIEW

03

Stock code: FEVRCASE STUDY 

RESILIENCE 
DURING 
UNCERTAINTY

OUR EMPLOYEES
 ƒ Fever-Tree has always been a close-knit 
team, with ever y employee valued and 
integral to the business. The way the 
global team adapted to working remotely 
and the commitment they continue 
to demonstrate through a challenging 
period is a testament to the talent and 
dedication of all our employees. 

 ƒ Through the pandemic we have strived 
to provide security and cer tainty to our 
team and therefore decided ver y early 
not to use any government furlough 
scheme or receive government grants. 
Instead, during lockdown periods our 

04

 www.fever-tree.com

On-Trade teams globally have focused on 
new projects and initiatives as we look to 
2021 and beyond, whilst some individuals 
were deployed to different depar tments 
across the business to broaden their 
knowledge and skill set.

 ƒ In addition, we implemented numerous 
measures and incentives to help foster 
and improve team morale, including: the 
dispatch of isolation packages to the 
workforce; holding frequent global online 
teach-ins, events and activities; and the 
provision of an allowance to all staff 
members to spend in the On-Trade to 
help suppor t par tners as they reopened. 

OUR SUPPLIERS & PARTNERS
 ƒ We worked ver y closely with our 

bottling and canning par tners across the 
UK and Europe as they enacted their 
own business contingency plans in the 
early months of the pandemic. 

 ƒ We ensured there was good contingency 
of raw materials across the locations 
enabling us to continue to maintain 
continuity of production and supply, as 
well as the quality of our products.

 ƒ Whilst network capacity, efficiency and 
lead times for supply into markets were 
all tested during the year, continuity of 
production was retained through the 

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   OVERVIEW

period, testament to the structure we 
operate and the quality of both our 
production par tners and the Fever-Tree 
supply chain team. 

OUR CUSTOMERS
 ƒ The On-Trade was clearly severely 

impacted across our regions as a result 
of various lockdowns through the year 
and ongoing restrictions.

 ƒ We ensured our team maintained 
dialogue with their customers 
throughout the period and offered 
suppor t as and when it was most 
beneficial. This included the extension 
of payment terms during lockdown as 
well as increased suppor t once the On-
Trade reopened (for example, through 
providing ‘back to business’ wholesaler 
deals and POS materials such as parasols 
for pub gardens in the UK to improve 
the outdoor drinking occasion) as well as 
providing oppor tunities for bar tenders 
through our social media channels. 

 ƒ The Off-Trade channel faced a different 

set of challenges in the early months, one 
of ensuring continuity of supply through 
the disruption caused by the pandemic 
and in the face of a significant shift in 
demand. Our relationships with these 
customers, as well as our agile business 
model, meant we were able to flex our 

production to meet the fluctuations and 
spikes in the demand, ensuring the right 
products were on-shelf at the right time.

OUR CONSUMERS
 ƒ Not only were we able to meet this 

growing demand, we were also quick to 
adapt to changing consumer purchasing 
habits that emerged during the period, 
such as the preference for larger pack 
formats, encouraging us to accelerate 
the roll-out of our 15 x 150ml can pack 
which delivered a ver y strong rate of 
sale. 

 ƒ We also increased our focus and 

resource in the convenience channel, 
which saw strong growth as consumers 
shopped closer to home as well as 
upweighting our investment through the 
e-commerce channel.

 ƒ During the festive period we also 

launched a series of vir tual masterclasses 
in the UK to engage and inspire 
consumers.

OUR COMMUNITIES
 ƒ As well as a focus on our employees, we 
have offered suppor t to communities 
and groups across our regions, including 
financial suppor t to local charities, 
encouraging staff with capacity to 
volunteer their time, and through 

donations to initiatives suppor ting key 
workers. 

 ƒ In the UK we suppor ted “Salute the 

NHS” in their mission to provide one 
million meals to NHS frontline staff, 
donating 100,000 soft drinks to be 
included in their meal packs, as well as 
donating to similar schemes suppor ting 
frontline workers across the US and 
Canada. In addition, we have continued 
to suppor t our charitable par tner, 
Malaria No More, in keeping the fight 
against Malaria in the public eye by 
continuing our £1m commitment over 
three years.
LOOKING AHEAD
 ƒ As we move into 2021 we have 

maintained the cross-depar tmental team 
that was established at the star t of the 
crisis as we continue to monitor the 
changing situation and co-ordinate our 
response.

 ƒ Our asset light, outsourced business 

model, with few capital commitments 
and a low fixed cost base provides both 
resilience to withstand the ongoing 
impacts of the pandemic and the 
flexibility to react to changing channel 
dynamics and consumer demand.

Stock code: FEVR

05

FEVERTREE AT A GLANCE

STRONGLY DIVERSIFIED ACROSS GEOGRAPHIES, CHANNELS, AND PRODUCTS
FEVERTREE SELLS TO OVER 75 COUNTRIES

UK

US

EUROPE

REST OF THE WORLD

REVENUE 

£103.3M 

(2019: £132.7m)

REVENUE 

£58.5M 

(2019: £47.6m)

REVENUE 

£65.3M* 

(2019: £64.4m)

REVENUE 

£25.0M 

(2019: £15.8m)

% OF GROUP REVENUE: 

41%

% OF GROUP REVENUE: 

23%

% OF GROUP REVENUE: 

26%

% OF GROUP REVENUE: 

10%

*FY20 includes £6.4m revenue from GDP’s por tfolio brands

06

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comPRODUCTS TO SUIT A WIDE RANGE OF MIXING OCCASIONS

GINGER ALES, GINGER BEERS & COLA
Mixers for pairing with dark spirits, such as 
whisky, bourbon and rum as well as creating 
the popular Mule cocktails

FLAVOURED TONICS
Designed to provide choice and excitement 
to the categor y reflecting the growing variety 
of gins that were coming onto the market, all 
with slightly different flavour profiles

PREMIUM INDIAN TONIC
Fever-Tree’s original tonic, 
created to challenge the status 
quo and place quality at the 
hear t of the mixer categor y

LEMONADES
Perfectly balanced 
to be mixed 
with the finest 
vodkas or equally 
delicious as a 
sophisticated soft 
drink on its own

SODAS
Mixers that cater to a 
broad range of mixing 
occasions and can be 
paired with a variety of 
spirits from vodkas and   
gins through to vermouth 
and Italian liqueurs

REFRESHINGLY LIGHT
Variants on the existing 
range of mixers for health-
conscious consumers 
without compromising on 
quality or taste

DIVERSITY OF PACKAGING 
FORMATS
Packaging that meets   
consumer preferences
 ƒ 500ml glass bottle
 ƒ 4x200ml glass
 ƒ 8x150ml cans
 ƒ 15x150ml cans
 ƒ 275ml glass

07

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   OVERVIEWStock code: FEVR Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

“  

THIS YEAR THE GROUP’S 
PRIORITY, MORE THAN 
EVER, HAS BEEN THE 
HEALTH AND SAFETY 
OF OUR EMPLOYEES, 
PARTNERS AND 
COMMUNITIES”

08

 www.fever-tree.com

CHAIRMAN’S 
STATEMENT

FEVER-TREE WAS FOUNDED ON THE 
BELIEF THAT THERE HAD TO BE A 
BETTER WAY, TO NOT COMPROMISE 
OR ACCEPT THE STATUS QUO.

Fever Tree remains a ver y special business. 
We have weathered the challenges of the past 
12 months and, if anything, emerged stronger. 
Our brand is truly global, and our consumers 
continue to demonstrate their desire for our 
product. The business is driven by a young and 
entrepreneurial team which has been fur ther 
strengthened in 2020. It is a great place to be 
par t of.

This year the Group’s priority, more than 
ever, has been the health and safety or our 
employees, par tners and communities. I am 
pleased with how the business has handled the 
impacts of COVID-19 so far, which is a credit 
to our flexible business model, the agility of 
the whole team, and strong relationships that 
have been built throughout our supply chain. 

2020 PERFORMANCE
The resilient financial performance and 
operational progress achieved in 2020, despite 
the challenging circumstances, highlighted the 
strength of the business, the brand, and our 
growing teams across the world. Revenue 
declined by 3% to £252.1 million, which is a 
resilient result in a year where the On-Trade, 
which usually accounts for c.45% of the Group’s 
revenue, was forced to close in many regions 
for a substantial par t of the year. Adjusted 
EBITDA declined 26% to £57.0m (2019: 
£77.0m) a reflection of the Group’s continued 
investment in the brand and the wider business 
through the crisis.

The long-term growth drivers, such as the 
increasing popularity of long mixed drinks as 
well as the premiumisation of the spirit and 
mixer categories, have accelerated during 
the year and the oppor tunity ahead remains 
significant across multiple markets. In addition, 
new drinking trends have emerged as the 
world adapted to a new way of working and 
socialising. This included growing interest in 
making great tasting, long mixed drinks at 
home, with consumers more willing to trade up 
and treat themselves using Fever-Tree Mixers 
as an everyday affordable treat. These trends, 
suppor ted by the Group’s ongoing investment 
activities, enabled the brand strength and 
household penetration to increase over the 
year in many of our key regions. 

2020 was another strong year for our US 
business, which now has over 50 employees 
and repor ted revenue growth of 23%. 
This performance was achieved through a 
combination of the brand continuing to gain 
traction with consumers, especially at home, 
and the successful implementation of the price 
optimisation initiative, which is driving more 
trial and repeat purchase, all underpinned by 
the ongoing premiumisation of mixers to pair 
with an already premium spirits market.

In December, the Group star ted to bottle 
Fever-Tree products in the US for the first time. 
This was another significant milestone for the 
business and alongside plans to also bottle at 
an East Coast facility in 2021, will provide an 
excellent platform to facilitate future growth.

Fever-Tree made solid progress in Europe, 
with revenue up 1% after a strong second half 
performance despite the continuing uncer tainty 
surrounding COVID-19. The successful 
acquisition of our sales agent in Germany, 
Global Drinks Par tnership (“GDP”), gives the 
Group an operational presence in this market, 
demonstrating our ambition in Germany 
alongside the wider oppor tunity in Europe. On 
behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome 
our new colleagues to the Fever-Tree team and 
to say how impressed I am with the seamless 
integration of the business.

Fever-Tree’s performance in key markets across 
the Rest of the World has also been strong, 
with Australia and Canada delivering standout 
performances. Fever-Tree is driving the growth 
of the mixer market in both countries as long 
mixed drinks continue to gain popularity, led by 
gin and tonic, with further potential for gingers 
over the next few years.

STRATEGY
The Board works closely with the founder-led 
executive management team, and as par t of 

its responsibilities, carries out a review of the 
Group’s strategy on an annual basis.

Whilst revenues were slightly down year-on-
year, in the context of the substantial impacts 
of the global pandemic, the Board believes 
that Fever-Tree has delivered a resilient 
performance across all regions, with notably 
strong performances in the US, Australia and 
Canada. In the UK, Fever-Tree maintained its 
categor y-leading position in the Off-Trade 
and continued to innovate, launching a new 
Premium Soda range in March and two 
fur ther new mixers in October. In Europe, 
the brand continues to see good traction, 
increasing market share across our key 
markets, and in the US both awareness and 
distribution are accelerating, setting the Group 
up for exciting, long-term growth.

Throughout the year the Board has shared 
discussions with ever y region and the 
majority of depar tmental heads, updating us 
on the strategy and execution of projects 
and workstreams. The Board continues to be 
impressed by how the team has remained 
focused on the longer-term oppor tunity 
alongside successfully navigating the obstacles 
presented by the pandemic, highlighting the 
strong financial and operational foundations 
that are in place.

THE BOARD
At the Group’s Annual General Meeting on 
4th June 2020, Charles Rolls, co-founder of 
Fever-Tree, stepped down from his role as 
Non-Executive Deputy Chairman. Charles has 
been integral to the success of Fever-Tree and, 
on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank 
him for his valued contribution, entrepreneurial 
vision, and passion for the Company.

CULTURE
The strong culture of the close-knit Fever-Tree 
team was more apparent than ever during 
2020. The decision not to furlough any staff 
throughout the crisis was fully suppor ted 
by the Board and communicated quickly 
to provide ever yone with job security and 
peace of mind. In addition, the strength of our 
relationships across our supply chain par tners, 
our impor ters and distributors, and our 
customers ensured that the business could 
manage the extraordinar y circumstances with 
minimal disruption.

Fever-Tree also offered suppor t to local 
communities across different regions, including 
financial suppor t to local charities, donations 
to initiatives suppor ting key workers, and 
encouraging team members with spare capacity 
to volunteer their time.

SUSTAINABILITY
I have been greatly encouraged by the 
progress made in this hugely important area 
of the business. The Board has had a series of 
meetings with our Corporate Responsibility 
and Sustainability Manager over the course 
of the year, providing input and feedback on 
initiatives that are underway as well as the wider 
sustainability strategy. 

Sustainability, and our commitment to doing 
business in a way that is beneficial to the natural 
environment and the wider community, has 
always been integral to how the Brand has 
operated and this was demonstrated in how 
the team responded to the global pandemic 
with offers of support and volunteering in local 
communities across our regions. I believe we 
have an excellent platform to build on, with a 
real opportunity to drive meaningful change 
across the Group’s five branches of action and 
we as a Board remain committed to continuing 
to challenge and support the team in their plans. 
We believe we are doing the right things in this 
area but want to keep learning and stepping up.

CASH POSITION
The Group continues to generate excellent cash 
flow, with a strong underlying cash position of 
£143.1m at year-end, an increase of 12% year-
on-year. Fever-Tree’s Balance Sheet strength is 
supported by diversified revenue streams across 
channels and regions, ensuring that the business 
remains in a good financial position to navigate 
the ongoing uncertainty relating to the impacts 
of COVID-19.

DIVIDEND
Reflecting the financial strength and continuing 
confidence of the Group, the Board is pleased 
to recommend a final dividend of 10.27 pence 
per share in respect of 2020 (2019: 9.88 pence 
per share) bringing the total dividend for the 
year to 15.68 pence per share (2019: 15.08 
pence per share). If approved by shareholders 
at the AGM on 20 May 2021, the final dividend 
will be paid on 28 May 2021 to shareholders 
on the register on 9 April 2021.

AGM
The AGM is due to take place on 20 May 
2021. Shareholders will be able to vote on 
resolutions by proxy by following the guidance 
provided in the AGM notice. Shareholders are 
also invited to submit any questions for the 
Board to agm@fever-tree.com

BILL RONALD
Chairman
31 December 2020

09

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   OVERVIEWStock code: FEVRSTRATEGIC 
REPORT

The Global Oppor tunity Ahead 

Our Pioneering Approach 

Our Strategy 

Strategy in Action case study 

Chief Executive’s Review 

Sustainability Review 

Sustainability case study 

Financial Review  

S.172 Statement and   
Stakeholder Engagement 

Principal Risks and Uncer tainties 

12

14

16

18

20

26

34

36

41

46

THE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY AHEAD

LONG-TERM 
SUPPORTIVE TRENDS 
ARE EVIDENT

SPIRITS CONTINUING TO TAKE SHARE FROM BEER & WINE

 ƒ Spirits have been growing ahead of beer 

& wine over the last 5-10 years

 ƒ Nowhere more so than in the US where 

spirits’ share of total alcohol has increased 
from 32% to 39% over the last 10 years

 ƒ Underpinned by the wider macro trends:

 − Growing interest in provenance & 

craft

 − Health and wellness trends

 − Premiumisation

 ƒ And aligned with growing interest in 

mixed drinks

 ƒ Resulting in spirits extending into multiple 
new occasions – occasions that were 
previously the preser ve of beer & wine

PREMIUM SPIRITS OUTPERFORMING WIDER CATEGORY

 ƒ Globally, over the past 10 years premium 
spirits growth has consistently outpaced 
non-premium

 ƒ Premium spirits are forecast to grow 
their global volume market share to  
13% by 2024

 ƒ Reflecting consumer preference for 

quality over quantity and a willingness to 
trade up

 ƒ Underpinned by spirits companies 

investing behind their premium por tfolios

FEVER-TREE DRIVING THE GROWTH OF THE MIXER CATEGORY

 ƒ Between 2012-19, the premium global 

mixer categor y grew at almost five times 
the rate of the total mixer categor y

 ƒ Fever-Tree is the first mover and clear 
no.1 global premium mixer brand, 
growing at twice the rate of the wider 
premium categor y

12

 www.fever-tree.com

GLOBAL VOLUME CAGR, 2014-20191Beer1. IWSR WineSpirits-0.4%0.2%1.0%Mixers6%29%Premium mixersFever-Tree50%RETAIL SALES GROWTH CAGR 2012-20193 3. Euromonitor  UK20102020201020202010202020102020USGermanyAustraliaPREMIUM SHARE OF SPIRITS VOLUME29%17%19%27%34%3%5%19%2. IWSR   Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORT

THESE SUPPORTIVE 
TRENDS CONTINUED 
AND ACCELERATED  
IN 2020

SPIRITS TAKING SHARE FROM 
BEER AND WINE

MORE CONSUMERS TRYING 
LONG MIXED DRINKS AT HOME

PREMIUM SPIRITS GROWING MOST STRONGLY

Stock code: FEVR

13

GBEuropeUSGROWTH IN AVERAGE PRICE PER LITRE YOY, 202061%3%2%2%4%4%1%1%9%3%2%7%GinRumVodkaWhisky*6. Nielsen   *US only incl.s American WhiskyBeer2%7%WineSpirits9%US HOUSEHOLDS PENETRATION % GROWTH, 20204 4. Numerator Pre-COVID37%Aug 2050%UK CONSUMERS OF COCKTAILS IN THE ON-TRADE WHO ALSO MAKE THEM AT HOME 2020535%5. CGA OUR PIONEERING APPROACH

FROM THE VERY OUTSET, SUSTAINABILITY HAS BEEN A CONSIDERATION IN EVERYTHING WE DO – WE ARE 
COMMITTED TO DOING BUSINESS IN A WAY THAT IS BENEFICIAL TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS, THE NATURAL 
ENVIRONMENT AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY, DRIVING POSITIVE, LONG-TERM IMPACT.

  Learn more within Sustainability Review 
on pages 26 to 35

CUSTOMER INSIGHTS, 
INNOVATION & NPD

INGREDIENT SOURCING BUILT 
ON LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS 
AND EXPERTISE

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH MANUFACTURERS   
AND DISTRIBUTORS

 ƒ We are immersed in the drinks 

sector with deep and longstanding 
relationships with global and 
local spirits brands, world-leading 
bar tenders and tastemakers.

 ƒ Our teams work closely with 

these groups as well as studying 
consumer trends to understand 
attitudes, motivations and drink 
preferences.

 ƒ This means we are able to create 
mixers to perfectly pair with a 
wide range of spirit categories and 
drinking occasions.

OUR SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 
As well as our refreshingly light options 
across our mixers, we have introduced 
a premium soda range of lower 
calorie mixers which are ideally suited 
to the longer, lower ABV drinking 
occasions.

  Learn more with  Innovation Case 
Study within pages 18 to 19

OUR APPROACH IS UNDERPINNED BY... 

 ƒ Building and maintaining long-term 
supplier par tnerships is crucial 
to our sourcing of high quality, 
sustainable ingredients. 

 ƒ As well as our own relationships 
and exper tise, we work closely 
with industr y exper ts to source 
high-quality ingredients across the 
globe.

 ƒ Our manufacturing is outsourced 

to five established bottlers and two 
canners across Europe and one 
bottler in the US.

 ƒ We work exclusively with 

impor ters and distributers in each 
market, selecting the best-placed 
par tners for the age and stage of 
the market.

OUR SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 
We take time to build and 
sustain best-in-class, long-term 
supplier relationships, enabling 
us to understand the journey of 
our ingredients from growing to 
processing as close to source as 
possible, as well as enabling outputs 
are maximised and waste reduced.

OUR SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 
By moving production closer to our 
end markets, we are reducing the 
overall miles our products have to 
travel, in doing so reducing their 
emissions. 

In addition, we have worked closely 
with our co-packers to measure our 
overall carbon footprint, including our 
scope 3 emissions, and are identifying 
and delivering emissions reduction 
projects as par t of our carbon 
reduction ambitions.

OUR CULTURE
Our culture is aligned with the values and beliefs of our 
entrepreneurial founders, one of whom continues to lead our 
management team, suppor ted by an experienced team focused 
on long-term value creation.

FIRST MOVER ADVANTAGE
Fever-Tree was the pioneer and innovator of the premium 
mixer categor y, which enriches the brand’s authenticity 
and attractiveness to the industr y’s leading bar tenders 
and taste makers.

14

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSTRONG RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH ON-TRADE AND 
OFF-TRADE CUSTOMERS

MARKETING AND  
CO-PROMOTION

 ƒ Our On and Off-Trade teams 

have well established, long-term 
relationships with our customers.

 ƒ We work together to drive interest 
and excitement in the wider mixed 
drink categor y.

 ƒ Providing growth and reintroducing 

value to the mixer categor y.

 ƒ We invest in multiple platforms 
to promote the brand, educate 
consumers and activate new 
products, including point-of-sale 
displays, TV adver tising, events, 
sponsorship and pop-up bars.

 ƒ We have strong relationships with 
spirits par tners, both global and 
local, enabling successful, scalable 
co-promotional activities.

OUR SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 
We work closely with our par tners 
on sustainability initiatives, sharing 
best practice and investigating ways 
to minimise waste. The pandemic saw 
us rapidly and proactively offer credit 
suppor t to our On-Trade par tners 
during lockdown periods.

OUR SUSTAINABLE APPROACH 
We use our marketing materials 
and activations to drive consumer 
awareness of key sustainable 
initiatives, including our par tnership 
with Malaria No More and the 
recyclability of our packaging.

LONG-TERM MACRO TRENDS 
The twin drivers of spirits premiumisation 
and the move towards long drink mixability 
continue to gain momentum across our  
key regions.

OUTSOURCED MODEL 
Our outsourced model ensures we focus on 
core competencies whilst providing a strong 
position to benefit from the premiumisation 
of the mixer market internationally. 

CREATING VALUE  
FOR FEVER-TREE  
& OUR KEY 
AUDIENCES
FEVER-TREE
 ƒ Creates a resilient business model 
with strong competitive advantages:

 − strong cash position

 − asset light

 − low fixed cost base

 − diversified channel mix

OUR PEOPLE
 ƒ Creating a global group providing 
wider employment and personal 
development oppor tunities.

SUPPLIERS
 ƒ As our business grows, so does the 
demand for our suppliers’ products 
and ser vices.

CUSTOMERS
 ƒ As a premium product, we provide 

attractive margins to our On and Off-
Trade customers.

CONSUMERS
 ƒ Consumers get the choice and quality 
they require to have the best drinking 
experiences.

INVESTORS
 ƒ Strong returns based upon first mover 
advantage and realising the sizeable 
global oppor tunity.

WIDER SOCIETY 
 ƒ As we grow, we drive economic value 
through associated businesses and 
communities throughout our supply 
chain, creating wider employment 
and oppor tunity.

15

OUR APPROACH IS UNDERPINNED BY... 

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVROUR STRATEGY

WHILE WE HAVE ACTED QUICKLY AND DYNAMICALLY IN RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 THIS YEAR,  
OUR LONG-TERM STRATEGY REMAINS UNCHANGED AND CONTINUES TO BE UNDERPINNED BY GROWING GLOBAL 
TRENDS, AS WELL AS OUR EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD AGAINST THE COMPETITION, GIVING US EVEN MORE 
CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL FOR FEVER-TREE.

Strategic priority

Progress in 2020

Future opportunities

During 2020, global spirit volumes were more 
resilient than wine and beer, declining at a slower 
rate during the pandemic, and over the next five 
years spirits are forecast to continue to take 
share of both wine and beer.

A

CAPITALISING ON 
MARKET TRENDS

The twin drivers of spirits 
premiumisation and the move 
towards long drink mixability 
have accelerated with the 
impact of the pandemic.

  Learn more within The 
Global Opportunity Ahead 
pages 12 to 13

While the On-Trade channel was subject to 
widespread closures and restrictions, the Group 
both benefited from and continue to drive the 
continued popularity of at-home consumption of 
mixed drinks, not just across the UK and Western 
Europe but also in territories such as Australia 
and Canada.

Alongside this, Fever-Tree has performed ver y 
strongly in the US where the Group is at the 
forefront of growth in the US mixer categor y.

The momentum behind spirits premiumisation 
continues, nowhere more so than in the US with 
spirits increasing their share of Total Beverage 
Alcohol from 32% to 39% over the last ten years. 
These share gains continued throughout 2020, 
especially during periods of lockdown where 
household penetration of spirits outpaced beer 
and wine as 3.9 million new US households 
purchased spirits at retail.

During the period under review, the Group 
extended its position as the leading global 
premium mixer brand, gaining share across its 
key regions.

Our performance over the course of 2020, not 
only in our core markets of the UK and US but 
as far afield as Canada and Australia, highlights 
the global oppor tunity still ahead for the brand.

There remain significant oppor tunities for fur ther 
growth in the Group’s existing territories by 
expanding the Group’s distribution footprint, its 
customer penetration, and the volume of sales 
to each customer, par ticularly as Fever-Tree’s 
awareness increases with end consumers in each 
territor y.

In the UK we consolidated our categor y leading 
position. In Europe the acquisition of GDP, 
with established management, distribution 
relationships and sales channels allows the 
Group to accelerate the strength and depth 
of its presence in Germany much faster than 
could have been achieved by building a sales and 
marketing subsidiar y from scratch. 

The Group’s strong performance in the US 
means that we have maintained our position 
as the clear leader in the premium segment. In 
Australia our sales were up over 100% year-on-
year at one of the major retailers, and in Canada 
our tonic sales were up 63% year-on-year, 
contributing to almost half of the tonic water 
categor y growth during 2020. 

B

STRENGTHENING 
DISTRIBUTION IN 
EXISTING MARKETS 

The Group intends to drive 
increased penetration in all 
of the markets in which it 
has established a presence, 
increasing the number of 
customers in both the On-
Trade, as it begins to reopen, 
and Off-Trade.

 Learn more within the 
 CEO Review pages 20 to 25

16

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comStrategic priority

Progress in 2020

Future opportunities

C

EXTENSION OF 
CO-PROMOTION 
STRATEGY WITH  
DRINKS PARTNERS

Reflecting the premiumisation 
movement across the beverage 
sector, global spirits companies 
are increasingly focused on 
promoting their “premium” 
products to customers as a 
long-mixed drink.

D

INNOVATION

The Group will continue to 
innovate and is dedicated 
to the development of the 
highest quality mixer drinks to 
complement the increasingly 
broad long mixed drink 
oppor tunity that is developing 
across spirits categories and 
across regions. 

  Learn more within Products   
and Formats on page 7

Alongside mixers, we have seen the spirits 
categor y perform strongly throughout 2020.

Alongside Fever-Tree, retailers and spirits brand 
were quick to recognise the growing interest in 
at-home consumption of long mixed drinks whilst 
the On-Trade was impacted by restrictions. 

As a result, increased interest and investment 
was given over to co-promotional oppor tunities 
across our regions. Highlighting just one example, 
we worked alongside Sainsbur y’s, the UK retailer, 
and spirits par tners to bring to life our first ever 
Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Bay. This was the first 
mixer-led spirits co-promotion of its kind at UK 
retail, encouraging shoppers to find their perfect 
pairing in store across the Fever-Tree range with 
recommended gin par tners. 

The Group has continued to innovate and 
pioneer the categor y. In the UK we launched 
our Premium Soda range and our Rhubarb and 
Raspberr y Tonic, along with our Rose Lemonade. 
The soda range received a ver y positive response 
in the Off-Trade, with new listings secured and 
ver y encouraging rate of sale throughout the 
year reflecting consumer appetite for longer, 
lighter drinks. 

Our Sparkling Pink Grapefruit has been our most 
successful US launch to date, notably pairing 
with Tequila in the popular Paloma ser ve and is 
already gaining significant attention from retailers, 
consumers and potential co-promotional 
par tners.

Spirits companies are increasingly looking to 
capitalise on this trend, be it gin and tonic, whisky 
and ginger, or vodka and soda, and are engaging 
on potential co-promotion oppor tunities. We are, 
therefore, optimistic that the lockdown period 
has been a fur ther catalyst to the long-term 
trend towards long mixed drinks which Fever-
Tree, with our categor y leadership position, range 
and relationships, remains uniquely placed to 
continue to drive.

The Group’s innovation pipeline remains ver y 
exciting with customers across both the On and 
Off-Trade ver y receptive to our extended range 
of products.

Our Rhubarb and Raspberr y Tonic and Rose 
Lemonade recognise the rise in popularity of 
flavoured gins and the strong trends towards 
‘pink’ and sweeter drinks bringing younger 
consumers into the categor y as we look to the 
On-Trade reopening over the course of 2021.

As the Group’s global footprint continues to 
grow, there remains oppor tunity to extend our 
flavours and formats to ensure our products 
reflect the drinking habits.

17

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRSTRATEGY IN ACTION CASE STUDY 

INNOVATION

NEW PRODUCT - SPARKLING 
PINK GRAPEFRUIT IN THE US

INNOVATION IS – AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN – AT THE HEART 
OF OUR BRAND AND BUSINESS. IT LIES WITHIN THE VERY 
FOUNDATIONS OF THE BRAND AND TIM & CHARLES’ ORIGINAL 
INNOVATION, REVOLUTIONISING HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE AND 
VALUE MIXERS. BY PUTTING THE FOCUS BACK ON QUALITY 
AND AUTHENTICITY, FEVER TREE HAS REWRITTEN THE RULES 
ON HOW GOOD A MIXED DRINK CAN BE. 

18

 www.fever-tree.com

While it star ted with redefining the classic 
Gin and Tonic, today, we have a broad 
por tfolio of mixers, each one made with 
the same principles of flavour and quality 
at their core, designed to elevate popular 
ser ves to new heights

As our global footprint grows and the 
appeal of the simple long mixed drink 
continues to gain pace, consumers are 
becoming increasingly experimental with 
a thirst for quality and Innovation. The 
oppor tunity remains to extend our flavours 
to ensure our products are reflecting the 
drinking habits and taste profiles for our 
different regions.

Our Sparkling Pink Grapefruit was born 
out of this close collaboration between 
our different regions and teams. The US 
team had identified a growing trend for 
lower calorie cocktails with the vodka spritz 
ser ve gaining par ticular traction. Alongside 
this was the significant growth in premium 
tequila driving the increasing popularity of 
the Paloma, the grapefruit-based cocktail.

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020Therefore, a liquid tailored to both vodka 
and tequila, two of the largest spirit 
categories in the market, would enable us to 
tap into additional high volume ser ves and 
recruit new consumers into the brand.

The popularity of the Paloma cocktail along 
with the versatility of grapefruit as a flavour to 
work across both vodka and tequila provided 
the rationale for our flavour selection. 

Feedback from consumers and the trade 
gave us insight into some of the challenges 
with existing Paloma ser ves:

 ƒ Inconsistency of the mix and the juice

 ƒ High sugar content of existing mixers 

and juices 

 ƒ Lack of awareness about how to recreate 

this ser ve at home

Our Sparkling Pink Grapefruit provides 
the answer : It simplifies the ser ve for the 
bar tender, allowing for consistency at ever y 
pour, and provides consumers with a simple 
way to enjoy a delicious low-calorie cocktail 
at home.

The quality of the grapefruits was going to 
be paramount to the success. Grapefruits 
are grown in many countries in the world 
and so to find our optimal flavour we tasted 
different juices and blends. We opted to 
hero the pink grapefruit as it provides a 
more uniquely fruity juice compared to 
white grapefruits. Our goal was to make the 
complex, floral, bittersweet taste of the pink 
grapefruits the focal point of the liquid. 

Florida grapefruits are world famous for 
their fresh sweet tangy taste thanks to 
their local subtropical climate. The perfect 
combination of moderate temperatures, 
abundant rainfall, plenty of sunshine and 
unique sandy nutrient rich soil all combines 
to grow some of the best grapefruits in the 
world.

The result is a delicious low-calorie mixer, 
superior to other offerings on the market 
and made with a unique blend of grapefruits 
to achieve an authentic aroma and flavour.

Stock code: FEVR

19

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

I am incredibly proud of how Fever-Tree has 
performed this year, and how our team has 
reacted to the uncer tain and challenging 
environment. The collective response of 
our team, strength of our brand, our key 
relationships with customers and suppliers, 
and the speed at which we were able to 
take proactive steps, has enabled us to 
fur ther extend our clear position as the 
global leading premium mixer brand. 

The progress we have made this year 
alongside increased momentum behind the 
long-term trends of spirits premiumisation 
and the move to long mixed drinks gives 
me confidence that we will exit this ongoing 
period of uncer tainty in a stronger position 
than we entered it. 

The Group delivered revenue of £252.1m, 
representing a small decline of 3% year-
on-year. This was an extremely resilient 
performance in the context of widespread 
On-Trade closures across all our markets, 
given that this channel typically represents 
45% of our global revenue, as well as being 
a reflection of our ver y strong performance 
in the Off-Trade across our regions, which 
exceeded our expectations. Of par ticular 
note was the performance delivered in the 
US as well as our major RoW regions of 
Australia and Canada.

The shift in channel mix, along with the 
outperformance delivered in the US, and the 
incremental GDP por tfolio brand revenue 
impacted our margins for the full year, with 
gross margin reducing to 46.2%. As well as 
navigating the shor t-term uncer tainty, we 
took the decision early in the pandemic 
to continue to invest in the brand and 
our team, as we remained focused on the 
long-term oppor tunity ahead for the Group. 
This resulted in our adjusted EBITDA 
margin reducing to 22.6% this year, and 
consequently profit before tax was £51.6m. 
We ended the year with a strong balance 
sheet and net cash of £143.1m, an increase 
of 12% year-on-year.

COVID-19
At the star t of the pandemic, we set up a 
cross-depar tmental team to co-ordinate the 
Group’s response. Throughout the period, 
our asset light, outsourced business model 
provided us with the flexibility to react 
quickly to changing channel dynamics and 
consumer demand as well as the resilience 
to withstand the ongoing challenges posed 
by the pandemic.

The way our team across the globe has 
adapted to working remotely and the 
commitment they have demonstrated 
through the period is a testament to the 
talent and dedication of our employees.

Throughout the crisis we have strived to 
provide security and cer tainty to our team 
and therefore pledged ver y early into the 
pandemic to not use any Government 
furlough scheme or receive Government 
grants across our regions. Instead, during 
periods of lockdowns and restrictions we 
have focused our On-Trade sales teams on 
new projects and initiatives as we look to 
2021 and beyond. 

As well as focusing on our employees’ 
wellbeing, we offered suppor t to 
communities and groups across our regions, 
including financial suppor t to local charities, 
encouraging staff with capacity to volunteer 
their time, and donating to initiatives 
suppor ting key workers. In the UK we 
suppor ted “Salute the NHS” in their mission 
to provide one million meals to NHS 
frontline staff, donating 100,000 soft drinks 
to be included in their meal packs as well 
as donating to similar schemes suppor ting 
frontline workers across many of our other 
regions. In addition, we have continued 
to give significant financial and marketing 
suppor t to our charitable par tner, Malaria 
No More, in keeping the fight against 
malaria in the public eye through various 
external and internal initiatives.

REGIONAL REVIEW

REVENUE BY REGION

Revenue, £m

FY20

FY19

Change 

UK

US

Europe

RoW

Total

103.3

132.7

(22)%

58.5

65.3

25.0

47.6

64.4

15.8

252.1

260.5

23%

1%

58%

(3)%

UK
Fever-Tree made progress during an 
uncer tain year, increasing our household 
penetration and consolidating our market 
leading position. The On-Trade, which 
usually represents approximately 50% of our 
UK revenues, was not only forced to close 
for large par ts of the year, but when it did 
reopen, remained at reduced capacity under 
var ying regional restrictions. As a result, 
revenue in the On-Trade was down 62% 
compared to 2019. However, this impact 

TIM WARRILLOW 
Chief Executive Officer

“  

THE PROGRESS WE HAVE 
MADE THIS YEAR
ALONGSIDE INCREASED 
MOMENTUM BEHIND THE
LONG-TERM TRENDS GIVES 
ME CONFIDENCE THAT WE 
WILL EXIT THIS ON-GOING
PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY 
IN A STRONGER POSITION
THAN WE ENTERED IT.”

20

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comwas mitigated by a ver y strong Off-Trade 
performance, which saw sales increase by 
20% compared to 2019, resulting in total 
UK revenues down 22% year-on-year. 

The Off-Trade was characterised by 
increased demand during the first 
lockdown as consumers increased their 
at-home consumption of long mixed drinks. 
Encouragingly, even during the period when 
the On-Trade reopened in July and October, 
high levels of demand continued in the 
Off-Trade, reflecting a sustained behavioural 
shift in relation to at-home consumption, 
with Fever-Tree’s UK household penetration 
increasing by 7% over the course of the year.1 

Our agile business model meant we were 
quick to adapt to changing consumer 
purchasing habits that emerged during the 
period, such as the preference for larger 
pack formats, encouraging us to accelerate 
the roll-out of our 15 x 150ml can pack 
as well as an increased focus and resource 
in the convenience channel as consumers 
shopped closer to home.

Reflecting the shift in consumer spend 
and growing interest in mixing drinks 
at home, we redeployed our marketing 
spend to focus on the at-home occasion. 
This included our first national television 
campaign, on-shelf initiatives in the Off-
Trade including a dedicated Gin & Tonic 
Bay in Sainsbur y’s, as well as vir tual 
masterclasses which engaged and educated 
consumers from their own homes during 
the festive period.

Alongside our ability to react to the 
shor ter-term changes in consumer demand, 
our continued focus on the longer-term 
oppor tunity enabled us to push ahead with 
our innovation plans during the year. This 
included launching our Premium Soda range 
in March and our Rhubarb and Raspberr y 
Tonic in October. The soda range received a 
ver y positive response in the Off-Trade, with 
new listings secured and ver y encouraging 
rate of sale performance across retailers.

As a result of our proactive approach and 
decision to continue to invest in the brand, 
in our innovation and in our team, Fever-
Tree increased volume share year-on-year 
and gained distribution across all major 
retailers, continuing to strongly outperform 
other premium mixer competitors to 
remain the number one mixer by value at 
UK Off-Trade, with 40.1% value share.2

The spirits categor y also performed strongly 
during the year in the Off-Trade with more 

households purchasing spirits than the 
traditional at-home drinks of wine or beer 
(growth of +4.1pp of penetration for spirits 
vs wine +1.1pp and beer +2.7pp), with gin 
and rum the stand-out performers. This not 
only benefited our core Tonic SKUs, but also 
underpinned significant progress for our 
Gingers range which performed well from 
an increasing distribution base, with an 80%3 
increase in the year.

As the On-Trade channel closed abruptly in 
March, our team was proactive in offering 
suppor t to our customers through credit 
extensions and payment plans, as well as 
working closely with our end accounts 
to ensure they were offered the suppor t 
they required to adapt to the new ways of 
trading on reopening. This was gratefully 
received and has strengthened our 
relationships with many of our key long-
term customers.

Following its reopening in July, the On-Trade 
gradually began to recover throughout 
the summer with the pace of recover y 
determined by both sector and location. 
However, the reintroduction of restrictions 
in autumn and again in the run-up to 
Christmas, had a significant impact across 
the whole sector.

Despite this, Fever-Tree’s brand strength and 
customer loyalty enabled us to maintain our 
strong market share in the On-Trade during 
the period of reopenings in Q3 2020. While 
we are mindful of the continued uncer tainty 
surrounding the ongoing restrictions and 
the timing of the reopenings, we are well 
placed to continue to build on this market-
leading position as the On-Trade gradually 
recovers during 2021.

Despite the material challenges the Group 
has faced over the course of 2020, we 
have made good progress in the UK. In the 
Off-Trade we sustained our value share 
and no. 1 position in the mixer categor y 
and drove an uplift in our brand awareness 
and household penetration as well as 
successfully launching new flavours and 
formats. Turning to the On-Trade, the steps 
we took and suppor ted offered enabled 
us to strengthen our already excellent 
relationships. 

Notwithstanding the ongoing uncer tainty 
around the timing of the On-Trade 
reopening, the steps we have taken and 
position we have established provides us 
with an excellent platform to deliver growth 
in 2021 and beyond. Our confidence in the 

future is underpinned by the long-term 
trend towards long mixed drinks which 
accelerated during 2020 and one that Fever-
Tree, with our categor y leadership position, 
range and relationships, remains uniquely 
placed to continue to lead its growth.

US
Fever-Tree’s performance in the US was 
strong and significantly ahead of our 
expectations across the year, with revenues 
increasing 23% to £58.5m (26% on a 
constant currency basis).

The priority at the beginning of 2020 was 
implementing our price optimisation and 
expanding our format availability. Unlocking 
an affordable premium price position 
alongside the broadening of our formats on 
shelf was designed to encourage increased 
trial of the brand, to unlock new occasions, 
and to increase purchase frequency from 
existing Fever-Tree consumers. While the 
pandemic lead to some delays, the new 
pricing was successfully rolled out from 
March to June. 

We are confident that the reposition has 
star ted to deliver the desired results, driving 
strong sales uplifts across key retailers 
ahead of the categor y, with rate of sale 
driving growth ahead of distribution gains 
as the year progressed. Overall, Fever-Tree 
delivered 57% value growth at retail during 
2020; a performance which exceeded our 
expectations and ensured we remained 
the clear market leader in grocer y in the 
premium mixer categor y, which itself is the 
fastest growing segment in the categor y.

Alongside the impact of the price 
optimisation, our strong Off-Trade 
performance can be attributed to a number 
of other factors. Firstly, the switch to at-
home consumption following On-Trade 
closures and the propensity towards 
making long mixed drinks at home, with 
consumption of spirits growing ahead of 
wine and beer, and with it the continuing 
premiumisation across all spirit categories. 
Secondly, the benefit of the strong 
distribution gains Fever-Tree achieved during 
the second half of 2019, which gave the 
brand more prominence in retail at a time 
when this was the most relevant channel. 
And finally, our decision to reposition and 
upweight our marketing investment. 

1 Kantar, Feb 2020
2 13 weeks to 27 December 2020
3 IRI, 52 weeks to 27 December 2020

21

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVR 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

We redeployed spend from experiential 
to digital, from trade to consumer in 
order to target the Off-Trade and online 
channels during the pandemic which 
drove increasing consumer awareness and 
encouraged trial at home. This included our 
work with Google as par t of their Brand 
Accelerator programme which provided 
ver y encouraging results and insights which 
will be taken into 2021 and beyond. 

Alongside this investment we focused on 
building on our strong relationships with 
online retailers, aligning strongly with liquor 
deliver y platforms to deliver complete 
drinks solutions for consumers. In addition, 
through search and website enhancements, 
we were able to drive a significant increase 
in Amazon volumes year-on-year.

On-Trade sales in the US have been 
materially affected by closures related to 
lockdowns, which have varied by state in 
length and extent, but overall have led to 
ver y challenging conditions in this channel 
since March 2020. Despite this, we continue 
to enjoy a strong relationship with Southern 
Glazer’s Wines and Spirits (“SGWS”), with 
whom we have performed well, especially 
in the liquor store channel, leveraging their 
ability to execute spirits par tnerships as 
well as their merchandising capabilities. We 
have also continued to win new mandates 
and distribution within the national Hotel, 
Casino, Resor ts and Restaurant groups, 
positioning us well for when the On-Trade 
reopens.

Within the por tfolio we have seen strong 
growth across our full range of mixers, 
targeting multiple drinks occasions, from the 
mule (Ginger Beer) to tonics (Tonic Water) 
and spritzes (Club Soda). Within spirits, 
tequila continues to show ver y strong 
growth, and in the first half of the year we 
launched a new Sparkling Pink Grapefruit to 
pair with tequila to create the perfect low-
calorie Paloma cocktail. This has been our 
most successful US launch to date, already 
gaining significant attention from retailers 
and consumers, and we are optimistic about 
the Pink Grapefruit oppor tunity as we look 
forward to 2021.

This performance, along with the increasing 
interest surrounding the US mixer categor y, 
will greatly enhance our ability to fur ther 
increase our retail footprint and presence 
on shelf over the course of the year. 
In addition, we believe our On-Trade 
performance will be enhanced as consumers 
increasingly begin to demand the same 

22

quality of drink they have been able to 
enjoy at home rather than being satisfied 
with the soda gun when returning to the 
On-Trade as it reopens. 

These factors, along with continued 
por tfolio innovation directed at US 
consumer habits, give us real confidence as 
we head into 2021 and beyond.

EUROPE
Whilst the impact of On-Trade closures was 
felt across the region, Fever-Tree delivered 
£65.3m revenue for the full year, up 1% 
year-on-year. This result was driven by a 
ver y strong performance in the Off-Trade, 
a strong recover y in the second half of the 
year as impor ters re-stocked following the 
initial period of lockdowns in spring, and 
£6.4m of incremental revenue from GDP 
brands.

Whilst the On-Trade was materially 
impacted by closures, especially in southern 
Europe which tends to rely more on the 
On-Trade and the tourism industr y, the Off-
Trade performed ver y well across Europe, 
and the premiumisation trend continued to 
gain momentum in many countries across 
the region, with Fever-Tree driving growth 
in the categor y and gaining share in multiple 
key European markets. 

In our core markets, such as Belgium 
and Denmark, we have maintained our 
market-leading position and see fur ther 
oppor tunities to drive distribution across a 
wider range of mixers following the success 
of our tonics by leveraging the brand 
strength we have created in these markets.

In the markets that will drive our next wave 
of growth, including Germany, Spain and 
Italy, we continue to see significant growth 
oppor tunities ahead in sizeable and growing 
mixer categories. Spain and Italy are both 
On-Trade led markets and, as such, sales 
in these countries were more severely 
impacted this year. However, the relationship 
with our local distributors remains strong 
and our focus is on identifying oppor tunities 
as the On-Trade reopens.

Germany is currently Fever-Tree’s second 
largest market in Europe and represents a 
notable oppor tunity for the Group. It is one 
of the largest mixer markets in Europe and 
is underpinned by emerging premiumisation 
trends evident in both the mixer and spirits 
categories. Fever-Tree is gaining share in 
the fast-growing and premiumising mixer 
categor y, over taking Thomas Henr y to 

become the leading premium tonic brand 
for the first time this year. The acquisition  
of our sales agent, GDP, in July provides us 
with a strong operational platform from 
which to continue to drive our growth 
in Germany, where we have built our 
distribution in major retailers, including 
ReWe, Edeka and Kaufland. Alongside 
Fever-Tree, GDP distributes complementar y 
premium beer and spirits brands. This 
por tfolio approach is highly suited to 
the size and outlet fragmentation of the 
German market and these por tfolio brands 
generated £6.4m of incremental sales in the 
second half of 2020.

Looking fur ther ahead, the focus for our 
Earlier Stage markets, like France and 
Netherlands where mixer markets are 
relatively immature, is on establishing the 
optimum route-to-market, building our 
distribution, with a focus this year on the 
convenience channel, and increasing our 
local headcount where appropriate.

We have continued to build our European 
team during the year, increasing our  
in-countr y regional exper tise across both 
Nor thern and Southern Europe, suppor ted 
by a growing regional marketing team 
ensuring best-in-class marketing execution 
and co-promotional activities with both 
global and local spirits brands.

As well as investing in our team, we have 
continued to invest in marketing across the 
region with a focus on Off-Trade activities. 
This has included investment in retail display 
visibility across our core markets, as well 
as co-promotional activity with a number 
of spirits brands, including Lillet on a spritz 
ser ve in Belgium, and with Bombay Sapphire 
on gin and tonic in Germany.

Whilst the impacts of COVID-19 will 
continue into 2021, we remain confident 
and optimistic about the medium and long-
term oppor tunity in Europe. There are a 
number of markets that offer real potential, 
and we continue to invest and focus on 
the oppor tunity that they present. Fever-
Tree is the only premium brand with scale, 
distribution footprint and track record 
across Europe and this gives us a clear 
advantage over our premium competitors. 
Moreover, European mixer market growth 
continues to be driven by the premium 
segment and led by Fever-Tree.

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comREST OF THE WORLD
We have made ver y strong progress in our 
two largest markets, Australia and Canada, 
driving total revenue growth for the region 
of 58% to £25.0m.

In Australia, Fever-Tree is driving growth 
across the mixer categor y and continues to 
be the clear premium leader.

Long mixed drinks are taking share from 
wine and beer, led by gin and tonic, with the 
tonic categor y growing by 34% in Australian 
grocer y during 2020, ahead of gingers 
and soda. Fever-Tree’s increasing brand 
awareness, along with significant distribution 
gains, has enabled the brand to grow in 
major retailers such as Woolwor ths, where 
our sales increased over 100% year-on-year. 
As well as driving the premiumisation of 
tonics, gingers and soda to pair with other 
popular spirits, we have also looked to 
expand our formats, introducing our 500ml 
bottles to Coles and Woolwor ths towards 
the end of 2020, as well as focusing on our 
lighter mixers, with Light Indian Tonic quickly 
becoming our fastest growing segment, 
reflecting the demand for healthier, lighter 
options.

In Canada, the mixer market continues to 
premiumise. The premium segment grew 

over twice the rate of the mainstream 
segment in 2020, with Fever-Tree driving 
this growth, using its strong presence in the 
premium mixer categor y to increase trial 
and awareness, and secure new distribution 
with several key accounts. We grew our 
tonic sales at retail by 63% over the last 12 
months, contributing to almost half of the 
tonic water categor y growth during 2020, 
and increasing our value share to a third 
of the tonic categor y at retail. Ginger beer 
also grew strongly and remains core to our 
long-term success in this market. Given 
our strong rate of sale in major retailers 
and contribution to overall mixer categor y 
growth, we are well placed to gain fur ther 
distribution and continue to gain share.

Asia remains a region with long-term 
potential for Fever-Tree. We have upgraded 
a number of our distribution par tners this 
year, ensuring we are with the right par tner 
for the next stage of development. This year 
we signed a pan-Asia deal with Accor, the 
largest hotel group in the region, to become 
their preferred premium mixer par tner 
across Asia. In addition, we have continued 
to develop our relationships with the 
international and local spirits companies in 
the region as well as focus on growing our 
distribution across key accounts.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW
Our team worked ver y closely with our 
par tners throughout our supply chain to 
help mitigate the impact of the global 
pandemic. This involved steps such as the 
early securing of significant contingency 
stocks of key ingredients, establishment 
of secondar y warehousing in the UK and 
granular, real-time demand forecasting and 
highly fluid production planning alongside 
our network of five bottlers and two 
canners. Whilst network capacity, efficiency 
and lead times for supply into markets were 
all tested during the year, continuity of 
production was retained through the period, 
testament to the structure we operate and 
the quality of both our production par tners 
and the Fever-Tree supply chain team. 

Over recent years the Group has focused 
on expanding our outsourced production 
network, both in response to our growing 
global footprint and also in preparation 
for the range of potential Brexit outcomes. 
We now operate across three bottling sites 
and one canning site in continental Europe, 
including our latest site in Belgium. This local 
production network in Europe will underpin 
our growth ambitions in the region and 
has mitigated the impact of cross-border 
disruption following the UK’s exit from the EU.

23

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Despite multiple operational challenges 
presented by the pandemic, we worked with 
our US production par tner to commission 
our first Fever-Tree US bottling line, 
based on the West Coast. We began US 
production in December 2020, and this will 
gradually ramp up over the course of 2021. 
Alongside this, we have signed a contract 
with our US bottling par tner to commission 
an East Coast bottling line, which we expect 
to be operational in the latter stages of 
2021. This is an exciting development for 
the Group, adding fur ther capacity and 
flexibility to our network and setting us up 
to realise our substantial ambition in the US 
market over the next few years.

In July 2020 the Group was pleased to 
announce the acquisition of GDP, the 
Group’s sales agent in Germany. GDP is a 
well-established sales agent and impor ter, 
with a strong por tfolio of premium drinks 
and a good track record of growing 
premium brands. 

The acquisition of GDP, with established 
management, distribution relationships 
and sales channels already in place, allows 
the Group to accelerate the strength and 
depth of its presence in Germany much 
faster than could have been achieved by 
building a sales and marketing subsidiar y 
from scratch. The integration of GDP is 
proceeding well and has been aided by the 
strong cultural fit between organisations and 
the longstanding relationship between the 
senior management of Fever-Tree and GDP.

THE LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY
While we have acted quickly and dynamically 
in response to the challenges of COVID-19 
this year, our long-term strategy remains 
unchanged and continues to be underpinned 
by growing global trends, as well as our 
excellent track record against the competition.

The longstanding trends of spirits 
premiumisation of spirits and the growing 
popularity of long mixed drinks have not 
only continued throughout the pandemic, 
but in many cases accelerated, giving us 
even more confidence in the future growth 
potential for Fever-Tree.

Premium spirits deliver the authenticity, 
quality and choice that consumers are 
increasingly seeking, as evidenced by the 
continued growth of craft distilleries across 
the globe. This has been most evident in the 
US where there are now over 2,000 craft 
distilleries, up from 50 in 2005 when we first 
launched Fever-Tree, and in the UK where, 

24

despite the pandemic, a record 124 new 
distilleries were created in 2020 alone.

The advent of the well-crafted premium 
mixer, pioneered and led by Fever-Tree, 
allows these premium spirits to be consumed 
simply, in a long refreshing manner that is 
suited to today’s consumer, and across a 
wider range of occasions. 

Due to the variety of flavour combinations, 
the wide choice of premium spirits brands 
and the use of unique glassware and 
garnishes, premium long mixed drinks allow 
for theatre and engagement and yet, due to 
the simplicity of the ser ve, require no bar 
tender training and can be rolled at scale 
in the On-Trade. Equally, and vitally, the 
quality of the experience can then be easily 
replicated at home. 

However, perhaps most impor tantly, long 
mixed drinks allow spirits to extend into 
multiple new occasions, including those 
which were traditionally the preser ve of beer 
and wine, be it lunch time, al fresco, after 
work, or even spor ting events, thus drawing 
in wider audiences.

For all of these reasons, the premium long 
mixed drink is becoming central to the 
ser ve strategies of major spirits brands like 
never before. Spirits taking share from beer 
and wine over the last five to ten years4, 
especially at the premium end, with premium 
spirits growing volume at a rate of 9.2% 
CAGR between 2015-2019, whereas wine 
and beer remained flat and over the next 
five years spirits are forecast to continue to 
take share from both wine and beer. The US 
presents a clear example of these trends, 
with spirits increasing their share of Total 
Beverage Alcohol from 32% to 39% over the 
last ten years.5 These share gains continued 
throughout 2020, especially during periods of 
lockdown where household penetration of 
spirits outpaced beer and wine as 3.9 million 
new US households purchased spirits at retail.

Alongside the sustained growth at the 
premium end of the spirits categor y globally, 
the mixer categor y has also been growing 
strongly, as the popularity of long mixed 
drinks accelerates. Between 2012 and 2019, 
the premium segment of the mixer categor y 
grew at almost five times the rate of the total 
mixer categor y, with Fever-Tree doubling the 
growth of the rest of the premium segment.6 
During 2020, the trend to long mixed 
drinks has accelerated in the Off-Trade as 
consumers enjoy long mixed drinks at home 
as a form of enter tainment and a treat at 

the end of the working day, with much of 
this elevated demand remaining even during 
periods when the On-Trade reopened.

What is incredibly encouraging is that 
Fever-Tree sits at the hear t of this fast-
growing global movement. No one else 
is better placed. We have the first mover 
advantage, track record against competition, 
international footprint, tools, range, global 
brand recognition and relationships to 
continue to benefit from and drive this  
trend forward.

FEVER-TREE TEAM
This year more than ever, our priority has 
been our close-knit team, who are integral 
to the success of the business. Despite the 
impacts of the pandemic, we did not furlough 
any team members and instead focused on 
redeploying talent around the business to 
provide job security when it was needed most.

We have continued to add capabilities to our 
global team with a number of hires this year, 
including the appointment of a Chief Marketing 
Officer, as well as the successful integration of 
the team we acquired from GDP.

While we have continued to grow, we remain 
entrepreneurial at hear t and work hard to 
ensure we have a culture that enables all our 
team, regardless of location, depar tment or 
level, to feel they can make a real difference 
to the business. This year the rise of vir tual 
working has enabled us to be connected 
across all our regions more than ever before. 
The fast adoption of various vir tual platforms 
and the willingness to remain connected 
across depar tments and locations to make 
the progress we have this year is a testament 
to ever yone in the business.

The last 12 months has also seen my co-
founder Charles Rolls step down from 
the Board. It really has been a fantastic 
experience and an enormous amount of 
fun working with and building the business 
alongside Charles. He is undoubtedly a great 
entrepreneur, with his success in breathing 
life into the premium gin categor y with 
Plymouth Gin and then of course Fever-Tree, 
so Gin & Tonic drinkers around the world 
owe him a great debt of gratitude.

I will cer tainly miss working alongside him, 
and we look forward to providing him with 
a proper Fever-Tree send-off when the 
circumstances allow.

  4 IWSR and Euromonitor
  5 DISCUS 
  6 Euromonitor

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSUSTAINABILITY
We are conscious of ensuring we take 
decisions and act in a way that is beneficial 
to the natural environment and the wider 
community, driving positive, long-term 
impact.

SUMMARY & OUTLOOK
Although 2020 presented many unforeseen 
challenges, Fever-Tree has continued to 
strengthen its global leadership position and 
we remain confident in our ability to deliver 
long-term sustainable growth.

We launched new premium mixers, such 
as our Premium Sodas in the UK and our 
Sparkling Pink Grapefruit in the US, as well 
as acquiring our sales agent in Germany, 
and began production with our US bottling 
par tner. 

Our pioneering spirit ensures we are 
continually challenging ourselves to find 
ever more sustainable ways to produce 
our products. Whether through working 
even closer with our par tners throughout 
our supply chain, protecting biodiversity 
in places not only where we source from 
but where we live and work, to exploring 
future-proof carbon reduction solutions, we 
are determined that Fever-Tree continues 
to put sustainability at the forefront of our 
decision-making.

The last 12 months has brought this into 
even sharper focus for me and the wider 
team. We recognise we have a responsibility 
to protect our planet and need to match 
our words with action. The last year has 
seen us establish a clear framework for 
our sustainability initiatives focused on five 
branches of Climate, Circular Economy, 
Conser vation, Communities and Colleagues. 
These branches guide our approach and 
ensure all our teams have sustainability 
considerations as par t of their overall 
decision-making and strategy.

As a senior team, we are extremely excited 
about the initiatives that are underway. We 
have a strong direction of travel in this area, 
and I look forward to talking in much more 
detail about them in the coming months.

Our performance in the Off-Trade has 
been strong, exceeding our expectations 
across all our regions. Numerous periods 
of lockdown during the year encouraged 
increased consumer interest and excitement 
about mixing drinks at home, attracting 
more households to the Fever-Tree brand 
than ever before. Consequently, we have 
increased our penetration in the UK, 
consolidated our number one position, and 
driven value share gains in the US, Europe, 
and as far afield as Canada and Australia.

Despite the restrictions and closures 
that impacted the On-Trade for a large 
propor tion of the year, we have continued 
to suppor t our On-Trade par tners across 
our regions and are well positioned as this 
impor tant channel gradually recovers.

Our resilient performance can also be 
attributed to the proactive and rapid actions 
taken by the business. For example, we 
worked quickly to increase contingency 
stocks of our key ingredients, upweighted 
marketing spend to focus on at-home 
consumption, rolled out larger pack sizes 
as consumers star ted to buy in bulk, and 
invested in online retail platforms to drive 
growth in this increasingly significant channel.

The strong and secure financial position of 
the Group has enabled us to remain focused 
on the long-term oppor tunity, continue to 
invest and make strategic progress. 

Uncer tainty remains going into 2021, 
and the impact of the pandemic on 2021 
performance is difficult to predict. However, 
the progress of the various vaccine rollouts 
has given the world hope there is a way 
through this crisis. Consequently, on the 
assumption that the vaccines continue to 
roll out as planned for the rest of the year, 
we expect to see a gradual recover y of the 
On-Trade as 2021 progresses, benefiting 
all our regions. The Off-Trade is likely to 
moderate as the On-Trade recovers, but 
we firmly believe that we will continue to 
benefit from the progress we have made in 
this channel across our regions in 2020. 

The Group remains well-placed financially 
with a cash position at year end of £143.1m 
and our asset light, outsourced business 
model continues to ensure we have a low 
fixed cost base and the flexibility to manage 
any future challenges.

Excitingly, the global long-term trend to 
premium spirits and long mixed drinks 
continues and has even accelerated over 
the course of the year, making us more 
confident than ever in the oppor tunity 
ahead for the Group as we look beyond 
the current period of disruption and 
uncer tainty.

TIM WARRILLOW
Chief Executive Officer

25

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRSUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

WHAT SUSTAINABILITY 
MEANS TO US

WE WERE FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF THAT, 
IF ¾ OF YOUR DRINK IS THE MIXER, YOU 
SHOULD MIX WITH THE BEST. 

This belief extends to our commitment to making mixers 
with the best that nature has to offer. From the ver y outset, 
sustainability has been a consideration in ever ything we 
do – we are committed to doing business in a way that is 
beneficial to all stakeholders, the natural environment and 
the wider community, driving positive, long-term impact.

  Learn more within Our Pioneering   
Approach on pages 14 to 15

The Group’s pioneering spirit ensures we are continually 
challenging ourselves to find ever more sustainable ways to 
produce our products. Whether through working even closer 
with our par tners throughout our supply chain, protecting 
biodiversity in places not only where we source from but 
where we live and work, to exploring future-proof carbon-
reduction solutions, the sustainability team works in tandem 
with all areas of the business, allowing us to identify potential 
risks as well as new oppor tunities to invest in.

  Learn more within Principal Risks and Uncertainities   
on pages 46 to 51

Under the leadership of our Corporate Responsibility and 
Sustainability Manager, 2020 has seen us building on a clear, 
holistic sustainability vision: our 3 roots of sustainability 
underpin what we do, and our 5 branches guide our effor ts 
to care for the world we live in and people we work with.

26

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comStock code: FEVR

27

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTSUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

3 ROOTS 
AND 5 
BRANCHES

OUR 3 ROOTS TO 
SUSTAINABILITY 
UNDERPIN WHAT 
WE DO:

28

 www.fever-tree.com

ENVIRONMENT

We respect the natural environment 
that enables us to create our mixers 
and are committed to making mixers 
with the best that nature has to offer.

INGREDIENTS

We pride ourselves on sourcing the 
highest quality ingredients for our 
mixers, with a priority on doing so in 
a way that is ethical and sustainable. 

FIGHTING MALARIA

Malaria is one of the world’s oldest 
and deadliest diseases and continues 
to threaten over half the world’s 
population. 

Fever-Tree and the global fight against 
malaria are inextricably linked, given 
the historic role quinine has played in 
combating the disease. We are proud 
to have suppor ted Malaria No More 
since 2013 in their ambition to end 
malaria.

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC / STRATEGIC REPORT

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to play their par t. We have been working hard with 
exper ts to understand and measure our overall 
climate impact. While the way we operate helps 
to keep our own emissions low, we continue to 
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to mitigate and reduce the overall carbon footprint 
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M Y  •   C O N S E RVATIO
ATE • CIRCULAR EC

CIRCULAR ECONOMY
• C
OLLEA
N   •   C O M MUNITIES •
  C L I MATE • CI
R EC
NOMY • CONSE
GUES •
We recognise the impor tance of using packaging 
that minimises our impact on the wider 
environment. Hence the decision not to use PET 
across any of our products. We use a propor tion 
of recycled glass and aluminium in our packaging, 
NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •
and our bottles and cans are infinitely recyclable 
cardboard. That said, we continue to look for ways 
N   •   C O M MUNITIES •
M Y  •   C O N S E RVATIO
to improve the lifecycle of our packaging and 
manufacturing processes, reduce our waste and 
lower the impact we have on the environment.

ATE • CIRCULAR EC

N   •   C O M MUNITIES •

TIO
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•

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NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

CONSERVATION
N   •   C O M MUNITIES •
High quality ingredients rely on a well-managed 
environment. Therefore, we know that conser ving 
the ear th plays a big role in sourcing the highest 
quality ingredients for our drinks. We are committed 
to finding and suppor ting projects that enhance 
the natural world around us, including preser ving 
biodiversity in the regions we operate in.

NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •
ATE • CIRCULAR EC

NOMY • CONSE

U
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•

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COMMUNITIES
NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •
We are focused on making a difference across all 
ATE • CIRCULAR EC
our communities, be it where we source from, to 
where we live and work.

NOMY • CONSE

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NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

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COLLEAGUES
NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •
Our colleagues are the key ingredient to Fever-
Tree’s success. We value each and ever y person 
who works for us, with the ambition to foster an 
environment that our colleagues can feel proud to 
be par t of. 

NOMY • CONSE

R
C
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L
A

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C
I

•

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NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

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NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

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NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

R

NOMY • CONSE

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UN SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT 
GOALS

R
C
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A

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C
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•

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NOMY • CONSE

NITIE S  •   C O L L EAGUES •

L

M

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I

Our approach aligns with and suppor ts the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals. We have identified 
the four goals that are most meaningful to our 
ambitions and that we are confident in delivering the 
most positive impact: 

R
C
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NOMY • CONSE

HEALTH AND 
WELLBEING 
(MALARIA)

RESPONSIBLE 
CONSUMPTION AND 
PRODUCTION

CLIMATE   
ACTION

LIFE ON  
LAND

Stock code: FEVR

29
29

C U L A R ECON

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S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

FOCUS ON: 
CLIMATE AND OUR 
CARBON FOOTPRINT

WE RECOGNISE THE 
ROLE EVERY BUSINESS 
HAS IN ADDRESSING  
THE CLIMATE CRISIS

30

Since the founding of our brand, we have looked to minimise 
the impact our drinks have on our planet. Whether it be our 
decision not to use PET bottles given the environmental harm 
they can cause, using packaging that is infinitely recyclable 
to reduce waste that ends up in landfill or the processing of 
ingredients close to source where possible to retain quality 
and avoid unnecessar y freight, we challenge ourselves and our 
par tners to make the right choices.

However, we recognise the role ever y business has in addressing 
the climate crisis that is facing our planet and while our 
approach up until now provides a solid foundation for Fever-
Tree to play its par t, we believe there is a lot more we, and our 
wider sector, can do.

As a global business we understand that our operations create 
unavoidable emissions that contribute to global climate change. 
We want to take ownership of this, make continued effor ts to 
reduce them and where we can’t, we want to offset their impact 
through the suppor t and investment in nature-based projects. 

OUR REDUCTION TARGET BASED ON CLIMATE SCIENCE
We have worked in par tnership with exper ts at Green Element, 
and engaged our par tners throughout our supply chain to carr y 
out a cradle-to-grave lifecycle analysis of our products. This has 
enabled us to gain an in-depth understanding of our carbon 
footprint* in compliance with the GHG Protocol Product Life 
Cycle Accounting and Repor ting Standard. 

From this we have been able to define a science-based emissions 
reduction target and star t designing and implementing a 
programme to reduce our operational emissions (scope 1 & 2) 
as well as those through our supply chain and product life cycle 
(scope 3). 

While we are excited about the potential of this programme to 
drive meaningful change over the medium and longer term, we 
are aware of the need to make an immediate positive impact. 
That is why, alongside our emissions reduction programme, 
we are investing in a number of projects in regions where we 
source our ingredients, helping not only to protect the natural 
environment and biodiversity but also offsetting our emissions. 

* 

 compliant with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Repor ting Standard to calculate greenhouse gas emissions, repor ted 
in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases (tCO2e) for scopes 
1, 2 and 3. Green Element primarily used carbon conversion 
factors provided by the UK Government (DEFRA 2019) and other 
international governments to conver t Fever-Tree’s 2019 usage data 
into greenhouse gas emissions. Industr y or supplier-specific carbon 
conversion factors were used instead of industr y averages where 
appropriate and available.

 CLIMATE • CIRCULAR ECONOMY • CONSERVATION • COMMUNITIES • COLLEAGUES • Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comA CLOSER LOOK AT OUR EMISSIONS
STREAMLINED ENERGY & CARBON REPORTING

UK 2018

UK 2019 UK 2020

Energy consumption: (kWh)
Electricity
Gas
Transport fuel
Fuel for electricity generation
Total energy consumption
Emissions (tCO2e)
Scope 1
Emissions from combustion of gas in 
buildings
Emissions from combustion of fuel for 
transport purposes
Scope 2
Emissions from purchased electricity 
(market-based method)
Emissions from purchased electricity 
(location-based method*)
Scope 1 & 2
Total Scope 1+2 emissions  
(market-based method)
Total Scope 1+2 emissions  
(location-based method*)
Scope 3
Emissions from business travel in rental 
cars or employee vehicles where 
company is responsible for purchasing 
the fuel
Emissions from upstream transport 
and distribution losses and excavation 
and transport of fuels (market-based 
method)
Emissions from upstream transport 
and distribution losses and excavation 
and transport of fuels (location-based 
method*)
Total emissions for mandatory 
reporting (market-based 
method)
Total emissions for mandatory 
reporting (location-based 
method) 
Intensity (tCO2e / unit 
produced) 
UK Revenue £m
Intensity ratio: kgCO2e / £m  
(market-based method)
Intensity ratio: kgCO2e / £m  
(location-based method*)
Methodology

Certification and external 
verification

111,149.00 
– 
64,350.58 
–
175,499.58 

– 

117,719.00  36,220.00
136.00 
251,910.46  78,473.81 
–
369,629.46  114,829.81 

–

– 

– 

0.03

11.51 

42.13 

12.05 

Fever-Tree had no planned energy efficient action for 2020 and, 
therefore, has no energy-efficient actions to disclose for Januar y to 
December 2020. 

In 2021, Fever-Tree are planning the following schemes to enhance 
energy efficiency within the company:

 ƒ Fever-Tree aims to switch all UK company cars to electric hybrid 
vehicles to reduce the amount of purchased fuel for business 
travel.

 ƒ Fever-Tree will also be assessing the possibility to switch to 100% 

renewable electricity in its New York office to reduce GHG 
emissions from energy use.

SCOPE 1 & 2 EMISSIONS^
Due to our outsourced business model and prior initiatives, such 
as powering our UK office on 100% renewable energy*, our own 
emissions (scope 1 and 2) are relatively low. However, as par t of our 
new emissions-reduction programme, 2021 will see fur ther schemes 
being rolled out to reduce emissions even fur ther.

– 

– 

– 

31.46 

30.09 

8.44 

Following climate-science targets, we commit to reducing absolute 
scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least half, by 
2030**, however, we aim to all but eliminate these emissions within 
this timeframe.

SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS^^
While our outsourced model allows us to minimise our own 
emissions, we are aware of our responsibility for emissions within 
our supply chain, which accounts for the majority of our overall 
carbon footprint. 

Our emission-reduction programme will see our sustainability team 
work ever closer with our par tners throughout our supply chain 
on identifying and delivering emissions reduction projects, be it 
increasing the commitment to renewable energy at our co-packers, 
examining all aspects of our packaging from the manufacture to 
the end of life to identify innovative solutions that can have fur ther 
impact on waste and emissions reduction. 

As we look forward, we are committed to delivering a reduction 
in the carbon intensity per product from 2021 onwards and look 
forward to providing updates and fur ther detail on these targets as 
the programme progresses.

11.31 

41.24 

11.87 

39.72 

71.32 

20.28 

6.30 

26.24 

8.56 

4.14 

17.46 

5.32 

11.88 

24.57 

7.31 

21.95 

85.83 

25.95 

61.16

123.03

36.36

134.10 

132.70 

103.30 

0.16 

0.65 

0.25 

0.46 

0.93 

0.35 
GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting 
and Reporting Standard 2014
Calculated and verified as accurate 
by Green Element Limited and 
Compare Your Footprint Limited, UK.

^ 

* 

 Direct emissions from our own sources and indirect emissions from our 
purchased electricity.
 Using Good Energy, who work directly with 1,600 independent 
renewable generators including wind, hydro, solar and biogeneration, all 
over the UK, giving us access to renewable energy as well as boosting the 
small-scale renewables sector.

**  Based on a 2018 baseline.
^^  Indirect emissions from our value chain.

31

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRSUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

FOCUS ON: 
COMMUNITIES AND 
COLLEAGUES

WE TAKE TIME TO BUILD 
AND SUSTAIN BEST-
IN-CLASS LONG TERM 
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS

32

 www.fever-tree.com

WORKING WITH OUR SUPPLIERS 

We take time to build and sustain best-in-class, long-term 
supplier relationships to ensure that we understand the 
journey of our ingredients from growing to processing, and that 
outputs are maximised, reducing waste. Any new suppliers go 
through a stringent approval process, signing up to our Social, 
Environmental and Ethical Business Policy, which is embedded 
in our management system and sets out the standards of 
employment that we require our suppliers to conduct their 
business in line with. 

These standards include the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code 
and are in accordance with International Labour Organisation 
fundamental conventions. Our co-packers are members of 
SEDEX, so it allows us to understand and risk assess labour 
management and human rights practices in more detail, alongside 
our own policies. 

Despite the restrictions imposed during 2020, our technical 
team continued to conduct regular audits, vir tual site visits 
and traceability exercises on our suppliers and worked closely 
with our sustainability team to monitor compliance with these 
standards and identify potential issues. 

In 2021 we will be integrating a new software system to 
standardise risk assessment, auditing and monitoring non-
conformances to fur ther enhance quality and performance.

 CLIMATE • CIRCULAR ECONOMY • CONSERVATION • COMMUNITIES • COLLEAGUES • Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020FIGHTING MALARIA –  
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH MALARIA NO MORE

COLLEAGUES 

Since 2013, we have been working with Malaria No More to 
help fight the threat of malaria globally. Clearly, the pandemic 
has led to significant pressure on the charitable sector with 
resources and funds often diver ted to assist in the fight against 
COVID-19. Despite this, we have continued to suppor t Malaria 
No More in keeping the fight against Malaria in the public eye by 
continuing our £1m commitment over three years.

During 2020 we helped to raise over £80,000 through our 
suppor t of a UK national radio appeal on World Malaria Day as 
well as an internal challenge that saw our global team run, walk, 
cycle or even row the equivalent distance of London to Kigali, 
Rwanda that was due to be the location of the Commonwealth 
Leaders Summit.

In addition, we utilised the success of our Festive Masterclasses 
to raise fur ther funds through donating a por tion of our ticket 
sales as well as delivering a bespoke masterclass to Malaria No 
More’s key stakeholders which, alongside a public letter that 
was signed by our CEO and published in the Times newspaper, 
provided a platform to raise fur ther awareness of the Charity’s 
aims ahead of a key governmental spending review. 

Fever-Tree is an inclusive and safe working environment that 
suppor ts and encourages ever y individual to be their authentic 
selves, to share their viewpoints and ideas openly, without fear of 
judgement or bias. 

The Group’s priority throughout the pandemic has been 
suppor ting its people. A key par t of this was providing cer tainty 
in terms of employment and at a ver y early stage of the crisis, 
the Executive Team, suppor ted by the Board, made the decision 
not to furlough any of our employees regardless of their role, 
instead redeploying them to different depar tments across the 
business to broaden their knowledge and skill set. 

As the team switched to remote working, a number of initiatives 
and incentives were launched to help foster and improve team 
morale, including: the dispatch of isolation packages to the 
workforce; holding frequent global online teach-ins, events and 
activities; and the provision of a £150 (or local equivalent) 
allowance to all staff members to spend in the On-Trade to help 
suppor t par tners as they reopened. Finally, we ensured career 
and mental health suppor t was available for our staff through 
this difficult period.

Alongside the suppor t offered throughout the pandemic, 
we continued with our volunteering scheme which saw 
employees from our UK office work with Future Frontiers to 
offer mentoring advice and guidance to young people from 
disadvantaged backgrounds to fulfil their potential at school and 
when transitioning to education, employment or training at age 
16 and 18.

During 2021 we will continue our community initiatives, both 
within our internal community with our colleagues, as well as 
voluntar y work within communities outside of Fever-Tree.

33

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRClient: FEVER-TREE 
Job Name: Christmas Masterclasses
File Ref: Fever-Tree_Xmas_Masterclass_Box_inlay_336mmx193mm_AW
File Size: 336mm (W) x 193mm (H) 
Page Number: 1 of 1 – No. Applications: 1 
File Notes: None

CMYK

VIRTUAL MASTERCLASS

We’re delighted you’re joining us for a festive-inspired Virtual Masterclass.  

Together with our expert Fever-Tree mixologist, you will explore the 

wonderful world of mixed drinks, learning everything there is to know  

about making delicious, simple, long-mixed drinks at-home.  

Another reason to feel cheery is that for every box sold, we’re  

donating £5 to Malaria No More UK, a charity that is working to defeat  

one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases. Thanks to you,  

they’re one step closer to achieving their goal.  

To find out more about Malaria No More and their fight for a world  

without Malaria, or where you can top up on your favourite Fever-Tree 

products, open your camera and scan the respective QR codes below. 

WHERE 

TO BUY 

FEVER-TREE

MORE ON 

MALARIA  

NO MORE

We will donate £5 to Malaria No More UK for each Festive Virtual Masterclass purchased between 21/10/20 – 22/11/20 or until  

all promotional Festive Virtual Masterclasses are sold. Purchase and internet access required. Malaria No More UK is a registered charity in  

England and Wales (1126222). Visit FEVER-TREE.COM/EN_GB/LEGAL for full T&Cs. Please enjoy responsibly. Promoter: Fevertree Limited.

CASE STUDY 

SUPPORTING  
OUR PARTNERS 
AND COMMUNITIES 
DURING COVID-19

THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC CREATED 
MANY UNCERTAINTIES, BUT WE 
TOOK STEPS TO STRENGTHEN 
OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH 
OUR PARTNERS, LOCAL 
COMMUNITIES AND STAFF  
IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. 

We remain determined to emerge on the 
other side of COVID-19 not only as an 
even stronger business but also one that 
has made a difference during the crisis. 
As well as a focus on our employees, we 
have offered suppor t to communities and 
groups across our regions, including financial 
suppor t to local charities, encouraging staff 
with capacity to volunteer their time, and 
through donations to initiatives suppor ting 
key workers. 

34

 www.fever-tree.com

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 
File Ref: Fever-Tree_Xmas_Masterclass_Box_inlay_336mmx193mm_AW

Client: FEVER-TREE 

Job Name: Christmas Masterclasses

File Size: 336mm (W) x 193mm (H) 

Page Number: 1 of 1 – No. Applications: 1 

File Notes: None

CMYK

VIRTUAL MASTERCLASS

We’re delighted you’re joining us for a festive-inspired Virtual Masterclass.  
Together with our expert Fever-Tree mixologist, you will explore the 
wonderful world of mixed drinks, learning everything there is to know  
about making delicious, simple, long-mixed drinks at-home.  

Another reason to feel cheery is that for every box sold, we’re  
donating £5 to Malaria No More UK, a charity that is working to defeat  
one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases. Thanks to you,  
they’re one step closer to achieving their goal.  

To find out more about Malaria No More and their fight for a world  
without Malaria, or where you can top up on your favourite Fever-Tree 
products, open your camera and scan the respective QR codes below. 

WHERE 
TO BUY 
FEVER-TREE

MORE ON 
MALARIA   
NO MORE

We will donate £5 to Malaria No More UK for each Festive Virtual Masterclass purchased between 21/10/20 – 22/11/20 or until  
all promotional Festive Virtual Masterclasses are sold. Purchase and internet access required. Malaria No More UK is a registered charity in  
England and Wales (1126222). Visit FEVER-TREE.COM/EN_GB/LEGAL for full T&Cs. Please enjoy responsibly. Promoter: Fevertree Limited.

In the UK we suppor ted “Salute the NHS” 
in their mission to provide one million meals 
to NHS frontline staff, donating 100,000 soft 
drinks to be included in their meal packs, 
alongside a donation of £10,000 to UNITED 
Hammersmith & Fulham, a charity based in 
the borough of our London home. 

In Nor th America, we par tnered with Treats 
Help in the US and Operation Rainbow in 
Canada to distribute our drinks to hospitals 
across both regions.

The global pandemic created many 
uncer tainties, but we took steps to 
strengthen our relationships with our 
par tners, local communities and staff 
in the face of adversity. We provided 
credit extensions to On-Trade accounts 
throughout the lockdown period; continued 
ordering ingredients and products to ensure 
our suppliers get paid; worked closely with 
bottling and canning par tners to react to 
challenges; and acted quickly to secure 
contingency stock of key raw materials when 
required. For this, we thank our par tners.

OVER 
100,000
DRINKS 
DONATED

TO KEY WORKERS ACROSS 
OUR REGIONS

Stock code: FEVR

35

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORT 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

2020 saw the Group respond swiftly and 
decisively to the disruption and uncer tainty 
caused by COVID-19, while also making 
strategic progress. 

The agility of our asset-light, outsourced 
business model alongside the strong 
relationships we hold with our production 
par tners allowed us to navigate the 
challenges posed by the pandemic. Our 
focused team and entrepreneurial culture 
allowed us to quickly identify and capitalise 
on oppor tunities that arose from the rapid 
shifts in consumer occasion and behaviour 
as they unfolded. Our financial strength and 
our conviction in the global premium mixer 
oppor tunity allowed us to continue to focus 
on our strategy, to build our team, to invest 
behind the brand, and with the acquisition 
of GDP, establish an operational footprint in 
a key European market. 

Despite the impact on our On-Trade 
revenues, our Off-Trade performance was 
consistently strong across regions, resulting 
in net revenues of £252.1m for the Group, 
a decline of 3% (2019: £260.5m). As 
expected, the gross margin declined due to 
investments in the US pricing architecture at 
the beginning of 2020, with a fur ther impact 
felt from the shifts in channel and regional 
mix resulting from the widespread On-
Trade closures during the year. Alongside 
this, the Group’s continued investment and 
increased level of underlying operating 
expenditure resulted in a reduction in the 
adjusted EBITDA margin this year to 22.6% 
(2019: 29.6%). Whilst we remain committed 
to investing behind the long-term 
oppor tunity, we anticipate that the gradual 
re-emergence of the On-Trade will allow for 
margins to improve from these levels.

We end the year with an improved cash 
position of £143.1m (2019: £128.3m) and 
as a reflection of our confidence in the 
financial strength of the Group, the Board 
is recommending a final dividend of 15.68 
pence per share, an increase of 4%  
year-on-year.

GROSS MARGIN 
Gross margin of 46.2% represents a decline 
from the 50.5% gross margin repor ted in 
2019. Cer tain known factors, including the 
US price optimisation implemented in the 
first half of this year, were expected to 
result in a gross margin for the Group in line 
with our expectations of c.49% for the year. 
Three factors then fur ther impacted gross 

margin, bringing it to the repor ted level of 
46.2%. 

 ƒ Net foreign currency headwinds 

impacted gross margin, most notably 
from a weakening US dollar in the 
second half of the year. 

 ƒ Following the acquisition of GDP, we 

now consolidate the revenue generated 
by the distribution of their non-Fever-
Tree por tfolio brands. GDP’s por tfolio 
of premium brands provides valuable 
synergies in a large but fragmented 
market and provides incremental 
contribution to GDP’s overheads; 
however, the por tfolio brand revenue 
generates a lower margin than the Group 
achieves on sales of Fever-Tree products, 
and hence has a diluting impact on the 
Group gross margin. 

 ƒ Most significantly, COVID-related 

closures in the On-Trade impacted 
channel mix, especially in the UK, and 
also affected the regional sales mix, 
as regions which are typically more 
Off-Trade weighted and therefore less 
exposed to On-Trade closures increased 
in the overall Group sales mix.

In the UK, the On-Trade channel reduced 
to 25% of UK sales in 2020 (2019: 51%), 
whilst the US, which performed strongly 
and is naturally more Off-Trade weighted, 
increased to 23% of Group revenue (2019: 
18%). We would expect the impact on 
gross margin of these shifts in channel and 
regional mix to gradually unwind as the On-
Trade reopens and recovers globally. 

As we look fur ther ahead, we expect the 
US to increase in the regional sales mix, 
given the scale of oppor tunity in that 
market. The US currently operates at a 
lower percentage gross margin than the rest 
of the Group due to the elevated logistics 
costs related to transpor ting products from 
the UK to the US. The commencement of 
production with a West Coast US bottling 
par tner in December 2020, alongside the 
agreement to extend production to that 
par tner’s East Coast facility later in 2021, is 
a significant step. Not only does it ensure 
we are operationally underpinned with 
sufficient capacity and agility to continue 
to ser vice the US oppor tunity, but it will 
also allow us to drive efficiencies in our US 
logistics costs as we produce locally, and 
thus improve our US gross margin as the 
oppor tunity scales in that market.

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER 
Chief Financial Officer

“  

WE CONTINUED TO  
INVEST IN THE BRAND, 
OUR PEOPLE, AND OUR 
CAPABILITIES THROUGH 
THE COURSE OF 2020”

36

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comOPERATING EXPENDITURE
We continued to invest in the brand, our 
people, and our capabilities through the 
course of 2020, leading to underlying 
operating expenses7 increasing by 8.7% 
to £59.3m (2019: £54.5m). As a result, 
underlying operating expenses increased to 
23.5% of Group revenue (2019: 20.9%).

As it became clear that the pandemic would 
impact our On-Trade revenues globally in 
2020, we took the decision to continue to 
invest behind the brand, and proactively 
refocused our existing marketing plans and 
budgets to where consumer demand was 
shifting. This involved redeploying spend 
away from On-Trade and events activities 
and towards the Off-Trade, whilst also 
upweighting our digital and TV adver tising 
spend in key markets. 

  7 Underlying operating expenses is defined as 
Administrative expenses (£65.0m) less Depreciation 
(£2.7m), Amor tisation (£1.1m) and Share-based 
payment expenditure (£1.9m).

In the UK, whilst our total marketing spend 
reduced, largely due to the cancellation 
of the Fever-Tree Championship, we 
redeployed an element of this spend to 
our first national television adver tising 
campaign, at a time early in the pandemic 
when advantageous commercial rates 
were available to those brands still willing 
to invest. We increased our marketing 
spend in key growth markets, including 
the US, Australia and Canada, and notably 
upweighted our digital spend in the US as 
we worked with Google as par t of their 
Brand Accelerator programme. Whilst On-
Trade and Events marketing budgets were 
significantly reduced across our regions, 
the redeployment of spend and continued 
investment in our growth markets resulted 
in total marketing spend for the Group 
remaining strong at 9.9% of Fever-Tree 
brand revenue (2019: 11.0%).

Staff costs and other overheads increased 
to £34.1m (2019: £25.8m), representing 
13.5% of Group revenue (2019: 9.9%). This 

increase reflects a continued investment in 
our Global team as well as the consolidation 
of GDP staff costs and other overheads in 
the second half of the year. 

We made the decision ver y early in 
the pandemic to not take any form of 
government suppor t and indeed continued 
to build capacity and capability within the 
team as we invested in our people ahead 
of the growth oppor tunity for the Group. 
In 2020 we focused on building fur ther 
capability in Group functions, with key hires 
in the Innovation, Strategy, Finance and 
Quality Control teams, whilst also adding to 
our regional teams, par ticularly in the US, 
Australia and Canada. 

We strengthened our Senior Leadership 
team with the appointment of a Chief 
Marketing Officer and with the acquisition 
of GDP we welcomed a fur ther 51 
people into the Fever-Tree team, in total 
increasing our headcount by 86 in the 
year to 259. Whilst we have increased 

37

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRFINANCIAL REVIEW

headcount in recent years, we remain 
lean and, impor tantly, agile, preser ving the 
entrepreneurial culture which has been 
central to the Group’s success.

were 51.08 pence per share, a decrease of 
28.1%; for fur ther detail see note 9 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements on  
page 104.

cash movements, working capital increased 
marginally, therefore cash generated from 
operations declined to 95.8% of adjusted 
EBITDA (2019: 103.9%).

The decision to continue to invest in the 
brand and our people has enabled the 
Group to make significant strategic progress 
during the year. These investments were 
made firmly on the basis of our financial 
strength and our conviction in the long-term 
oppor tunity; however, due to the shor t-
term impacts of COVID-19 on revenue 
and gross margin, they have impacted 
our profitability in 2020. As a result of 
the decline in gross margin and increase 
in underlying operating expenditure, the 
Group generated adjusted EBITDA of 
£57.0m, a 25.9% decline from 2019, at a 
margin of 22.6% (2019: 29.6%).

The acquisition of GDP resulted in the 
recognition of an £8.0m intangible asset, 
which will be amor tised over ten years. This 
led to an increased amor tisation of £0.4m 
in the second half of the year, bringing total 
amor tisation costs to £1.1m (2019: £0.7m). 
Depreciation charges increased to £2.7m 
(2019: £2.2m), largely related to the 
reusable packaging system in Germany. 
Share-based payment charges were flat at 
£1.9m (2019: £1.9m).

As a result of the increases in amor tisation 
and depreciation charges, the 25.9%   
decline in adjusted EBITDA translates  
to a 28.8% decrease in operating profit to 
£51.3m (2019: £72.2m). Net finance   
income of £0.3m resulted in profit before 
tax of £51.6m, a decrease of 28.9%  
(2019: £72.5m).

TAX
The effective tax rate in 2020 was 19.1% 
(2019: 19.3%) and was in line with 
expectations.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
The basic earnings per share for the year 
are 35.86 pence (2019: 50.46 pence) and 
the diluted earnings per share for the year 
are 35.76 pence (2019: 50.26 pence).

In order to compare earnings per share 
year on year, earnings have been adjusted to 
exclude amor tisation and the UK statutor y 
tax rates have been applied (disregarding 
other tax adjusting items). On this basis, 
normalised earnings per share for 2020 
are 36.72 pence per share and for 2019 

WORKING CAPITAL
Trade and other receivables decreased 
by £4.8m during 2020 to £56.0m (2019: 
£60.8m), following significant focus on credit 
control throughout the year. During the 
initial period of lockdowns in spring 2020 
we sought to balance the management 
of credit risk with the need to suppor t 
our customers and distribution par tners. 
We proactively extended terms with our 
On-Trade customers and our network 
of international impor ters and worked 
closely on payment plans, resulting in 
full collections of outstanding balances 
from that period. We continued to apply 
this balanced approach between risk and 
suppor t as fur ther periods of restrictions 
and lockdowns were enacted as the year 
progressed. 

Whilst a significant element of our debtor 
balance sits with large UK retail and US 
distribution par tners, we recognise that 
credit risk remains elevated due to the 
ongoing uncer tainty. However, our strong 
relationships, proactive approach and 
appropriate levels of credit insurance 
position us well to continue to manage the 
ongoing credit risk. 

Inventor y levels increased by £17.9m to 
£38.7m (2019: £20.8m) as the Group 
increased both raw material and finished 
good inventor y levels during the year, 
primarily to mitigate potential disruption 
caused by COVID-19, and later in the year 
to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU 
under a range of potential scenarios, which 
subsequently has proceeded with minimal 
disruption to our ability to produce in the 
UK or across our European bottling and 
canning network.

Trade and other payables increased 
by £14.9m to £42.4m (2019: £27.5m) 
which largely reflects an elevated level of 
production in the latter months of 2020 
compared to 2019 and the consolidation of 
GDP balances. 

As a result of the above movements, the 
impact of the increase in inventor y was 
offset by the reduction in receivables and 
increase in payables and consequently, 
working capital reduced by £1.8m to 
£52.3m (2019: £54.1m). Excluding non-

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Due to the structure of the Group’s 
business model, capital expenditure 
requirements remain low, with additions 
of £2.5m in the year (2019: £6.4m). The 
additions in the year included continued 
investment in reusable packaging in 
Germany, reflecting the growth in that 
market.

CASH POSITION
The Group entered 2020 in a strong 
financial position; debt-free, with £143.1m 
of cash on the balance sheet. This robust 
platform underpinned our ability to invest 
and make strategic progress in 2020 despite 
the uncer tainty relating to COVID-19. 

Whilst we increased our underlying 
operating expenditure by 8.7%, continued 
to pay progressive dividends and completed 
the acquisition of GDP, year-end cash 
increased by 12% during the year to 
£143.1m (2019: £128.3m). The increase in 
our cash position is testament to our strong 
Off-Trade performance, efficient working 
capital management and modest capital 
expenditure requirements and ensures that 
we retain a strong financial position as we 
look ahead to 2021.

The Group’s Capital Allocation framework 
remains unchanged. We intend to retain 
sufficient cash to allow for investment 
against the global oppor tunity and see 
our strong cash position as a competitive 
advantage over many of our premium 
mixer competitors globally. We primarily 
foresee this investment taking the form 
of operational expenditure, including 
upweighted marketing spend across our 
growth regions at the appropriate stage, 
and we intend to retain sufficient cash 
reser ves to allow us to take advantage of 
oppor tunities to upweight and accelerate 
investment as they arise. Whilst not a 
priority or essential component of the 
Group’s plans, we also remain vigilant with 
regards to M&A oppor tunities that would 
fur ther assist with the deliver y of our 
strategy, as demonstrated by the acquisition 
of GDP this year. Where the Board 
considers there to be surplus cash held on 
the Balance Sheet it will consider additional 
distribution to shareholders. 

38

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comDIVIDEND
The Group remains committed to a 
progressive dividend policy and, as such, the 
Board is recommending a final dividend of 
10.27 pence per share in respect of 2020 
(2019: 9.88 pence per share) bringing the 
total dividend for the year to 15.68 pence 
per share (2019: 15.08 pence per share). If 
approved by shareholders at the AGM on 
20 May 2021, the final dividend will be paid 
on 28 May 2021 to shareholders on the 
register on 9 April 2021.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Group monitors its performance 
through a number of key indicators. These 
are formulated at Board meetings and 
reviewed at both an operational and  
Board level. 

Progress against these key indicators was 
closely monitored during the year. Due to 
the disruption caused by the pandemic, 
targeted performance was adjusted 
accordingly as the year progressed. Whilst 
performance was down year on year, 
the final revenue growth and adjusted 
EBITDA margin was ahead of the Board’s 
expectations. 

REVENUE GROWTH
Group revenue growth

-3.2% 

(2019: +9.7%)

GROSS MARGIN %
The Group achieved a gross margin of

46.2% 

(2019: 50.5%)

ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN %
The Group achieved an adjusted   
EBITDA margin of 

22.6% 

(2019: 29.6%)

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER 
Chief Financial Officer

39

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVR40

 www.fever-tree.com

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020s172 STATEMENT

UNDER SECTION 172 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 (“SECTION 172”), A DIRECTOR IS REQUIRED TO ACT IN THE WAY 
THEY CONSIDER, IN GOOD FAITH, WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE 
BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS AS A WHOLE. THE FOLLOWING PAGES COMPRISE OUR SECTION 172 STATEMENT, WHICH 
DESCRIBES HOW THE BOARD HAS HAD REGARD TO THE MATTERS IN SECTION 172 IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES OVER 
THE COURSE OF 2020. 
Board papers are prepared with Section 172 duties in mind and the Board’s consideration of its Section 172 duties form a key basis for 
its decisions. During 2020, we reviewed our product lifecycle and in doing so identified seven key stakeholders as critical for the success 
of our future business; the interests of whom the Board considers and balances in making its decisions. In addition to the repor t on our 
Stakeholder Engagement on pages 42 to 45, the following specific examples highlight the impor tance of our stakeholders in the Board’s 
decision-making:

1

2

3

COVID-19 RESPONSE 
The Board added additional meetings to its 
planned 2020 agenda to rapidly identify and 
react to the developing pandemic. At these 
meetings, the Board had the oppor tunity 
to review, challenge and approve the 
business’ response to the pandemic, with 
the desirability of maintaining a reputation 
for high standards of business conduct and 
taking a long-term view on strengthening 
relationships with par tners foremost in its 
decision-making. This included, for example: 
the decision not to furlough staff; extending 
suppor t to On-Trade par tners where 
feasible; redirecting marketing budgets to 
react to increased in-home consumption 
including the airing of a national TV 
adver tisement; successfully rolling out larger 
can pack formats; and a number of initiatives 
aimed at maintaining good morale amongst 
the Group’s workforce. For more detail 
on the Board’s response to COVID-19 
please refer to the Stakeholder Engagement 
section on pages 42 to 45.

INCREASED AND SUSTAINED 
WORKFORCE SUPPORT 
The Company’s priority throughout the 
pandemic has been suppor ting its people. 
The Board was suppor tive of the Executive 
team’s proposal not to furlough any team 
members, instead focusing on redeploying 
talent around the business. This formed par t 
of a wider long-term strategy to maintain 
a high standard of business conduct and 
foster and strengthen relationships with 
business par tners; maintaining a fully staffed 
business which was ready to react to peaks 
in Off-Trade demand and the reopenings 
and closures of the On-Trade during the 
year. Fever-Tree implemented numerous 
measures and incentives, encouraged by 
the Board, to help foster and improve team 
morale, including: the dispatch of isolation 
packages to the workforce; holding frequent 
global online teach-ins, events and activities; 
and the provision of a £150 (or local 
equivalent) allowance to all staff members 
to spend in the On-Trade to help suppor t 
par tners as they reopened. Moreover, the 
team continued to grow in line with our 
strategic plan, with the Board suppor tive 
of fur ther investment in and growth of the 
Group’s workforce during 2020. 

ACQUISITION OF GERMAN SALES 
AGENT, GLOBAL DRINKS PARTNERSHIP 
GMBH
In July 2020, the business announced 
the acquisition of the Group’s long-term 
sales agent in Germany: Global Drinks 
Par tnership GmbH (“GDP”) (as fur ther 
detailed on page 108). The Board was 
consulted throughout the acquisition 
process, which was ultimately submitted 
to it for approval. In reaching its decision 
to approve the acquisition, the Board had 
regard to the long-term benefits of adding 
a strategic foothold in Europe and the 
oppor tunity to fur ther strengthen business 
relationships with suppliers, distributors and 
customers in the region with an established 
and trusted management team in Germany.

4

MAINTENANCE OF PROGRESSIVE 
DIVIDEND POLICY 
Despite the challenges faced by the 
business in light of COVID-19, the Board 
was able to draw on the Group’s strong 
and secure financial position to recommend 
a progressive interim dividend of 5.41 
pence per share in 2020, an increase of 4% 
year-on-year, reflecting continued growth 
and confidence in the business. In reaching 
this decision the Board had regard to the 
desirability of the Company maintaining a 
reputation for high standards of business 
conduct, and the need to act fairly between 
its shareholders and the long-term interests 
of the business. 

41

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRs172 STATEMENT

COVID-19 HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ALL OUR STAKEHOLDERS THROUGHOUT THE 2020 FINANCIAL YEAR.  
PLEASE REFER TO THE RESILIENCE DURING UNCERTAINTY SECTION ON PAGES 4 TO 5 WHICH DETAIL IN FULL OUR 
RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC, INCLUDING THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE BUSINESS AND THE STEPS TAKEN  
TO MITIGATE NEGATIVE ONGOING IMPACT. 
We set out below the key priorities for each stakeholder group and the ways in which we engaged with them during the course of 2020. 
This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all stakeholder priorities and engagement activity, but to provide a summar y that 
illustrates the impor tance stakeholder groups play in the Board’s decision-making.

Workforce

Further information

  Sustainability Review 
– pages 26 to 35

  Remuneration 
Committee Report 
– pages 64 to 76

  Nomination 
Committee Report 
– page 63

  Resilience  
during Uncertainty 
– pages 4 and 5

Key priorities 

 ƒ Providing a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment 

 ƒ Oppor tunities to develop and make an impact, 

 ƒ An open dialogue for how the business can continue to innovate and improve

Board 
engagement 

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ The Board’s engagement with our workforce includes formal and informal meetings. 
The shift to remote working provided an unexpected oppor tunity for both the 
Board and the wider global business to work together more closely and successfully 
than ever, accelerating the adoption and use of videoconferencing technology. 
Directors attended online global ‘teach-in’ sessions which were implemented 
throughout the year to encourage open communication and the sharing of best 
practice across our international teams and were also invited to attend a number of 
more informal company events where they had the oppor tunity to engage with the 
workforce. 

 ƒ In addition, our Chief People Officer presented to the Board on the Company’s 
culture, including the results of workforce engagement sur veys and positive 
feedback from employees on the Company’s response to the pandemic. Kevin 
Havelock, our designated Non-Executive Director for workforce engagement, also 
meets with employee groups and provides feedback to the Board on team culture 
and alignment with Company values.

 ƒ During the year and informed by workforce engagement, the Board suppor ted a 

number of initiatives to fur ther enhance our desired culture and diversity, including: 

 − growing the employee base fur ther in line with the Group’s long-term strategy;

 − training initiatives for members of the Group’s On-Trade team so they could be 

redeployed into other par ts of the business during lockdowns;

 − an apprenticeship scheme in the UK office; and 

 − an internal project initiated in 2020 designed to maintain entrepreneurial values 

and optimise ways of working as the Group scales.

42

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSuppliers

Key priorities 

 ƒ Close engagement with the business to better understand demand

 ƒ Prompt and accurate payment for goods and ser vices

 ƒ Developing mutually beneficial growth

Board 
engagement 

 ƒ Our outsourced business model and commitment to innovation relies on a network 
of strong and long-term supplier par tnerships. The Board is updated on supply chain 
matters at ever y Board meeting, and also received a deep-dive presentation from 
the Group’s Chief Supply Chain Officer during the year. 

 ƒ COVID-19 provided a formidable test for supply chains globally, with challenges 
to demand forecasting, material sourcing, production planning and logistics. The 
Group’s ability to react resiliently to changing circumstances and successfully 
mitigate disruption, working closely with its suppliers to ensure the health and 
safety of their workers, was a testament to the strength of its par tnerships. 

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ The Board endorsed various measures used to react to the pandemic and mitigate 
its effects, including a programme of early payments to suppliers to help with their 
cashflow and the building of increased levels of buffer stock for key ingredients. 

Further information

  Our Pioneering 
Approach – pages 14  
to 15

  Sustainability Review 
– pages 26 to 35

  Resilience  
during Uncertainty 
– pages 4 and 5

International distributors

Key priorities 

 ƒ Regular communication and strong par tnerships

 ƒ Clear marketing plans and tailored branding suppor t

 ƒ Joint investment to drive long-term growth

Further information

  Our Pioneering 
Approach – pages 14  
to 15

Board 
engagement 

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ Outside of the UK, USA and more recently, Germany, the Group operates through 
a network of international distributors. The Board is updated on international 
performance by the CEO at ever y Board meeting. In addition, the Board receives 
presentations from regional heads on strategic plans and performance in their 
market. The Company’s international brand guidelines and the tailoring of product 
innovations for specific markets have also been an impor tant feature of Board 
discussions during the year. 

 ƒ Each Board member regularly takes the oppor tunity at meetings to challenge 
international strategy and provide market insights based on their own local 
knowledge and experience. The Board endorsed fur ther investment in the 
Company’s international teams during the year, and also suppor ted the 
implementation of temporar y extensions of credit terms and revised payment plans 
to suppor t cer tain distributors facing working capital challenges at the height of 
the pandemic. 

43

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRs172 STATEMENT

Customers (On and Off -Trade partners)

Further information

  Sustainability Review 
– pages 26 to 35

  Resilience  
during Uncertainty 
– pages 4 and 5

Further information

  Our Strategy   
– pages 16 and 17

  Sustainability Review 
– pages 26 to 35

  Resilience  
during Uncertainty 
– pages 4 and 5

Key priorities 

 ƒ Open and regular communication channels

 ƒ Suppor t amidst a challenging economic environment

 ƒ Product innovation and availability

Board 
engagement 

 ƒ The Board receives regular updates from management on customer relationships, 

development and engagement. Regional heads also provide the Board with feedback 
on On-Trade and Off-Trade strategy and performance and in normal years the 
Board would conduct market visits which would include time spent with our 
customers and at outlets. 

 ƒ With the ability to hold face-to-face meetings during the year limited, the Fever-

Tree team conducted a number of vir tual drinks “masterclasses” with its customers 
during the year to showcase product innovations and record feedback. 

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ The Board was encouraging of a broad programme of suppor t to our customers 

during the year, including: 

 − the extension of payment terms for On-Trade par tners during lockdown; 

 − creation of new formats for the Off-Trade to react to changes in consumer 

habits; 

 − increased on trade suppor t once trade reopened (for example, through 

providing ‘back to business’ wholesaler deals and POS materials such as parasols 
for pub gardens to improve the outdoor drinking occasion); and 

 − categor y executions in the Off-Trade such as Fever-Tree branded gin and tonic 

bays in Sainsbur y’s. 

Consumers

Key priorities 

 ƒ Sourcing the finest ingredients to create the best quality drinks

 ƒ Innovations to cater for new and different occasions

 ƒ A responsible brand committed to producing products ethically and sustainably

Board 
engagement 

 ƒ Our Board is regularly informed of consumer needs, preferences and concerns and 
fur ther building consumer brand awareness and household penetration has been a 
key theme of Board discussions during the year. 

 ƒ The Group’s marketing strategy, product innovation programme and sustainability 
strategy formed the basis of stand-alone sessions with the Board, which included 
feedback from consumers and tracking studies and econometrics to evaluate the 
impact on our end consumer.

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ Consumer considerations and feedback directly informed the Board’s suppor t for a 

number of initiatives, including: 

 − upweighting investment in online marketing activities; 

 − reacting to changing consumer demands with the launch of new flavours and 

formats such as our Premium Soda range and 15x150ml can packs; 

 − creating engaging content for our consumers through our social media channels; 

and

 − launching a national TV campaign in the UK.

44

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comCommunities

Key priorities 

 ƒ A commitment to doing business in a way that is beneficial to both the 

environment and the wider community

 ƒ A socially responsible business that sources conscientiously at ever y level of the 

supply chain

Board 
engagement 

 ƒ Our Social, Ethical and Environmental Business Policy is embedded in our 

par tnerships and underpins our business model. 

Further information

  Sustainability Review 
– pages 26 to 35

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ Looking ahead, the Board is aligned on a focus on environmental objectives as a 

strategic priority and is encouraged by a number of exciting sustainability initiatives 
in development. 

 ƒ The Board considers the impact of Fever-Tree’s operations on the community and 

the environment in all its decision-making. This included, for example, its decision to 
par tner with a new bottler in the USA on the West Coast allowing the Company to 
produce closer to market, reduce product miles travelled and react more quickly to 
consumer demand. 

 ƒ The Board also continues to suppor t the many community-led initiatives within the 

business, including:

 − a par tnership with charity Future Frontiers which connected young people from 

disadvantaged backgrounds with mentors from our UK business;

 − a donation of financial suppor t to UNITED, a charity based near our London 
HQ, in order to bolster the coronavirus response in the immediate vicinity of 
our UK office; and 

 − product donations to hospital workers globally during the pandemic. 

 − Our long-standing par tnership with Malaria No More, fur ther details of which 

can be found on page 33.

Investors

Further information

Key priorities 

 ƒ Regular engagement and consultation with investors

 ƒ Sustainable and profitable growth that delivers value over the long term

 ƒ Appropriately awarded Executive team, based on a clear set of criteria

Board 
engagement 

 ƒ The Group maintains communication with institutional investors through individual 
meetings with Executive Directors, par ticularly following publication of the Group’s 
interim and full year results. 

 ƒ The Group’s Investor Relations Director shares shareholder feedback with the 
Board regularly, with investor relations activity a standing item on the Board’s 
agenda for each of its meetings. 

 ƒ The Remuneration Committee Chairman consults with shareholders on any changes 

to Executive remuneration ahead of implementation.

 ƒ The Chairman and Senior Independent Director also regularly consult with 

shareholders during the year.

Impact on 
decision-
making

 ƒ The Remuneration Committee Chairman consulted shareholders on proposals for a 
new remuneration policy, including the possibility of introducing a strategic element 
to annual bonus and an LTIP plan that suppor ts international revenue growth. 

 ƒ The Board also consulted with institutional investors with regard to its capital 

allocation framework. 

  Corporate Governance 
Statement – pages 56  
to 58

  Our Strategy  
– pages 16 and 17

  Audit Committee 
Report – pages 59 to 62

  Remuneration 
Committee Report 
– pages 64 to 76

45

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVRPRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

MANAGING RISK
WE RECOGNISE THAT MAXIMISING OUR POTENTIAL AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR 
STRATEGY REQUIRES A ROBUST AND EFFECTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK. OUR APPROACH TO MANAGING 
RISK IS SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL. 
The Audit Committee, under delegated 
authority from the Board, oversees our 
risk management framework and assumes 
responsibility for facilitating the effective 
identification and evaluation of risks for the 
Group and reviewing the controls in place 
to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.

mitigate risks faced by the Group. We aim 
to hold at least one such presentation at 
each Board meeting with contributions from 
Regional Heads and Strategy, Supply Chain, 
Technical, HR, Marketing, Sustainability, Legal 
and Finance teams during the year. 

by the Audit Committee, formed of our 
most significant risks from across the 
entire business. This register is then finally 
reviewed, challenged and then ratified by 
the Board on a bi-annual basis.

When we look at risks, we specifically 
consider the effects they could have on 
our business model, our culture and our 
long-term strategic objectives. We consider 
both shor t-term and long-term risks, as well 
as environmental, social and governance 
risks. Each risk is independently quantified 
against set criteria, considering both the 
likelihood of occurrence and the potential 
impact on the Group both before and after 
the application of controls. We promote 
the use of the results to identify specific 
actions and mitigation measures, and the 
implementation of these in operations 
by each of our Group companies. These 
assessments are recorded in a Group Key 
Risk Register, approved and maintained 

An over view of the principal risks facing 
Fever-Tree is summarised on the following 
page. The Board’s assessment of the 
long-term viability of the Company is also 
reviewed annually and more detail on this 
can be found in the Audit Committee 
Repor t on pages 59 to 62.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Board sets out in the following pages 
the principal risks and uncer tainties that 
the Directors consider could impact the 
business. This list is not intended to be an 
exhaustive list of all the risks faced by the 
business. The Board recognises that the 
nature and scope of risks can change and 
that there are other risks to which the 
Group is exposed.

Each functional area of the Group is tasked 
with monitoring emerging or changing risks 
in their field with risk and mitigation owners 
appointed. This may include the formation 
of subcommittees for par ticular risks, that 
meet regularly to monitor trends and 
challenge the impact of mitigation effor ts 
relating to that risk. The output of these 
processes is subject to periodic review with 
the Executive Directors and repor ted back 
to the Audit Committee and Board. 

In addition, the Board receives presentations 
from different depar tments within the 
Group on an ongoing basis to keep the 
Board informed on strategic and operational 
performance and the controls in place to 

46

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comCOVID - 19 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

The disruption created by 
COVID-19 continues to directly 
impact our workforce, supply 
chain, suppliers and customers 
during its current phase, with 
the potential for longer-standing 
macroeconomic effects that 
could continue to impact the 
global economy in 2021 and 
beyond. 

In the shor t-term, government 
policies of social distancing, 
restrictions and lock-down are 
having a pronounced effect on 
the Group’s trading in its key 
geographic markets. Whilst sales in 
the Off-Trade channel have been 
less affected to date, the impact has 
been felt most keenly in the On-
Trade channel, where lockdowns 
and forced closures of outlets have 
led to an immediate and severe 
slowdown in trading. There is 
heightened credit risk as customers 
and impor ters are increasingly 
being put under financial pressure. 
Fur thermore, there is the possibility 
that the Group’s supply chain 
could be disrupted as our suppliers 
come under increasing financial and 
operational pressure, par ticularly if 
the situation continues for a fur ther 
prolonged period. 

In the medium term, it is possible 
that financial pressures will result 
in some On-Trade outlets not 
reopening as restrictions are lifted. 
Any reduction in On-Trade outlets 
as a result of closures could have 
an ongoing impact on the Group’s 
trading. It is also possible that 
COVID-19 will trigger a prolonged 
worsening of economic conditions 
in the Group’s key geographic 
markets, which could impact 
consumer confidence and spending. 
Reduced consumer confidence and 
spending could lead to reduced 
demand for products and limitations 
on the Group’s ability to increase or 
maintain the prices of its products. 

The Group is a global business with revenue diversified across 
regions, channels and customers and, as such, is not reliant 
on one region, channel or major customer. Alongside this, 
the Group is in a ver y strong financial position. We are debt-
free, with year-end cash increasing to £143.1m. Our strong 
underlying cash flow conversion, our low level of capital 
commitments and low fixed cost base means that we are in a 
robust position to withstand the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

A dedicated cross-depar tmental Committee was convened early 
in the crisis, and continues to meet weekly, actively monitoring 
the changing situation with regards COVID-19 and is able 
to agree and rapidly deploy mitigating actions as and when 
developments occur.

The On-Trade channel, which typically makes up 45% of Group 
sales, has been challenged across many of our regions. We 
remain in close contact with our On-Trade customers, many of 
whom have been severely impacted by the crisis. Our focus has 
been on offering suppor t as and when it is needed most. This 
can be through extending payment terms to help ease cashflow 
pressure and providing suppor t as reopenings occur.

The Group’s unique asset-light, outsourced business model 
impar ts the flexibility to adapt to the challenges presented by 
these unprecedented times. We continue to work ver y closely 
with our bottling and canning par tners across the UK, Europe 
and US as they have enacted their own business contingency 
plans. To date, our key bottlers and canners have continued to 
operate through the crisis with segregated shift patterns and we 
have not suffered any notable disruption to supply. In addition, 
we have taken action to ensure our finished goods stock in 
the UK is held across separate locations within our logistics 
par tner’s estate, and in the US we hold our stock across three 
locations on the West Coast, East Coast and in Texas.

Our operating model means we have a relatively well contained 
supply chain process with a limited number of well-established 
suppliers which provides comfor t as to the security of our 
major sources of ingredients, raw materials and packaging.

Whilst cer tain ingredients cannot be held on-site for long 
periods ahead of production, as a matter of course we hold 
healthy contingency stock levels of all other key raw materials 
and took steps early on in the crisis to increase these fur ther 
and continue to retain elevated stockholdings. 

KEY:

  Higher 

  Lower 

  No change 

47

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVR 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

The combination of COVID-19 
and the UK’s exit from the EU has 
heightened the risk of a worsening 
of economic conditions in the 
Group’s key geographic markets.

A worsening of economic conditions 
would lead to reduced consumer 
confidence and spending which could 
impact demand for products and 
limitations on the Group’s ability to 
increase or maintain the prices of its 
products in its key markets.

The position of the Group’s products as an affordable luxur y 
alongside its diverse customer, channel and regional mix would 
be expected to mitigate the impact at Group level of worsening 
economic conditions on consumer demand in specific markets. In 
the USA, one of the Group’s key growth markets, a successful price 
optimisation during 2020 may help to mitigate the potential impact of 
reduced consumer spending.

In the UK, the Group is at a more 
mature phase and as market leader 
may be more exposed to downturns 
in consumer confidence than it was 
during phases of accelerated growth 
and rapid gains in market share. 

In addition to this, the UK’s exit from 
the EU increases the risk of disruption 
to the supply chain, and, consequently, 
may impact the availability and 
price of raw materials and logistics 
par ticularly during this transitionar y 
phase.

During the financial crisis in 2008, the Group’s trend of strong growth 
continued, giving the Group confidence in its ability to grow even in 
periods of economic downturn. However, we are also mindful that 
the Group is at a more mature phase in the UK and so remain vigilant 
as to the potential impact that worsening economic conditions could 
have on trading within cer tain markets, par ticularly those in which 
the Group has already achieved strong market share.

In 2020, the Group’s designated Brexit Committee continued to 
meet regularly to monitor, model and assess preparedness against 
the different potential scenarios related to the UK’s exit from the 
European Union from Januar y 2021. The Group’s outsourced business 
model, manufacturing across three different sites in the UK and four 
in Europe, provides a strong degree of operational flexibility which 
underpins an ability to adapt our business operations to address 
and mitigate perceived Brexit risks. In addition to this, the Group 
has built contingency stocks of raw materials, packaging and finished 
goods across both its UK and European regions and is well placed to 
mitigate the impact of potential supply chain disruption following the 
UK’s exit.

COMPETITION 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

Increased competition and 
unanticipated actions by competitors 
could lead to a decline in the Group’s 
market share or pressure on pricing 
and marketing spend, which may have 
an adverse effect on the Group’s 
profitability and hinder its growth 
potential. 

The Group has consistently faced strong, robust competition over 
its lifetime, from both large multinationals and more focused, 
copycat local brands, and despite this has successfully built 
market share in ever y region in which it operates. The Group’s 
key strengths, including first mover advantage, product quality, 
brand strength and diverse territorial, channel and customer mix, 
all combine to mitigate the risk that increased competition will 
affect overall Group performance. The Group’s entrepreneurial 
culture and exceptional track record of innovation and categor y 
leadership, alongside the strength of its team and increasing levels of 
investment available to deploy, also continue to strengthen its ability 
to defend and react to competitor actions.

This year we have seen fur ther evidence of the Group’s ability 
to defend and grow market share against its premium mixer 
competition, with preference in the premium segment remaining 
with Fever-Tree and other players lacking consumer penetration. 
In the face of considerable uncer tainty relating to COVID-19, our 
decision not to furlough staff, to suppor t our On-Trade par tners 
and to continue to invest in the brand has been well received and 
positions the Group well to continue to drive categor y growth and 
build market share across our key territories as we look forward to 
2021 and beyond. 

The Group continues to face 
competition from other beverage 
companies in the mixer categor y. 
This could intensify in the Group’s 
core markets through other 
companies fur ther increasing focus 
and investment in their existing 
brands, introducing their own 
brands or acquiring local brands. 

In the UK, the Group’s priority 
is to continue to grow in the 
face of increasingly aggressive 
pricing policies and marketing 
strategies from its competitors, 
who are focused on taking share 
from the brand. Outside of 
the UK, the Group’s emphasis 
remains on continuing to drive 
categor y growth and increased 
market share by building brand 
and categor y awareness and 
fur ther catalysing the longstanding 
consumer trends towards 
premiumisation and long mixed 
drinks.

48

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSUPPLY CHAIN RISKS 

I. DISRUPTION TO OUTSOURCED PRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

In the event of such disruption the 
Group may not be able to arrange 
for alternative supply, production, 
storage or distribution on as 
favourable terms, or with sufficient 
speed to ensure continuity of 
business.

The Group operates an asset-
light, outsourced business 
model, working with third par ty 
bottlers, canners, logistics and 
distribution par tners. In addition, 
the Group is dependent on 
the supply of a number of key 
ingredients for its products, 
such as quinine and fresh green 
ginger, for which there are a 
limited number of suppliers.

The Group could be affected 
if there were a significant 
disruption to any of the 
Group’s key raw material 
suppliers, production, storage or 
distribution par tners. 

The Group continues to increase its footprint of outsourced 
production, with increasing redundancy to absorb any potential 
disruption to its production sites. It now manufactures with 
eight different par tners across the UK, Europe and USA, with 
a new bottling par tner scheduled to begin production on the 
East Coast of the USA later in 2021. In addition, the Group’s 
principal UK bottling par tner manufactures the Group’s 
products across four bottling lines located in four distinct 
buildings across two separate sites. Fur thermore, the Group has 
increased its outsourced warehousing footprint to two principal 
locations in the UK and three in the US.

In respect of key ingredients, the Group requests, where 
appropriate, that its suppliers hold contingency stock, and 
alongside this the Group maintains elevated levels of stock of 
these key ingredients to allow sufficient buffer for continued 
production should there be a period of disruption in supply. 
In 2020, due to the combined impacts of COVID-19 and 
uncer tainty as to the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, 
the Group fur ther increased contingency stock levels of these 
key ingredients.

To fur ther mitigate risk, alongside holding appropriate insurance 
cover, the Group maintains, tests and updates a thorough 
business continuity plan which monitors and seeks to continually 
improve the redundancy of supply and reduce lead times in the 
event of disruption in all aspects of the outsourced business 
model. This includes an evaluation of key suppliers’ own business 
continuity plans.

II. INCONSISTENT QUALITY OR CONTAMINATION OF THE GROUP’S PRODUCTS 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

The quality of the Group’s 
products is a key component of 
Fever-Tree’s brand strength. The 
Group’s products are bottled 
by a network of outsourced 
par tners based around the world, 
and the products include key 
ingredients sourced from multiple 
par tners. The network of different 
bottling par tners and ingredients 
suppliers must combine to 
consistently deliver products of 
the highest quality which are safe 
for consumption by Fever-Tree’s 
consumers.

A lack of consistency in the quality 
of products or contamination of the 
Group’s products, whether occurring 
accidentally or through deliberate 
third-par ty action, could harm the 
integrity of, or consumer suppor t 
for, the brand. A significant product 
liability issue or a widespread product 
recall could negatively impact the 
reputation of the affected product 
and/or the Group’s brand for a 
period of time depending on product 
availability, competitive reaction and 
consumer attitudes.

The Group employs an experienced Technical and Quality Director 
who is suppor ted by a Technical team that we have continued 
to invest behind and grow during 2020. Together, they work 
closely with key ingredient and packaging suppliers alongside our 
production and logistics par tners to ensure appropriate systems 
and controls are in place to minimise the risk of quality or 
contamination issues. 

This begins with a rigorous due diligence process to evaluate 
the quality controls of any new manufacturers and suppliers 
that are onboard, alongside scheduled ongoing periodic audits 
with established suppliers and production par tners. The Group 
also par takes in regular mock product recall exercises, including 
periodically a more involved case study facilitated by an 
independent third par ty to test the robustness of its systems and 
identify areas for fur ther improvement.

KEY:

  Higher 

  Lower 

  No change 

49

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVR 
 
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

III. ENVIRONMENTAL 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

Regulator y or consumer perception 
shifts could have a marked impact 
on our operations and packaging in 
future years.

Shor tage of ingredients and 
subsequent supply constraints 
resulting from climate change could 
impact our ability to produce our 
products.

Climate change presents a risk 
to the Group’s ability to source 
ingredients from around the 
world, as well as potentially 
impacting our ability to produce 
our products. Alongside this, as 
the Group scales, we are also 
mindful of the impact our own 
operations may increasingly 
have on the wider environment. 
Failure to identify areas for 
improvement and/or current 
risks in our supply chain could 
have a negative impact on the 
environment and resultingly the 
brand’s public perception. 

The Group has significantly upweighted its focus on sustainability 
and environmental issues during 2020. Led by our Corporate 
Responsibility and Sustainability manager we have fur ther 
developed a CSR framework with ambitious plans for the next 
three years. A detailed mapping and analysis of the Group’s 
carbon footprint together with that of its outsourced suppliers 
has provided the basis on which the Group has established an 
emissions reduction programme whilst also exploring multiple 
environmental par tnerships with suppliers and third par ties.

The Group has also conducted a wholesale review of its 
packaging. All our packaging is 100% recyclable and a propor tion 
of each glass bottle and aluminium can is made from recycled 
materials. The Group has never sold its products in plastic 
PET bottles. 

Alongside working within the reusable glass system in Germany, 
the Group is also engaged with the implementation of the 
Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland in 2022 and exploring ways 
to lobby an introduction of the scheme more widely in the UK. In 
addition, the Group now works with a number of local bottling 
par tners, including the recent onboarding of a bottling plant in 
California, which shor tens our route to market and reduces our 
carbon footprint.

IV. SOCIAL AND ETHICAL 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

The Group and components 
of its supply chain operate in 
cer tain international markets 
which may have inherent risks 
relating to enforcement of 
obligations, cultural differences, 
security of staff, lawful working 
conditions, fraud, briber y and 
corruption. 

There is increased focus on these 
issues from regulators, consumers 
and investors and any form of 
non-compliance in this area could 
have a significant negative impact 
on the brand as well as the Group’s 
operations.

The Group’s Social, Ethical and Environmental Policy is 
embedded into its relationships with all suppliers, distributors 
and par tners. This includes compliance with the terms of the ETI 
code, Briber y Act and Modern Slaver y Act. The Technical team 
conducts regular audits, site visits and traceability exercises on 
our suppliers to monitor compliance with these standards and 
identify potential issues. 

The Group has confidence in its long-standing relationships 
with trusted suppliers of its key ingredients, such as Pharmakina 
for its quinine. Any new supplier identified to source raw 
materials goes through a robust formal approval and audit 
process to ensure their standards and cer tifications match our 
expectations. 

KEY:

  Higher 

  Lower 

  No change 

50

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.com 
KEY MANAGEMENT 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

The loss from the Group of 
a member of the Executive 
management team could have an 
adverse effect on operations. 

The Group’s Remuneration Policy is designed to attract, retain 
and motivate key management and includes a long-term 
incentive scheme and performance-related pay.

The Group’s success is linked 
to the effor ts and abilities of 
key personnel and its ability 
to retain such personnel. 
The Executive management 
team, which includes one of 
the founders of the business, 
has significant experience in 
the industr y and has made an 
impor tant contribution to the 
Group’s growth and success. 

IT 

Description of risk

Impact of risk

Actions to mitigate risk

If the Group, or any of its significant 
stakeholders or par tners, were 
subject to a cyber attack or other 
issue impacting the ability for its IT 
systems to effectively operate, this 
could have a material adverse effect 
on the Group’s operations.

The Group uses information 
technology systems for the 
processing, transmission and 
storage of electronic data 
relating to its operations and 
financial repor ting. A significant 
por tion of communications 
among the Group’s personnel, 
customers and suppliers relies 
on the efficient performance of 
information technology systems. 
Owing to its outsourced model, 
the Group is also reliant on the 
proper functioning of IT systems 
at its major suppliers. 

The Group employs an IT manager who develops, tests and 
maintains the security of our IT infrastructure. The London 
network infrastructure is protected by a business-graded Cisco 
firewall running a real-time intrusion-prevention system. All 
laptops are protected by anti-virus software. Business critical 
hardware is locked in a secure comms room at the office, which 
is protected by an intruder alarm system and CCTV. London 
data is backed up remotely ever y night to a secure data centre 
and backup sets are encr ypted (AES-256) while in transit and 
at rest. 

The Group applies robust internal controls to mitigate the 
potential risk of cyber fraud, and tests these with workforce 
training on a periodic basis. The Group has engaged with 
key suppliers to better understand the robustness of their 
IT environments and risks associated with any planned 
maintenance on or changes to those environments. 

The Group also has Cyber and Crime insurance policies in 
place which mitigate its financial exposure to these risks and in 
2020 added a third-par ty extension for our suppliers, to fur ther 
mitigate the potential impact of this risk. 

This Strategic Repor t was approved on behalf of the Board  
on 17 March 2021.

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER
Chief Financial Officer

51

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   STRATEGIC REPORTStock code: FEVR  
 
GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 

Corporate Governance 
Statement 

Audit Committee Repor t 

Nomination Committee Repor t 

54

56

59

63

Remuneration Committee Repor t  64

Directors’ Repor t 

Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities 

77

79

  
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BILL RONALD (65)
Chairman

TIM WARRILLOW (46)
Co-founder and 
Chief Executive Officer

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER (41)
Chief Financial Officer

COLINE MCCONVILLE (56)
Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director

D

N

D

D

A

N

R

Bill Ronald has been the 
Chairman of the Group since 
the business listed in November 
2014. Bill has a sales and 
marketing background, having 
spent 23 years in a variety 
of roles at Mars, including 
Managing Director of the UK 
confectioner y operation. Since 
leaving Mars, he has been Chief 
Executive Officer of Uniq and 
has held Non-Executive roles in 
Bezier, Halfords, Alfesca, Dialight, 
the Compleat Food Group and 
Fox International.

Tim has a business management 
degree from Newcastle 
University, specialising in food 
marketing. During university 
he star ted his first business, 
a waitering agency. In 1998 
he joined a London-based 
adver tising and branding agency. 
Subsequently, he launched 
the Business Development 
Consultancy which included 
identifying oppor tunities in the 
premium food and drink sector. 
It was in this role that he made 
contact with Charles Rolls, 
which resulted in the formation 
of Fever-Tree.

Andrew joined the Group in 
September 2012 and joined 
the Board on 16 October 
2014. Andrew is a graduate of 
Cambridge University, where 
he studied natural sciences, and 
qualified as an ACA in 2007. 
He worked for a boutique firm 
specialising in star t-ups and fast-
growing businesses and prior to 
joining the Group was Head of 
Finance at the Design Council. 
Andrew joined the Group in the 
run-up to the investment in the 
Group by Lloyds Development 
Capital, and was appointed 
Finance Director in September 
2013.

Coline joined the Group as 
a Non-Executive Director 
on 7 November 2014 and is 
Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee. Coline studied 
law at the University of New 
South Wales and holds an MBA 
from Har vard (Baker Scholar). 
She has previously worked for 
McKinsey and for Clear Channel 
as CEO of the International 
division and was Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee 
at Inchcape plc for five years. 
Coline currently ser ves as a 
Non-Executive Director and 
Remuneration Committee Chair 
for both of 3i Group plc and 
Travis Perkins plc. She is also on 
the German Super visor y Board 
of TUI AG, since its merger 
with TUI Travel plc. Coline was 
Remuneration Committee Chair 
at TUI Travel plc for three years.

54

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comDOMENIC DE LORENZO (56)
Independent 
Non-Executive Director

KEVIN HAVELOCK (63)
Independent 
Non-Executive Director

JEFF POPKIN (56)
Independent 
Non-Executive Director

A

D

N

R

A

N

R

A

N

Domenic joined the Group as a 
Non-Executive Director on 17 
May 2018 and is Chair of the 
Audit Committee. Domenic is a 
qualified char tered accountant 
and brings with him a wealth 
of financial management 
experience, having spent 20 
years at SABMiller, the former 
FTSE 100 beverage company, 
focusing on strategy and 
corporate development before 
reaching the position of Chief 
Financial Officer. During his time 
at SABMiller he was involved 
with more than 100 global 
transactions, acquisitions and 
disposals, prior to its sale to 
ABInBev in 2016.

Jeff joined the Group as a 
Non-Executive Director on 11 
Januar y 2018. Jeff has significant 
experience across the Nor th 
American beverage industr y, 
gathered over almost 30 years, 
with par ticular exper tise in 
sales and distribution in the 
US. His experience spans the 
beer, spirits, premium non-
alcoholic carbonated soft drink 
and health & wellness beverage 
categories for a range of global 
brands. His leadership roles 
have included CEO of Red Bull 
Distribution, Nor th America 
and President of Vita Coco. Jeff 
is currently Nor th American 
CEO of Mast-Jägermeister.

Kevin joined the Group as a 
Non-Executive Director on 11 
Januar y 2018. Kevin has more 
than 25 years’ drinks industr y 
experience and was Global 
President of Refreshment at 
Unilever from 2011 until the 
end of 2017, responsible for 
the Group’s €10bn revenue 
global beverages and ice cream 
business. Kevin held a wealth 
of senior leadership positions 
for Unilever around the 
world, including Chairman for 
Unilever UK, Unilever France 
and Unilever Arabia as well 
as President, Unilever Nor th 
America. He was a Unilever 
Executive Committee member, 
sat on the Group’s Sustainability 
Board and was co-Chair of the 
Pepsi/Lipton tea joint venture. 
Kevin became a Trustee of 
the Eden Project in 2017 and 
a Non-Executive Director of 
Morrisons Plc in Februar y 2018. 
Kevin also sits on the Board 
of Ben and Jerr y’s and The All 
England Lawn Tennis Club and 
Championships.

KEY

A   Member of the Audit 

Committee

D   Member of the Disclosure 

Committee

N   Member of the Nomination 

Committee

R   Member of the 

Remuneration Committee

 Chair of Committee

55

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

AN INTRODUCTION FROM OUR 
CHAIRMAN
I am pleased to present this year’s 
Corporate Governance Repor t. The 
Board recognises the impor tant role a 
robust governance framework plays in 
the successful deliver y of our long-term 
strategy, par ticularly in times of uncer tainty 
such as during the COVID-19 pandemic in 
2020. Though the Company has not been 
immune to the challenges presented by 
COVID-19, the foundations of the business 
have proved resilient and the Board believes 
we have emerged from last year stronger. 

Although drafted with larger, main market 
listed companies in mind, the Company 
has adopted the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the “Code”). The 
Code is available to view on the Financial 
Repor ting Council’s website. The Company 
has complied with all of the provisions 
set out in the Code during the year, 
subject to the limited exceptions detailed 
and explained on page 58 (Chairman 
Independence – Provision 9) and page 64 
(Remuneration Chairman’s Statement – 
Provision 36). 

Charles Rolls stepped down from the 
Board following the Company’s 2020 AGM. 
As one of the co-founders of Fever-Tree, 
Charles’s entrepreneurial vision and passion 
have been integral to the success of the 
Company, and as a Board we are extremely 
grateful for his valued contributions. 
Otherwise, the Board’s composition in 2020 
remained unchanged. 

BILL RONALD
Chairman

LEADERSHIP
ROLE OF THE BOARD
The Board is responsible to the 
shareholders and sets the Group’s 
strategy for achieving long-term success in 
accordance with our purpose and values. 
The Board is also ultimately responsible 
for establishing the Group’s governance 
structure, the effectiveness of internal 
controls, risk management, and the direction 
of the Group in accordance with our 
purpose and values to help deliver our 
strategy. We look to provide the framework 
for our Group companies to follow these 
principles and provide guidance at Group 
level on measures to implement them. 

The day-to-day responsibilities for the 
running of each of our Group companies 
is delegated to the Executive and senior 
management. However, there are a 
number of matters where, because of their 
impor tance to the Group, it is considered 
appropriate to have enhanced oversight 
from the Board. The Board therefore has 
a documented formal schedule of matters 
reser ved for its approval, which is reviewed 
annually. This includes matters relating to:

 ƒ The Group’s strategic aims and 

objectives

 ƒ The structure and capital of the Group

 ƒ Financial repor ting, financial controls and 

dividend policy

 ƒ Internal controls, identification of 

emerging risks, management of existing 
risks and monitoring and assessing the 
Group’s risk appetite

 ƒ The approval of unusual and/or 

significant capital expenditures or 
disposals

 ƒ Effective communication with 

shareholders

 ƒ Any changes to Board membership or 

structure

The Board understands the impor tance 
of the Group’s governance framework 
to ensure it effectively challenges 
strategy, performance, responsibility and 
accountability to ensure that ever y decision 
we make is of the highest quality. All of 
its decisions are discussed within the 
context of the risks involved. Effective risk 
management is central to achieving our 
strategic objectives and fur ther details of 
the Group’s internal processes are set out 
on pages 46 to 51.

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
The Chairman is responsible for leadership 
of the Board and ensuring its effectiveness 
in all aspects of its role. The Chief Executive 
Officer is responsible for delivering the 
strategy and commercial objectives agreed 
by the Board. There is a clear division of 
responsibility between the Chairman and 
the CEO to ensure that there is a balance 
of power and authority between leadership 
of the Board and Executive leadership. This 
is in writing and has been approved by the 
Board.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND SID
The Chairman promotes a culture of 
openness and debate by facilitating the 
effective contribution of Non-Executive 
Directors, as well as maintaining good 
working relationships between all 
Directors, with Non-Executive Directors 
communicating directly with Executive 
Directors and senior management between 
formal Board meetings.

Coline McConville is the Senior 
Independent Director (SID). She provides 
a sounding board for the Chairman and 
ser ves as an intermediar y for the other 
Directors when necessar y. As the SID, 
Coline is available to shareholders, as may 
be appropriate in cer tain circumstances.

ROLE OF COMMITTEES
The Board has delegated specific 
responsibilities to the Audit, Remuneration, 
Nomination and Disclosure Committees, 
details of which are set out below. Each 
Committee has written terms of reference 
setting out its duties, authority and 
repor ting responsibilities. Copies of the 
terms of reference for each Committee are 
available on the Company’s website or on 
request from the Company Secretar y. The 
terms of reference of each Committee have 
been reviewed by the Board during the year 
and it is intended that these will be kept 
under continuous review to ensure they 
remain appropriate and reflect any changes 
in legislation, regulation or best practice. 
The Company Secretar y, John Finlay, is the 
secretar y of each Committee.

56

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comAUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is chaired by 
Domenic De Lorenzo and its other 
members during the year were Coline 
McConville, Kevin Havelock and Jeff Popkin. 
All members are fully independent. The 
Audit Committee has primar y responsibility 
for assisting the Board in the fulfilment of 
its obligations regarding the monitoring 
of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control system; 
reviewing the integrity of the Group’s 
interim and full-year financial statements 
and repor ting; and assessing the scope, 
resources, performance, effectiveness and 
independence of the external Auditors. 

It receives and reviews repor ts from 
the Group’s management and Auditor 
relating to the annual accounts and the 
accounting internal control systems in 
use throughout the Group. The Audit 
Committee meets at least twice a year 
and has unrestricted access to the Group’s 
Auditor. The Chairman, Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer attend 
the Committee meetings by invitation. In 
addition to its formal meeting schedule, 
the Audit Committee also holds a separate 
dedicated Risk day, to review the Risk 
Register, challenge mitigating actions and 
assess changes in risk profile, with deep 
dive presentations on cer tain key risks from 
relevant depar tments in the business. 

The Audit Committee Repor t on pages 59 
to 62 contains more detailed information 
on the Committee’s role.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee is chaired 
by Coline McConville. Its other members 
during the year were Kevin Havelock 
and Domenic De Lorenzo. Coline, Kevin 
and Domenic are fully independent. The 
Remuneration Committee reviews the 
performance of the Executive Directors and 
makes recommendations to the Board on 
matters relating to their remuneration and 
terms of employment. The Remuneration 
Committee also makes recommendations 
to the Board on proposals for the granting 
of share options and other equity incentives 
pursuant to any share option scheme or 
equity incentive scheme in operation from 
time to time. The remuneration and terms 
and conditions of appointment of the Non-
Executive Directors of the Group are set by 
the Board. The Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer are invited to attend 

for some par ts of the Committee meetings 
where their input is required although they 
do not take par t in any discussion on their 
own benefits and remuneration.

The Remuneration Committee Repor t on 
pages 64 to 76 contains more detailed 
information on the Committee’s role and 
the Directors’ remuneration and fees.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Nomination Committee is chaired by 
Bill Ronald. Its other members are Coline 
McConville, Kevin Havelock, Jeff Popkin 
and Domenic De Lorenzo. The Nomination 
Committee is responsible for reviewing 
the structure, size and composition 
(including the skills, knowledge, experience 
and diversity) of the Board and making 
recommendations to the Board with regard 
to any changes. 

The Nomination Committee Repor t on 
page 63 contains more detailed information 
on the Committee’s activity during the year.

DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE
In June 2020, we formed a new Disclosure 
Committee. The Disclosure Committee 
is chaired by Bill Ronald and its other 
members are Tim Warrillow, Andrew 
Branchflower and Domenic De Lorenzo. The 
Disclosure Committee suppor ts the Board 
in overseeing the Company’s compliance 
with its disclosure obligations, taking advice 
from internal and external advisers as 
appropriate. 

The Disclosure Committee is responsible 
for reviewing and approving the release 
of shareholder and/or regulator y 
announcements by Fever-Tree on an ad hoc 
basis, where such announcements have not 
been approved by the Board. Fur ther, the 
Committee has been established to keep 
disclosure procedures at the Company 
under periodic review. 

A copy of the Disclosure Committee’s 
terms of reference is available on the 
Company’s website or on request from the 
Company Secretar y.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Board meets regularly to help ensure it discharges its duties effectively. Non-Executive 
Directors communicate directly with Executive Directors and senior management between 
formal Board meetings. The Board has a schedule of regular business, financial and 
operational matters, and each Board Committee has compiled a schedule of work, to ensure 
that all areas for which the Board has responsibility are addressed and reviewed during the 
course of the year.

The Board held six scheduled Board meetings during the year and also met on shor t notice 
on five fur ther occasions to consider matters of a time-sensitive nature. Directors are 
expected to attend all relevant Board and Committee meetings. In addition, the Board held 
focused, dedicated strategy days in Februar y and September 2020 for in-depth reviews 
of Group strategy and budgets. The table below sets out attendance at all Board and 
Committee meetings held during the year to 31 December 2020. 

Name

Bill Ronald

Tim Warrillow

Andrew Branchflower

Domenic De Lorenzo*

Kevin Havelock**

Coline McConville***

Jeff Popkin****

Charles Rolls*****

Scheduled

Audit Remuneration Nomination Disclosure

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

2/2

N/A

N/A

N/A

3/3

2/3

2/3

3/3

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

5/5

5/5

5/5

N/A

N/A

2/2

N/A

N/A

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

N/A

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Short 
Notice

5/5

5/5

5/5

4/5

5/5

5/5

3/5

3/4

* Domenic De Lorenzo was unable to attend one shor t notice Board meeting owing to a prior commitment.
** Kevin Havelock was unable to attend one Audit Committee meeting owing to a technical issue.
*** Coline McConville was unable to attend one Audit Committee meeting due to travel commitments.
**** Jeff Popkin was unable to attend two shor t notice meetings owing to prior commitments.
***** Charles Rolls was unable to attend one shor t notice meeting owing to a prior commitment.

57

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRCORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

was then summarised by the Company 
Secretar y and shared with the Board for 
discussion. 

Overall, feedback from the evaluation 
was positive. The Board were unanimous 
in their belief that the atmosphere at 
meetings is suitably cohesive, suppor tive 
and challenging. The Board also praised 
improvements to the sharing of information 
and insight, both within the business and at 
Board level. Improving the diversity of the 
Board was identified as a priority for 2021, 
and fur ther detail of actions being taken 
to address this issue are detailed in the 
Nomination Committee repor t on page 63. 
The value of more informal sessions was 
highlighted as an area for improvement, and 
it was agreed that more of these would be 
added to the Board’s calendar of meetings. 
Lastly, the Board resolved to place fur ther 
emphasis on mid and long-term strategy 
when setting its agendas for the year. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of the 
Company will take place on 20 May 2021. 
The Notice of Annual General Meeting and 
the ordinar y and special resolutions are 
included at the end of this Annual Repor t 
and financial statements. In accordance with 
the Code, all Directors will be submitted for 
re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS
The Board continuously evaluates the 
balance of skills, experience, knowledge 
and independence of the Directors. It 
ensures that all new Directors receive a 
tailored induction programme and the 
Board scrutinises its performance through 
an annual effectiveness review. Profiles of 
the skills and experience of the Directors 
are included in their biographical details on 
pages 54 to 55. 

INDEPENDENCE
In light of his existing appointment as 
Chairman of the Group in June 2013 
prior to admission to AIM, Bill Ronald is 
not considered to be independent which 
is an area in which the Group is non-
compliant with the Code. However, Coline 
McConville, Kevin Havelock, Jeff Popkin and 
Domenic De Lorenzo are considered to be 
independent by the Board and therefore 
the Board satisfies the requirement of 
the Code of having a balanced Board and 
exceeds the requirement that at least half 
of the Directors, excluding the chairman, 
are independent.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD
The Nomination Committee leads the 
process for the appointment of new 
Directors to the Board. Page 63 sets 
out more detailed information on the 
Nomination Committee, its role and 
principal activities during the financial year. 

COMMITMENT
All Directors have been advised of the 
time required to fulfil the role prior 
to appointment and were asked to 
confirm that they can make the required 
commitment before they were appointed. 
This requirement is also included in their 
letters of appointment. The Board is 
satisfied that the Chairman and each of the 
Non-Executive Directors are able to devote 
sufficient time to the Group’s business.

In the appropriate circumstances, the 
Board may authorise Executive Directors 
to take Non-Executive positions in other 
companies and organisations, provided the 
time commitment does not conflict with 
the Director’s duties to the Company, since 
such appointments should broaden their 
experience. The acceptance of appointment 
to such positions is subject to the approval 
of the Chairman. Currently, the Executive 
Directors do not have any external 
appointments.

58

DEVELOPMENT
When new Directors join the Board, a 
formal, rigorous and transparent induction 
programme takes place, which is tailored to 
their existing knowledge and experience. 
New members are also introduced to 
senior employees and, as appropriate, 
external advisers. The Company Secretar y 
ensures that all Directors are kept abreast 
of changes in relevant legislation and 
regulations, with the assistance of the 
Company’s other professional advisers, 
where appropriate.

Executive Directors are subject to the 
Company’s performance development 
review process, through which their 
performance against predetermined 
objectives is reviewed by the Chairman and 
their personal and professional development 
needs considered. Non-Executive Directors 
are encouraged to raise any personal 
development or training needs with the 
Chairman or through the Board evaluation 
process.

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
The Chairman, aided by the Company 
Secretar y, is responsible for ensuring that 
the Directors receive accurate and timely 
information. The Company Secretar y 
compiles the Board and Committee papers 
which are circulated to Directors one 
week prior to meetings. The Company 
Secretar y also ensures that any feedback 
or suggestions for improvement on Board 
papers are fed back to management.

Directors have access to independent 
professional advice at the Company’s 
expense. In addition, they have access to 
the advice and ser vices of the Company 
Secretar y who is responsible for advice 
on corporate governance matters to the 
Board. The Company Secretar y provides 
minutes of each meeting and ever y Director 
is aware of the right to have any concerns 
minuted.

EVALUATION
Each year the Board carries out an 
evaluation process. Following an external 
evaluation last year, this year’s evaluation 
was conducted internally by way of an 
anonymous questionnaire and separate 
Chairman inter views. In addition, the Non-
Executive Directors meet informally, without 
the Chairman present, to evaluate his 
performance. Feedback from the evaluation 

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

DEAR SHAREHOLDER,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
present the Audit Committee Repor t for 
the year ending 31 December 2020. 

COVID-19 has had a significant impact 
on all our lives and its challenges have of 
course similarly impacted the Group and 
its stakeholders. Despite these challenges, 
the Group has responded well to the 
changing risk environment suppor ted by its 
established risk mitigation process and the 
effectiveness of the internal control system. 
As a result of the lockdown restrictions, 
the Group quickly introduced a number of 
initiatives to help mitigate the consequences 
to the business, including measures to 
protect the health, safety and wellbeing of 
its people and to ensure a focus on financial 
control and working capital management. It 
is clear that we live in a time of heightened 
risk and that there will be fur ther challenges 
to navigate (in par ticular the long-term 
implications of the pandemic and Brexit 
uncer tainty), but we are confident that 
the strategic and operational actions taken 
by management to date demonstrate an 
effective execution of the Group’s controls 
and risk management framework and has 
minimised the risks of the COVID-19 
pandemic to date. 

The Committee is ver y pleased to 
acknowledge the hard work, late hours 
and continued enthusiasm of the wider 
Fever-Tree family - employees, suppliers, 
par tners and customers - which focus has 
been fundamental to our success during 
these difficult times. We also wish to thank 
BDO for their continued work. They have 
successfully completed their work remotely 
ahead of publication of our results, have 
maintained the high standards required and 
ensured an effective process. 

The Committee met three times during the 
year and, at the invitation of the Committee, 
representatives of the external Auditors 
attended meetings, together with the 
Executive Directors and other members of 
the financial management team from time 
to time. There is regular engagement with 
BDO on issues relevant to the Committee, 
in order to ensure that their independent 
views, opinions and comments are reflected 
within the Committee’s deliberations 
and dealings. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee assists the Board 
in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. 
Its primar y objectives include providing 
effective governance of the Group’s 
financial controls, corporate and financial 
repor ting, the adequacy of related public 
discloses (including ensuring that its financial 
statements and announcements relating to 
its financial performance are fair, balanced 
and understandable); the Group’s systems of 
risk management and internal controls; and 
the performance and independence of the 
external Auditor. 

This repor t sets out how the Committee 
has discharged its responsibilities during 
the financial year and, in relation to the 
financial statements, the significant issues it 
considered.

DUTIES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The main responsibilities of the Audit 
Committee are set out in its Terms of 
Reference, which are available on the 
Group’s website (www.fever-tree.com) 
and are available on request from the 
Company Secretar y. The Committee’s terms 
of reference are reviewed annually. The 
Committee repor ts to the Board on its 
activities, identifying any key issues, including 
recommendations as to the steps to be 
taken and on how it has discharged its 
responsibilities. 

The main items of business conducted 
by the Audit Committee on behalf of the 
Board included:

FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE REPORTING
 ƒ Review and monitor of the integrity 

and adequacy of the Group’s financial 
statements, including its Annual and 
Interim Repor ts, trading statements, 
preliminar y and interim financial results 
announcements. 

 ƒ Consider and review the appropriateness 

of the Group’s accounting policies 
and review of any significant financial 
repor ting issues, estimates and 
judgements contained in the Group’s 
financial statements.

 ƒ Review the Annual and Interim Repor ts, 
and related financial announcements 
and advising the Board whether, taken 
as a whole, they are fair, balanced 
and understandable and provide the 
information necessar y for shareholders 
to assess the Group’s position, 
performance and prospects, together 
with its business model and strategy.

EFFECTIVENESS OF RISK MANAGEMENT 
AND INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
 ƒ Review and assess the effectiveness of 
the Group’s financial and non-financial 
control systems; and the processes in 
place to monitor these. 

 ƒ Review the Group’s assurance and risk 
management framework and providing 
oversight and input into the Group’s 
risk strategy, risk appetite and risk 
management mitigations.

 ƒ Review the appropriateness of the 

Group’s whistleblowing and anti-briber y 
procedures, including for the prevention 
of fraud and corruption, tax evasion, 
modern slaver y and briber y.

EXTERNAL AUDIT INDEPENDENC 
 AND EFFECTIVENESS 
 ƒ Assess the scope, resources, effectiveness 
and performance of the external Auditor. 

 ƒ Assess the external Auditor’s 

independence and objectivity and  
the effectiveness of the audit process, 
including the policy relating to the 
provision of non-audit ser vices.

VIABILITY STATEMENT AND 
GOING CONCERN
 ƒ Review of the Group’s prospects and 
viability over a three-year period to 
31 December 2023 and recommending 
the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the financial statements of 
the Group.

59

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR

FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE 
REPORTING 
In relation to the integrity of the   
full-year financial statements and interim 
and preliminar y repor ting, the Committee:

 ƒ Reviewed repor ts from management 
and from the external Auditor and 
discussed key matters, including 
the appropriateness and consistent 
application of accounting policies.

 ƒ Assessed the financial statements’ 

compliance with applicable accounting 
standards and statutor y and listing 
requirements.

 ƒ Reviewed the approach adopted to 
account for the acquisition of GDP 
and the robustness of any underlying 
estimates made in the valuation of the 
£8.0m intangible asset generated on 
acquisition.

 ƒ Focused on significant areas of 

accounting judgement and estimation 
made in the preparation of the financial 
statements, noting the key area of 
revenue recognition, specifically the 
classification of cer tain marketing 
and promotional-related expenses 
between overheads and as a net-off 
against revenue. 

 ƒ In addition, the Committee reviewed 
key judgement areas including stock 
and debtor valuation. Specific focus was 
applied to debtor recoverability and the 
methodologies applied by management 
to manage credit risk during lockdown 
periods whilst also providing suppor t 
to key customers. The level of bad debt 
provision was also reviewed during 
the year.

 ƒ Reviewed the adequacy and clarity of 
repor ting disclosures and compliance 
with applicable financial and other 
repor ting requirements.

Additionally, the Committee reviewed 
and discussed with management and the 
Board whether the Annual and Interim 
Repor t, taken as a whole, and the 
financial statements are fair, balanced and 
understandable and provide the information 
necessar y for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s position, performance and 
prospects, together with its business model 
and strategy. 

The Committee also reviewed the Group’s 
prospects and viability and recommended 
to the Board the adoption of the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
financial statements of the Group.

The Committee did not repor t on any 
major issues or raise any material concerns 
with regard to the above matters. 

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RISK 
MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL 
CONTROL SYSTEMS
The Board has delegated responsibility 
for the review of the adequacy and 
effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management framework and system of 
internal controls to the Audit Committee. 
As fur ther described on page 46, the 
Group has an established framework of risk 
management and internal control systems, 
policies and procedures. 

Despite the risks and unique challenges 
faced in 2020, we have been able to 
respond quickly and efficiently to the 
evolving risk environment and have 
deployed effective risk management 
processes across the Group. On this basis, 
the Board is satisfied that it has carried out 
a robust assessment of Fever-Tree’s principal 
and emerging risks. 

During the year, the Board twice reviewed 
the processes for identifying, evaluating 
and managing the principal and emerging 
business risks that the Group faces, 
including those that would threaten the 
Group’s business model, competitive 
position, reputation and future performance, 
including a detailed evaluation of key 
sustainability initiatives and related risks 
such as the potential impact of climate 
change on ingredient sourcing, and the 
impact of our operations and packaging 
formats on the environment. We have 
continued to develop our risk management 
processes, specifically within the context of 
COVID-19, so as to ensure that they remain 
relevant to the changing environment.

Our review included the discussion of a 
wide range of matters with management 
and BDO. This included an assessment of 
the Group’s principal and emerging risks and 
changes in the level of these risks during 
the year. The review included consideration 
of the potential impact and probability of 
such events or circumstances happening, 

alongside a review of the procedures in 
place to identify emerging risks.

The Group continues to review its system 
of financial and operating internal controls 
to ensure compliance with best practice and 
Code guidance, whilst also having regard 
to its size and the resources available. 
The Group notes that BDO obtained an 
understanding of our internal controls for 
the purposes of forming their audit opinion 
as set out on pages 82 to 87. No significant 
deficiencies in our internal controls were 
repor ted by the external Auditor and 
the Committee takes comfor t from the 
assurance this provides. 

Taking into account the current nature of 
operations and the experience and skill 
of the management team, the Committee 
believes that management is able to 
derive assurance as to the adequacy and 
effectiveness of internal controls and risk 
management procedures without the need 
for an Internal Audit function. This matter 
will continue to be actively reviewed by the 
Committee with the intention to begin the 
development of the Group’s Internal Audit 
function during 2021. 

The Audit Committee Chairman and 
other members of the Committee had a 
number of meetings with senior finance and 
operational management during the year 
to go through key risk management and 
internal control procedures in place. Areas 
of specific focus included: 

 ƒ Review of the budget and planning 

systems, together with monitoring and 
repor ting the performance of the Group 
to the Board. 

 ƒ Review of key systems and internal 
controls, including specific focus on 
Procure-to-pay and Order-to-cash cycles.

 ƒ Review of treasur y policy effectiveness 

and an update on tax compliance.

 ƒ Over view of the development of the 
Group-wide finance function, with 
specific focus on the US finance team.

 ƒ Detailed over view of the finance 

integration plan following the acquisition 
of GDP.

 ƒ Review of the bad debt provision and 

rationale for the level of credit insurance 
coverage held.

 ƒ Presentation on the Group’s approach 

and mitigating actions in preparation for 
a potential no-deal Brexit.

60

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.com ƒ Detailed presentation on approach 

to managing product liability risk and 
risks in relation to the sourcing of key 
ingredients; and

 ƒ Update on approach to year-end 
physical stock counts in locations 
under government restrictions, with 
eight locations and 74% of stock value 
physically counted.

These meetings are a standard par t of the 
Audit Committee process and no major 
issues were raised.

The Group has in place a whistleblowing 
policy which sets out the formal process 
by which an employee of the Group may, in 
confidence, raise concerns about possible 
improprieties in financial repor ting or other 
matters. Whistleblowing is a standing item 
on the Committee’s agenda, and updates 
are provided at each meeting. During the 
year, there were no major incidents for 
consideration. 

 The Audit Committee review of the 
effectiveness of the systems of internal 
control and risk management was based on 
the activities and engagements noted above. 
The objective of these systems is to manage, 
rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to 
achieve business objectives. Accordingly, 
they can only provide reasonable, but 
not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. The Committee 
repor ted to the Board on that basis. 

COVID-19
The implications of COVID-19 have been 
at the forefront of the risk management 
process throughout the year, and 
management has robustly considered and 
evaluated the risk to the Group’s people, 
business and operations and put in place 
mitigation wherever possible. While the 
Group faced challenges across the supply 
chain and with remote working, in the main 
the risk management process was effective, 
and we can repor t no significant breakdown 
in control or impact on the business.

A dedicated cross-depar tmental Committee 
was convened early in the crisis, and 
continues to meet weekly, actively 
monitoring the changing situation with 
regards COVID-19. This team is able to 
agree and rapidly deploy mitigating actions 
as and when developments occur.

Our IT systems are cloud-based and our 
teams globally made a smooth transition 
to remote working during the year with 

minimal changes required to our typical 
risk management processes and internal 
controls.

We continue to work ver y closely with our 
bottling and canning par tners across the 
UK, Europe and US as they have enacted 
their own business contingency plans. 
To date, our key bottlers and canners 
have operated through the crisis with 
segregated shift patterns and we have not 
suffered any notable disruption to supply. 
In addition, we have taken action to ensure 
our finished goods stock in the UK is held 
across separate locations within our logistics 
par tner’s estate, and in the USA, we hold 
stock across three locations on the West 
Coast, East Coast and in Texas.

Our operating model means we have 
a relatively well contained supply chain 
process with a limited number of well-
established suppliers which provides 
comfor t as to the security of our major 
sources of ingredients, raw materials and 
packaging.

Whilst cer tain ingredients cannot be 
held on site for long periods ahead of 
production, as a matter of course the Group 
holds contingency stock levels of all other 
key raw materials and we took steps early 
on in the crisis to increase these fur ther. We 
continue to retain elevated stockholdings. 

EXTERNAL AUDIT INDEPENDENCE AND 
EFFECTIVENESS 
The Committee considers a number 
of different elements in respect of its 
relationship with the external Auditor :

1.  The Group has a well-established policy 
on the independence of the external 
Auditor and management of the Group’s 
relationship with them, including the 
selection of Auditor to be proposed for 
appointment or reappointment and the 
terms of such engagement, audit scope 
and fees, the Auditor independence 
requirements and the policy on the 
provision of non-audit ser vices, the 
rotation of the audit team, and the 
conduct of the relationship between the 
Committee and the Auditor.

2.  The external Auditor prepares an audit 

plan for the full-year financial statements 
which sets out the scope of the audit, 
areas of significant risk of material 
misstatement and audit timetable. This 
plan is reviewed and agreed in advance 
by the Audit Committee. Following 

their review, the Auditor presents 
their findings to the Audit Committee 
for discussion. Areas of significant risk 
and other matters of audit relevance 
are regularly communicated to the 
Committee during the audit process. No 
major areas of concern were highlighted 
by the Auditor during the current 
financial year. The Committee met to 
consider the effectiveness of the external 
audit process and concluded that BDO 
continued to provide independent, 
objective and effective audit ser vices. 

3.  In relation to the provision of non-

audit ser vices, the Auditor is precluded 
from engaging in ser vices that would 
compromise its independence or 
violate any professional requirements or 
regulations affecting its appointment as 
Auditor. Any non-audit ser vices proposed 
to be provided by the external Auditor 
require justification as to why such 
appointment is in the best interests of 
the Group and how independence would 
be safeguarded, and above a cer tain de 
minimis fee level, require approval by 
the Committee. The ratio of fees for 
audit ser vices to non-audit ser vices for 
2020 was 11:1. The breakdown of the 
external Auditor’s fees between audit 
and non-audit ser vices as approved by 
the Committee is provided in note 5 
of the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements. The non-audit ser vice relates 
to administrative assistance with cer tain 
US tax filings for the Group.

4.  BDO was appointed as the Group’s 

Auditor on 22 August 2013, following 
a competitive tender process. BDO 
has confirmed to the Committee their 
continuing independence and compliance 
with the Group’s policy on Auditor 
independence. The external Auditor is 
required to rotate the lead audit par tner 
responsible for the audit engagement 
ever y five years, unless there are unusual 
extenuating circumstances. As par t of 
that process, as agreed with our external 
Auditor, Diane Campbell was appointed 
as the new lead audit par tner in 2018 
and this represented her third year as 
lead audit par tner. 

Following completion of the 2020 audit, 
which represents Diane Campbell’s third 
year as lead audit par tner, and BDO’s 
eighth year as the Group’s Auditor, the 
Audit Committee is performing a tender 
process for the 2021 audit. Whilst ahead of 
the Code requirement to tender ever y ten 

61

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRThe Board assumed a prudent worst-case 
COVID-19 scenario and separately applied 
two fur ther scenarios:

 ƒ A significant product recall and business 

interruption issue, impacting Tonic flavour 
sales for a six-month period in 2021 with 
associated one-off costs and a gradual 
recover y thereafter over the remainder 
of the period.

 ƒ A significant upweight in global 

competitor activity, impacting underlying 
YoY growth and requiring increased 
marketing investment.

Against these highly conser vative, prudent 
scenarios, and before considering the 
oppor tunity for mitigating actions such 
as reductions in variable operating 
expenditure, the forecasts for the period 
to December 2023 indicate that the Group 
would continue to hold significant cash 
balances. 

Based on this assessment, notwithstanding 
the high level of uncer tainty arising from 
the global spread of COVID-19 and Brexit, 
the Board has a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will continue to operate and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due during the 
period to 31 December 2023. 

DOMENIC DE LORENZO
Audit Committee Chairman

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the 
Group’s prospects and viability has also 
been separately considered by reforecasting 
and modelling various scenarios over a 
three-year period to 31 December 2023. 

The Group has a strong balance sheet, 
with no debt and a significant cash balance. 
Even though the Group is financially strong 
and has well-balanced revenue streams, 
it is clear that COVID-19 will continue 
to have an impact over at least the next 
12 months. The On-Trade channel, which 
typically makes up 45% of Group sales, has 
been severely challenged across many of 
our regions in 2020 and we expect these 
challenges to continue in the first half of 
2021 with the potential impact of longer-
term structural and behavioural impacts on 
that channel remaining uncer tain. 

Due to uncer tainty in relation to the length, 
breadth and depth of the potential impacts 
of COVID-19, the Group has modelled 
three separate scenarios, including a highly 
conser vative, prudent worst-case scenario. 
These scenarios consider sales performance 
across the On-Trade and Off-Trade channel 
for each of the Group’s four main regions: 
UK, US, Europe and RoW, and consider :

 ƒ A range of timelines for the easing 
of restrictions and reopening of the 
On-Trade, ranging from an assumed 
gradual recover y from H2 2021 
onwards, through to a scenario which 
assumes continued intermittent periods 
of restrictions and reopenings, as 
experienced in 2020, but increasing in 
severity over the full 2021-2023 three-
year period.

 ƒ The potential for inflationar y cost 

increases, alongside increased pricing 
pressure.

 ƒ Continued investment behind the brand 
and team, and, as such, no reductions 
to currently planned levels of staff 
costs, marketing investment and capital 
expenditure were assumed.

 ƒ Increased working capital and bad debt 

exposure.

years, we believe it is an appropriate point 
at which to conduct this exercise, par ticular 
in light of the strong growth that the Group 
has experienced in recent years. We have 
invited three firms to tender, including BDO, 
and we will be making a recommendation at 
the AGM on 20 May 2021. 

The Committee - with management - 
also regularly under takes a review of 
the effectiveness of the external Auditor, 
including matters such as the exper tise and 
technical knowledge of the external audit 
and the scope, deliver y and execution of 
the audit plan. After the conclusion of the 
2019 audit, the Committee evaluated the 
performance of BDO and concluded that 
the external audit process in 2019 had been 
effective. 

VIABILITY STATEMENT 
As required by the Code, the Board has 
assessed the Group’s prospects and viability 
over a three-year period to 31 December 
2023. A three-year assessment period 
was selected as it corresponds with the 
Board’s normal strategic planning horizon 
as well as the time period over which 
senior management are remunerated via 
long-term incentive plans. The three-year 
period balances the long-term nature of 
investments in the beverages industr y with 
an assessment of the viability of the key 
drivers of near-term business performance 
as well as external factors impacting our 
business. 

In making this assessment, the Board took 
account of the Group’s current financial 
position, annual budget, three-year plan, 
forecasts and sensitivity testing on the 
performance of the business over the 
medium term. The Board also considered 
a number of other factors, including the 
Group’s operational business model, its 
risk management and internal control 
effectiveness and whether the principal 
risks and uncer tainties, alone or combined, 
would be likely to impact the Group’s 
viability during the three-year period under 
consideration. The Board also considered 
the potential impact of the UK’s exit from 
the European Union from Januar y 2021 on 
the Group’s viability and was satisfied on 
account of the Group’s outsourced bottling 
network and mitigating actions taken in 
respect of potential shor t-term supply chain 
disruption, that there was no requirement 
to consider this within the various scenarios 
modelled.

62

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comNOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
present the Nomination Committee repor t 
of the Company for the year ended 31 
December 2020.

The Nomination Committee is responsible 
for reviewing the structure, size and 
composition (including the skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity) of the Board and 
making recommendations to the Board with 
regard to any changes.

MEMBERS OF THE NOMINATION 
COMMITTEE
During the year, the Committee consisted of 
Bill Ronald, Kevin Havelock, Jeff Popkin and 
Coline McConville. All but Bill Ronald are 
fully independent. Although only members 
of the Committee have the right to attend 
meetings, other individuals, such as other 
Board members and external advisers, may 
be invited to attend for all or par t of any 
meeting.

DUTIES
The Committee’s principal duties are to:

 ƒ monitor the structure, size and 

composition (including the skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity) of 
the Board and make recommendations 
to the Board with regard to any changes;

 ƒ give full consideration to succession 

planning for Directors and other senior 
Executives in the course of its work, 
taking into account the challenges and 
oppor tunities facing the Company, and 
the skills and exper tise needed on the 
Board in the future;

 ƒ keep under review the leadership needs 
of the organisation, both Executive 
and Non-Executive, with a view to 
ensuring the continued ability of the 
organisation to compete effectively in 
the marketplace; and

 ƒ keep up to date and fully informed about 
strategic issues and commercial changes 
affecting the Company and the market in 
which it operates.

The Committee’s full Terms of Reference 
are available on our website. They were last 
reviewed on 11 December 2020.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE
The Nomination Committee met formally 
twice during 2020 with all representatives 
present and also on an ad hoc basis when 
required.

BOARD EVALUATION
During the year we carried out an internal 
evaluation of the Board, its Committees and 
individual Directors, which reflected that the 
Board is functioning well. Fur ther details of 
the Board evaluation process and outcomes 
in 2020 are set out in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on pages 56 to 58.

DIVERSITY
As a Board we believe we have an 
excellent mix of talent, experience, industr y 
exper tise, regional knowledge, character, 
judgement and diversity of background 
which has produced a strong chemistr y and 
an environment that is both appropriately 
challenging and suppor tive. Charles Rolls’ 
depar ture has also improved the Board’s 
independence profile. In many ways, I 
believe the Board is functioning as well as it 
ever has over our six years of life as a public 
company. Never theless, we must and will 
continue to improve and evolve along with 
the business. 

One clear area of focus shall be to improve 
our Board diversity. We recognise the value 
of increased diversity at Board level in 
achieving our strategic objectives and in 
driving innovation and growth. Whilst Board 
appointments will continue to be based 
on merit and relevant skill, the Directors 
appreciate that contrasting backgrounds, 
experience and opinion can promote more 
balanced and nuanced debate and lead to 
improved decisions. With regard to gender 
diversity, the Directors are mindful that 
as at the date of this Repor t the Board 
currently comprises just 14% female 
representation, and the need to redress 
the current gender imbalance. To that end, 
at the end of 2020 we initiated a process 
to identify a new Board member, with long 
and shor t lists focused on finding candidates 
who will improve the Board’s diversity. 

Steps have also been taken, in consultation 
with the Group’s Chief People Officer, 
to identify and develop a pipeline of 

diverse and high calibre candidates from 
within the existing workforce to take on 
additional roles which equate to Board-
level experience. The Group promotes 
the impor tance of diversity and adopts an 
Equal Oppor tunities Policy which aims to 
develop and sustain a diverse and inclusive 
workforce, including with regards to gender, 
age, exper tise, nationality, sexual orientation, 
experience and otherwise.

SUCCESSION PLANNING 
Ensuring that there are robust succession 
plans in place at Board and senior 
management level is fundamental to the 
long-term prospects of the business. 
The Committee conducted a review of 
its succession plans during the year. This 
involved an evaluation of its external 
recruitment consultants, and confirmation 
they have no connection to the Group. 

The Board recognises that effective 
succession planning also requires a thorough 
induction programme upon joining the 
Board. Work has been conducted to 
improve this process for all incoming Board 
members, whilst recognising too that each 
induction programme will also need to 
be tailored to the specific needs of the 
individual. 

NOMINATION COMMITTEE IN 2021
The Committee is scheduled to meet at 
least twice in 2021. The Committee will 
continue to review the balance of skills 
and diversity of the Board. The Board shall 
also be conducting an internally facilitated 
evaluation of its effectiveness with suppor t 
from the Company Secretar y with a view 
to providing a constructive agenda for 
continued improvements. 

BILL RONALD 
Nomination Committee Chairman

63

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to 
present the 2020 Directors’ Remuneration 
Repor t, which sets out the remuneration 
paid to the Directors in 2020 and the 
implementation of our remuneration 
policy for 2021. Fever-Tree is listed on 
the Alternative Investment Market and 
therefore provides these remuneration 
disclosures on a voluntar y basis. As such, 
the char ts and tables included here are 
unaudited, but, in general, our disclosures 
have been prepared in accordance with the 
remuneration repor ting regulations for main 
market listed companies.

Although not immune to the ongoing 
challenges presented by the COVID-19 
pandemic, Fever-Tree’s flexible, outsourced 
business model remained resilient 
during 2020 and continued payment of a 
progressive dividend reflects the financial 
strength and strong cash generation of 
the business. Throughout the pandemic 
our priority has been on the wellbeing of 
the Fever-Tree team who are integral to 
our continuing success. Consequently, we 
have not furloughed any team members 
nor taken any other forms of suppor t or 
relief. We have also continued to invest 
in both marketing and our team (through 
promotion and development of key talent 
as well as the recruitment of new people) 
to suppor t and underpin the future growth 
of the business. The Board is confident 
that continuing to invest in our people 
and our brand will position us strongly as 
we emerge from the current period of 
uncer tainty and will enable us to capitalise 
on future growth oppor tunities. 

ANNUAL AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE 
PAYOUTS BASED ON PERFORMANCE: 
APPROPRIATE 2020 BONUS EARNED, 
BUT 2018 LTIPS LAPSE
For the year under review, annual bonuses 
were based 75% on turnover and 25% on 
adjusted EBITDA (hereafter referred to 
as EBITDA throughout this Remuneration 
Committee Repor t). The performance 
targets were set to be stretching in the 
context of the external environment, 
rewarding Fever-Tree’s ability to adapt and 
respond to the challenges presented while 
also ensuring the maximum payout would 
only be achieved if exceptional performance 
was delivered. During 2020, strong sales 

and strategic progress in the Off-Trade and 
e-commerce channels across Fever-Tree’s 
regions helped to mitigate the impact of 
widespread restrictions in the hospitality 
sector during the year. In the UK, Off-Trade 
sales increased by c.20% compared to prior 
year, and continued investment resulted 
in an uplift in household penetration 
and Fever-Tree finishing the year as the 
clear market leader with a value share of 
40%. Global performance was even more 
encouraging – revenues in the US were 
up 23% and in our RoW region revenue 
rose by 58% compared to 2019. Reflective 
of this performance, in 2020, we delivered 
overall revenues of £252.1m and EBITDA of 
£57.0m, which resulted in a bonus outcome 
of 82% of maximum. 

The 2018 LTIP awards are due to vest in 
May 2021 following the completion of the 
three-year performance period to the end 
of 2020. These awards were based 75% on 
turnover and 25% on EBITDA. The targets 
were set in 2018 to be exceptionally 
stretching, reflecting our ambitious 
growth strategy. Despite strong financial 
performance over the last three years, the 
impact of the current external environment 
on performance for 2020 meant that 
performance targets were not met and 
therefore these awards will lapse entirely.

When considering LTIP award levels for 
2020, the Committee was mindful of the 
Company’s share price performance and 
considered whether a reduction in award 
levels was appropriate. Following careful 
consideration, the LTIP awards for 2020 
were prudently reduced from 300% of 
salar y to 250% of salar y to guard against 
the potential for ‘windfall gains’ from the 
LTIP. LTIPs are also used throughout our 
senior management and all colleagues have 
the oppor tunity to earn an annual bonus.

REMUNERATION ARRANGEMENTS  
FOR 2021: PAY RISE/PENSION IN 
LINE WITH WORKFORCE, NEW NON-
FINANCIAL ELEMENT WITHIN THE 
ANNUAL BONUS AND ADDITIONAL LTIP 
ELEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
During 2019, 2020 and early 2021, the 
Committee has been reviewing its approach 
to Executive remuneration to ensure it 
continues to appropriately incentivise 
the deliver y of the Company’s long-

term strategy. Following this review, the 
Committee is proposing to make some 
changes to the Executive remuneration 
framework. 

Since Fever-Tree’s admission to AIM in 
November 2014, under the leadership 
of our current Executive Directors, the 
Company’s share price has increased by 
over 1,000%. The brand has cemented 
its market-leading position in the UK and 
is now focused on driving international 
growth to access significant new value – 
creating oppor tunities. Fever-Tree is growing 
market share in the US and Europe as well 
as fur ther afield, in Canada and Australia 
where we are increasingly becoming a 
high-profile brand. The Board continues to 
believe that our Executive Directors are 
critical to driving this expansion and the 
Company’s long-term success.

Since IPO, our Executive remuneration 
arrangements have been designed to 
be clear and simple while suppor ting 
our ambitious expansion strategy. Our 
remuneration is structured slightly 
differently from typical UK market practice, 
with lower base salaries but higher long-
term incentive oppor tunities, ensuring 
Executives are rewarded for operational 
performance and aligned with value 
creation. We believe that this reward 
philosophy remains appropriate for now as 
we commence the next phase of Fever-
Tree’s growth journey.

To enhance alignment between 
remuneration arrangements and our 
ambitious international growth strategy, 
the Committee is proposing to evolve 
our long-term incentive arrangement by 
introducing an additional three-year element 
of the LTIP award focused on the deliver y 
of specific objectives which are critical to 
achieving Fever-Tree’s long-term strategic 
ambitions. Under this additional par t of the 
LTIP, annual awards levels will be 150% of 
salar y for both Executive Directors. This is 
in addition to the existing ‘core’ LTIP award, 
which has a maximum annual oppor tunity 
of 300% of salar y. For 2021, vesting of this 
new par t of the LTIP award will be subject 
to stretching international revenue targets 
measured over three years. This provides 
a strong focus on the development and 
growth of the international business and 
will ensure appropriate investment and 
innovation in the relevant markets in 
order to continue to build on the positive 

64

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comthe shareholder experience as well as the 
experience of other stakeholders, including 
employees, and the Company context when 
reviewing performance outcomes under 
shor t and long-term incentives, as well as 
when reviewing salar y and benefits. 

LTIPs are also used throughout our senior 
management and all colleagues have the 
oppor tunity to earn an annual bonus, 
ensuring that all colleagues have the 
oppor tunity to share in the success of 
Fever-Tree.

CLOSING REMARKS
Fever-Tree continues to be a fast-growing 
business with a highly entrepreneurial 
and performance-oriented culture. The 
Committee aims to continue to foster 
and encourage this culture, recognising 
that aspects of our remuneration policy 
and practice will need to evolve and 
adapt as we grow. This is the four th year 
that the Committee has voluntarily put 
the Directors’ Remuneration Repor t to 
a shareholder advisor y vote, reflecting 
shareholders’ expectations in this area and 
the Remuneration Committee’s desire to 
be open and transparent. I ver y much look 
forward to your suppor t and I am happy 
to answer any questions you may have 
regarding our remuneration philosophy and 
arrangements.

COLINE MCCONVILLE
Remuneration Committee Chairman

momentum seen to date and to accelerate 
growth into the future. The existing ‘core’ 
LTIP award will continue to be based 75% 
on revenue performance and 25% on 
EBITDA performance. It was impor tant to 
our Executive Directors and the Committee 
that any additional incentive be based on 
operational performance rather than be 
purely share-price based. Taking shareholder 
feedback into account, the stretching 
revenue, EBITDA and international revenue 
performance targets for the LTIP will be 
disclosed within one year of award (i.e. 
the targets for the 2021 awards will be 
disclosed in the 2021 DRR published in 
early 2022).

It is intended that this new arrangement 
will operate for the next three years, 
(vesting of the third additional award will 
be in 2026), reflecting the period over 
which the Company expects to see a step 
change in international performance. The 
Committee intends to review the operation 
of remuneration policy following the end 
of this three-year period to ensure that 
our policy – including the balance of fixed 
and variable pay – appropriately reflects 
the business’ maturity as well as its size and 
complexity at that time.

The annual bonus will continue to operate 
with a maximum oppor tunity of 150% 
of salar y. For 2021, the Committee is 
proposing to introduce a new strategic 
non-financial measure into the annual 
bonus framework based on environmental 
sustainability measures. The annual bonus 
for 2021 will therefore be based 60% on 
revenue, 20% on EBITDA and 20% on 
environmental sustainability measures. 
The Committee will set a scorecard of 
measures linked to criteria aligned to the 
Company’s strategic sustainability branches 
fur ther detailed in our Sustainability Review 
on page 29. These shall include stretching 
targets for 2021 relating to carbon footprint 
and the Group’s commitment towards 
conser vation causes. Pension provision 
and pay review for Executive Directors 
remained in line with our colleagues, 
including a 2% base salar y increase for 2021.

The Committee consulted extensively with 
shareholders on these arrangements, and 
I am grateful to all those who par ticipated 
for their thoughtful and helpful input. All 
feedback received during this process was 
taken into account when finalising the 
remuneration policy and its implementation 
for 2021.The Committee actively considers 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY
This section of the repor t sets out the remuneration policy for Executive Directors and outlines how this policy will be implemented for 2021. 

Fever-Tree remains an innovative, rapidly growing and dynamic business. Our remuneration arrangements are designed to be clear and 
simple while suppor ting our ambitious growth strategy and are therefore structured slightly differently from typical UK market practice, with 
lower base salaries but higher long-term incentive oppor tunities. This ensures Executives are rewarded for operational performance and 
aligned with value creation. Overall, the Committee considers the remuneration package competitive and in line with other companies of a 
similar size and complexity while being appropriate in the context of our approach to remuneration throughout the organisation. Maximum 
incentive awards are capped and incentive targets are set to be stretching while not encouraging excessive risk-taking. 

As noted in the Chair’s Statement and outlined in the table below, Fever-Tree has evolved its approach to Executive remuneration for 2021 
to ensure that it continues to appropriately incentivise the deliver y of the Company’s long-term expansion strategy and reward in a way that 
is commensurate with the value delivered to shareholders. In a substantial depar ture to practice to date, taking into account feedback from 
shareholders, LTIP targets will now be disclosed within one year of award, rather than at vesting. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POLICY TABLE

Implemenation of 
Remuneration Policy  
for 2021

Base salaries will be 
increased by 2% with effect 
from 1 Januar y 2021 to:

CEO - £401,490
CFO - £258,123

These increases are in line 
with the increases across the 
wider workforce.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Company and individual 
performance are 
considered when setting 
Executive Director base 
salaries

There is no maximum 
salar y increase. The 
Committee retains 
discretion to make 
appropriate adjustments 
to salar y levels to ensure 
they remain appropriate 
in the context of the 
size and scope of the 
role and the size and 
complexity of the 
business. 

Reviewed on an annual 
basis, with any increases 
normally taking effect 
from 1 Januar y.

Payable in cash.

The Committee reviews 
base salaries with 
reference to:

 ƒ the size and scope of 
the individual’s roles; 

 ƒ the individual’s 

performance and 
experience;

 ƒ business performance 
and the external 
economic 
environment;

 ƒ market practice at 
other companies of 
a similar size and 
complexity; and

 ƒ salar y increases across 

the Group.

Element (purpose 
and link to strategy)

Base salary

To reflect size and 
scope of the role 
and individual’s 
performance and 
contribution.

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 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comOperation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Not performance 
related.

Implemenation of 
Remuneration Policy  
for 2021

Maximum pension 
contribution or cash 
allowance for 2021 is 7% of 
salar y.

Element (purpose 
and link to strategy)

Pension

To provide a market- 
competitive pension.

Benefits

To provide market-
competitive benefits.

Annual bonus

To incentivise the 
deliver y of annual 
financial performance 
and the achievement 
of strategic business 
priorities, thus 
delivering value to 
shareholders.

As previously disclosed, 
a pension allowance 
was introduced from 
1 Januar y 2019 for 
Executive Directors.   
This pension allowance 
was initially 5% of salar y 
and will increase by 1% 
of salar y per annum up 
to a maximum of 10% 
of salar y. This approach 
is in line with the policy 
for other employees in 
the Company. Maximum 
pension contribution or 
cash allowance for 2021 
is 7% of salar y.

Benefits var y by role and 
individual circumstances; 
eligibility and cost are 
reviewed periodically.

The Committee 
determines the 
maximum bonus 
oppor tunity each year to 
ensure that the overall 
remuneration package 
remains competitive.

25% of the maximum 
annual bonus 
oppor tunity will be 
paid at Threshold 
performance, 50% at 
Target performance 
and 100% at Maximum 
performance, with 
straight-line vesting 
between each.

Executive Directors may 
par ticipate in the Group 
pension scheme.

Salar y is the only element 
of remuneration that is 
pensionable.

Benefits may include car 
allowance and private 
health insurance. 

Other benefits may 
be introduced as 
appropriate and include 
relocation and other 
expatriate benefits.

Performance is measured 
on an annual basis for 
each financial year.

Performance measures 
are reviewed prior to 
the star t of the year 
to ensure they remain 
appropriate and align 
with the business strategy. 
Stretching targets are set.

At the end of the 
year the Committee 
determines the extent 
to which these were 
achieved.

Awards are paid in cash.

Clawback (of any bonus 
paid) provisions apply 
(see below).

Not performance 
related.

No changes. The only benefit 
currently provided is private 
health insurance.

Performance measures 
are selected, and their 
respective weightings 
may var y from year 
to year, depending on 
financial and strategic 
priorities. Measures 
may include personal 
performance objectives 
provided no less than 
75% of the annual bonus 
is based on financial 
measures.

The Committee has 
discretion to adjust 
the formulaic bonus 
outcomes both upwards 
(within the policy 
limits) and downwards 
to ensure alignment of 
pay with the underlying 
performance of the 
business over the 
financial year.

There is no change in the 
annual bonus maximum 
oppor tunity for 2021, which 
remains at 150% of salar y 
for all Executive Directors.

For 2021, the bonus will 
incorporate an additional 
strategic measure to 
suppor t the next phase of 
the strategy. Performance 
measures for 2021 are 
therefore:

 ƒ 60% on turnover

 ƒ 20% on EBITDA

 ƒ 20% on Environmental 
sustainability measure, 
including measures 
relating to carbon 
footprint and the Group’s 
commitment towards 
conser vation causes.

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Element (purpose 
and link to strategy)

LTIP

To drive sustained 
long-term 
performance that 
suppor ts the creation 
of shareholder value.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Vesting of LTIP awards 
is subject to Company 
performance and 
continued employment.

The Committee has 
discretion to adjust the 
formulaic LTIP outcomes 
both upwards (within 
the policy limits) and 
downwards to ensure 
alignment of pay with the 
underlying performance 
of the business over the 
performance period.

Annual awards of shares 
or nil-cost options may be 
made to par ticipants. 

Award levels and 
performance conditions 
are reviewed before each 
award cycle to ensure they 
remain appropriate.

Awards made under 
the LTIP will have a 
performance period of 
at least three years and a 
minimum vesting period of 
three years. 

Dividend equivalents may 
accrue on LTIP awards and 
are paid on those shares 
which vest.

Malus (of any unvested 
LTIP) and clawback (of any 
vested LTIP) provisions 
apply (see below).

The “core” LTIP provides 
for annual awards of 
up to 300% of salar y 
for Executive Directors. 
The additional element 
of the LTIP provides for 
annual awards of up to 
150% of salar y for the 
Executive Directors. The 
Committee reser ves 
the right to review the 
maximum oppor tunity to 
ensure that the overall 
remuneration package 
remains competitive.

Under each measure, 
Threshold performance 
will result in 25% of 
maximum vesting for 
that element, rising on a 
straight line to full vesting 
for achieving Stretch 
performance.

Implemenation of 
Remuneration Policy  
for 2021

There is no change in the 
existing “core” LTIP for 2021. 
Maximum annual oppor tunity 
remains at 300% of salar y 
for all Executive Directors, 
and vesting is subject to 
the following performance 
measures: 

 ƒ 75% on turnover
 ƒ 25% on EBITDA
An additional three-year 
element of the LTIP award 
to be introduced focused 
on the deliver y of specific 
objectives, which are critical 
to achieving Fever-Tree’s 
long-term strategic ambitions. 
This new par t of the LTIP 
award will have a maximum 
annual oppor tunity of 150% 
of salar y, and, for 2021, vesting 
will be subject to stretching 
international revenue growth 
targets. All LTIP targets will 
now be disclosed within one 
year of award, rather than at 
vesting, i.e. the targets for 2021 
will be disclosed in the 2021 
DRR published in early 2022.

NOTES TO THE POLICY TABLE
MALUS AND CLAWBACK
Malus and clawback provisions may be applied in the following circumstances:

 ƒ material misstatement of results;
 ƒ an act or omission by the par ticipants which would enable the Company to summarily dismiss him or her ;
 ƒ an error in assessing the performance conditions;
 ƒ serious reputational damage to the Company or any other Group Company (2019 awards onwards); 
 ƒ material corporate failure in the Company or any other Group Company (2019 awards onwards).
 ƒ any other instance where the Remuneration Committee regards it appropriate.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES 
For 2021, the annual bonus and the “core” LTIP award will continue to be based primarily on turnover and EBITDA as these are considered by the 
Board to be the two most impor tant key performance indicators for Fever-Tree, and are well aligned with Fever-Tree’s shor t and long-term strategy. 
Fever-Tree operates in a segment which is attractive to new entrants and it is therefore critical to drive market penetration and consequent revenue 
growth as fast as possible. The Committee is mindful of shareholder guidance around the same performance measures being used in both the annual 
bonus plan and the LTIP; however, for the reasons outlined, the Committee considers that this approach remains appropriate especially with the addition 
of a strategic measure to the annual bonus.

For 2021, Fever-Tree is proposing to introduce new measures into the performance framework focused on the delivery of specific objectives which are 
critical to achieving Fever-Tree’s long-term strategic ambitions. In addition to turnover and EBITDA, the annual bonus will also be subject to 20% strategic 
measures, which for 2021 will be based on environmental sustainability measures relating to carbon footprint and the Group’s commitment towards 
conservation causes. The new par t of the LTIP award, which is in addition to the “core” award, will be subject to stretching international revenue targets, 
providing a strong focus on the development and growth of the international business. When considering performance outcomes under the LTIP, the 
Committee will explicitly consider the spread of revenue generated across the business, including revenue generated in both the UK and the USA, and will 
determine, looking at performance across both the “core” LTIP and the new LTIP, whether outcomes are reflective of the overall shareholder experience.

Targets applying to the annual bonus and LTIP awards are reviewed annually, based on internal and external reference points, and are set to be stretching 
but achievable with regard to the par ticular strategic priorities in a given year. 

Annual bonus targets are considered commercially sensitive and will be disclosed one year after the end of the performance period. Taking shareholder 
feedback into account, we are now committed to disclosing our stretching LTIP targets within one year of grant rather than at vesting.

68

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSHAREHOLDING GUIDELINES
The Committee continues to recognise the impor tance of Executive Directors aligning their interests with shareholders through building up 
significant shareholdings in the Company. Our shareholding guidelines require Executive Directors to acquire a holding equivalent to 200% 
of base salar y within five years of joining the Company. Until the relevant shareholding levels are acquired, vested but unexercised awards 
are included in shareholding guidelines on a net of tax basis. Details of the Executive Directors’ current personal shareholdings are provided 
in the Annual Repor t on Remuneration and are substantially in excess of the requirement.

The Committee has considered whether it would be appropriate to introduce an additional LTIP holding period and post-employment  
and/or shareholding guidelines. It is considered that the current leaver provisions under the LTIP along with the significant shareholdings in 
the business of both Executive Directors ensure the continued alignment of the interests of our Executive Directors and our shareholders 
post-cessation of employment. However, the Committee is mindful of evolving shareholder expectations and will keep its approach in this 
area under review. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POLICY TABLE
Details of the policy on fees paid to our Non-Executive Directors and how this policy will be implemented for 2021 are set out in the table below:

Element (purpose and 
link to strategy)

Fees

To attract and retain 
Non-Executive Directors 
of the highest calibre 
with broad commercial 
and other experience 
relevant to the Company.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

There is no maximum 
fee increase. 

Not performance 
related.

It is expected that 
increases to Non-
Executive Director fee 
levels will be in line 
with salaried employees 
over the life of the 
policy. However, in the 
event that there is a 
material misalignment 
with the market or a 
change in the complexity, 
responsibility or time 
commitment required 
to fulfil a Non-Executive 
Director role, the 
Board has discretion to 
make an appropriate 
adjustment to the fee 
level.

The Chair and Non-
Executive Directors 
receive a basic fee for 
their respective roles. 

Additional fees may 
be payable to Non- 
Executive Directors 
for additional ser vices 
such as acting as Senior 
Independent Director 
or as Chair of any of the 
Board’s Committees, etc.

Fee levels are reviewed 
from time to time 
against similar roles at 
comparable companies, 
taking into account 
time commitment and 
responsibility of the role, 
with any adjustments 
normally effective 1 
Januar y in the year 
following review.

The fees paid to the 
Chair are determined by 
the Committee, whilst 
the fees of the Non-
Executive Directors are 
determined by the Chair, 
CEO and CFO.

Implemenation of 
Renumeration Policy 
for 2021

Following consideration 
of the Chair’s role at 
Fever-Tree and a review 
of market data, the 
Committee agreed to 
increase the Chair’s 
fee from £140,000 to 
£160,000 with effect 
from 1 Januar y 2021. 
A fur ther increase to 
£175,000 will apply with 
effect from 1 Januar y 
2022. The Committee 
believes that such 
increases are warranted, 
taking into account the 
size and complexity of 
the business and scope 
of the role. 

The Non-Executive 
Director fees were 
increased from £52,000 
to £55,000 with effect 
from 1 Januar y 2021. In 
addition, the additional 
fee for the Senior 
Independent Director 
was increased from 
£5,000 to £7,000 with 
effect from 1 Januar y 
2021. Additional fees for 
Chairs of the Board’s 
Audit and Remuneration 
Committees remain 
unchanged. 

The Chairman and Non-
Executive Director fees 
were last increased on 
1 Januar y 2019.

69

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PAY SCENARIO CHARTS
The char ts below provide estimates of the potential future reward oppor tunity for the two current Executive Directors based on remuneration 
arrangements for Executive Directors in 2021 as described in the policy table. The potential is split between the different elements of 
remuneration under four different performance scenarios: ‘Minimum’, ‘On Target’, ‘Maximum’ and ‘Maximum (including share price growth)’.

£4,000K

£3,500K

£3,000K

£2,500K

£2,000K

£1,500K

£1,000K

£500K

£431k

£0K

MINIMUM

CEO

£3,743k

CFO

£2,840k

£1,184k

£2,407k

£1,826k

SHARE
PRICE
GROWTH
LTIP

ANNUAL 
BONUS

FIXED PAY

£762k

£278k

TARGET MAXIMUM

MAXIMUM
(INCLUDING SHARE
PRICE GROWTH)

MINIMUM TARGET MAXIMUM

MAXIMUM
(INCLUDING SHARE
PRICE GROWTH)

In illustrating potential reward oppor tunities, the following assumptions have been made:

‘Minimum’

‘On-target’

‘Maximum’

‘Maximum (including 
share price growth)’

Component

Base salary  
(from 1 January 2021)

Pension  
(from 1 January 2021)

Other benefits

Annual bonus

No bonus payable

LTIP*

No LTIP vesting

CEO – £401,490
CFO – £258,123

7% of base salary

£1,500 (based on disclosed single figure for 2020)

Target bonus
(50% of maximum)

Threshold vesting
(25% of maximum)

Maximum bonus

Maximum vesting
(assuming a ”core” LTIP award 
of 300% of salary and an 
additional part of the LTIP of 
150% of salary) 

Maximum vesting
(plus 50% share price growth 
over the performance period)

*  It should be noted that LTIP awards granted in a year normally vest on the third anniversar y of the date of grant. The projected value of LTIP amounts excludes the 

impact of any dividends over the vesting period

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION
In the case of appointing a new Executive Director, the Committee may make use of any or all of the existing components of remuneration, 
as described in the Policy table.

In determining appropriate remuneration for a new Executive Director, the Committee will take into consideration all relevant factors 
(including quantum, nature of remuneration and the jurisdiction from which the candidate was recruited) to ensure that the pay 
arrangements are in the best interests of Fever-Tree and its shareholders. The Committee may consider it appropriate to grant an award 
under a structure not included in the Policy, for example to buy out incentive arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In 
doing so, the Committee will consider all relevant factors, including the form of awards, expected value and vesting timeframe of forfeited 
oppor tunities. When determining any such “buyout”, the guiding principle is that awards would generally be on a “like-for-like” basis unless 
this is considered by the Committee not to be practical or appropriate.

70

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSERVICE CONTRACTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Executive Directors signed new ser vice contracts with the Company on admission to AIM. These are not of fixed duration and are 
terminable by either par ty giving 12 months’ written notice.

Executive Director

Tim Warrillow

Andy Branchflower

Date of service contract

3 November 2014

3 November 2014

Executive Directors’ contracts may be terminated early by making a payment in lieu of notice. Any payments in lieu of notice will normally 
be based on base salar y only but may also include pension and benefits.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Non-Executive Directors signed letters of appointment with the Company for the provision of Non-Executive Directors’ ser vices, which 
may be terminated by either par ty giving one month’s written notice. The Non-Executive Directors’ fees are determined by the Board. 

Non-Executive Director

Initial agreement date

Expiry date of current agreement

Bill Ronald

Coline McConville

Kevin Havelock

Jeff Popkin

Domenic De Lorenzo 

16 October 2014

16 October 2014

11 January 2018

11 January 2018

17 May 2018

15 October 2023

15 October 2023

11 January 2024

11 January 2024

17 May 2024

EXIT PAYMENT POLICY
In the event that an Executive Director leaves, LTIP awards will normally lapse, unless the individual is considered a ‘good leaver’. ‘Good 
leavers’ retain an interest in LTIP awards, which are normally prorated for time based on the propor tion of the vesting period ser ved 
and performance is tested at the end of the relevant three-year performance period. An individual would normally be considered a ‘good 
leaver’ if they leave for reasons of death, ill-health, injur y, redundancy, retirement with the agreement of the Company, or such event as the 
Remuneration Committee determines.

Similarly, in respect of the annual bonus, if an Executive Director leaves, they would normally lose any entitlement for bonus, unless a ‘good 
leaver’. ‘Good leavers’ retain an interest in the bonus and the award is normally prorated for time and performance.

CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE COMPANY
Fever-Tree remains in many ways a small company, with around 250 employees globally, with the US market accounting for much of the 
recent growth in employee numbers. The Committee considers the range of base pay increases across the Company when determining 
the base salar y increases for Executives. The Committee envisages that the US remuneration context will increasingly play a role when 
considering pay elsewhere in the Group.

The Remuneration Committee does not consult with employees over the effectiveness and appropriateness of this remuneration policy and 
framework; however, Remuneration Committee members are also Board members and therefore receive updates from the Executives on 
their discussions and consultations with the wider employee population, and senior colleagues present to the Board on a regular basis. The 
Board normally makes at least one operational visit during the year, but this was sadly not possible during 2020.

During the year, the Board received a detailed update on our people strategy, including our approach to remuneration throughout the 
company and in the different jurisdictions in which we operate.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, Kevin Havelock was appointed, in 2018, as the Company’s designated Non-Executive 
Director who is responsible for engaging with employees and ensuring that the employee voice is represented in the boardroom. During 
2020, he attended employee group meetings and engaged with employees. Feedback received through these channels was fed into Board 
discussions. For fur ther details on workforce engagement activities please see page 42.

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CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS
The Committee is committed to ongoing dialogue with shareholders and welcomes feedback on Directors’ remuneration. When reviewing 
Executive remuneration arrangements in 2020 and early 2021, the Remuneration Committee engaged with shareholders, initially via a few 
informal conversations on the proposed direction of travel before a more comprehensive consultation exercise. All views received during 
this process were taken into account when finalising the remuneration policy and its implementation for 2021. The Committee will continue 
to monitor trends and developments in corporate governance and market practice to ensure the structure of Executive remuneration 
at Fever-Tree remains appropriate in the context of both the Company’s growth and the governance environment. The Committee will 
continue to regularly engage with shareholders.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
The following section provides details of how Fever-Tree’s remuneration policy was implemented during the financial year ending 
31 December 2020.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES IN 2019
The Remuneration Committee’s members at 31 December 2020 were Coline McConville, who is the Chair of the Committee, Kevin 
Havelock and Domenic De Lorenzo. All members of the Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors. Bill Ronald, Company Chair, 
is also invited to attend meetings.

The Committee operates under the Group’s agreed Terms of Reference which sets out its duties, including reviewing all senior Executive 
appointments and determining the Group’s policy in respect of the terms of employment, including remuneration packages of Executive 
Directors. 

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the Company’s website (www.fever-tree.com) and on request from the Company 
Secretar y. The Remuneration Committee met formally five times during 2020 and also on an ad hoc basis when required.

Remuneration Committee activities during the year were as follows:

 ƒ Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Repor t for 2019

 ƒ Review and development of Executive Director remuneration arrangements

 ƒ Consultation with shareholders regarding the Executive remuneration arrangements for 2021

 ƒ Review and approval of the Executive Directors’ performance against 2019 annual objectives

 ƒ Determination of performance targets for the Executive Directors’ annual bonus for 2020 

 ƒ Determination of performance targets for the 2020 LTIP grant

 ƒ Review of developments in corporate governance and best practice

 ƒ Review of remuneration arrangements and policies for senior management and the wider Group

ADVISERS
During the year, the Committee sought internal suppor t from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who attended 
Committee meetings by invitation from the Chair, to advise on specific questions raised by the Committee and on matters relating to the 
performance and remuneration of senior managers. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chair were not present for any 
discussions that related directly to their own remuneration.

The Committee has appointed Deloitte to provide independent advice on Executive remuneration matters. Deloitte is a signator y to the 
Code of Conduct for Remuneration Consultants in the UK. The fees paid to Deloitte in relation to advice provided to the Committee for 
2020 were £70,600. The Committee evaluates the suppor t provided by Deloitte annually and is comfor table that they do not have any 
connections with Fever-Tree that may impair their independence. No non-remuneration related advice was provided by Deloitte to the 
Group in the year.

72

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Executive Director for the year ended 31 December 
2020 and the prior year :

Basic salary/fees 
(£k)

Taxable benefits
(£k)

Pension 
(£k)

Annual bonus 
(£k)

LTIP 
(£k)

Total 
(£k)

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

20201

20192

2020

2019

Executive Directors

Tim Warrillow 

Andrew Branchflower

Non-Executive 
Directors

Bill Ronald

Coline McConville

Kevin Havelock

Jeff Popkin

Domenic De Lorenzo

Charles Rolls3

394

253

386

248

140

140

67

52

52

62

48

67

52

52

62

112

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

24

15

–

–

–

–

–

23

15

484

311

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

962

495

904

581

1,373

760

–

–

–

–

–

140

140

67

52

52

62

48

67

52

52

62

112

1 LTIP awards granted in 2018 vest on 8 May 2021 based on performance to 2020. Performance targets were not met and awards will therefore lapse in full.

2  LTIP awards granted in 2017 vested on 16 May 2020 based on performance to 2019. Performance targets were met and the award vested in full. The value of these 
awards were incorrectly disclosed in last year’s repor t, at £2,479k and £1,077k for Tim Warrillow and Andrew Branchflower, respectively. Instead, in last year’s repor t, 
awards should have been valued at £1,158k and £595k, based on a three-month average share price for the period 1 October 2019 to 31 December 2019 of 2,073p. 
In this year’s repor t, the award values have been restated to £962k and £495k based on the actual share price on the date of vest of 1,723p. Between grant and vest 
the share price increased from 1,566.53p to 1,723p, which equated to an increase in value of each vesting share equivalent to 156.47p. The propor tion of the value 
disclosed in the single figure attributable to share price growth is therefore 9%. The Remuneration Committee did not exercise discretion in respect of the share price 
appreciation.

3 Charles Rolls stepped down from his position as Non-Executive Deputy Chairman on 4 June 2020. Remuneration is shown to this date. 

INCENTIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
ANNUAL BONUS IN RESPECT OF 2020 PERFORMANCE
The maximum annual bonus award for 2020 was 150% of salar y for Tim Warrillow and Andrew Branchflower. Performance was measured 
based 75% on turnover and 25% on EBITDA. The performance targets were set to be stretching in the context of the external environment, 
rewarding Fever-Tree’s ability to adapt and respond to the challenges presented while also ensuring the maximum payout would only be 
achieved if exceptional performance was delivered. 

Overall, strong sales and strategic progress in the Off-Trade and e-commerce channels across Fever-Tree’s regions helped to mitigate the 
impact of widespread restrictions in the hospitality sector during the year. In the UK, Off-Trade sales increased by c.20% compared to prior 
year, and continued investment resulted in an uplift in household penetration and Fever-Tree finishing the year as the clear market leader 
with a value share of 40%. Global performance was even more encouraging – revenues in the US were up 23% and in Australia and Canada 
revenues rose by 58% compared to 2019. Reflective of this performance, in 2020, we delivered overall revenues of £252.1m and EBITDA of 
£57.0m, which resulted in a bonus outcome of 82% of maximum. 

Fever-Tree has grown rapidly since its establishment and our strategic focus is on continuing to drive rapid expansion to cement our 
market-leading position. Our market is highly competitive, and the Committee strongly believes that the targets set for our incentive 
arrangements could provide market intelligence to our competitors which could be damaging to our business and therefore ultimately to 
shareholders. Consequently, we have not disclosed our annual bonus targets for 2020, but we plan to do so next year, provided the Board is 
comfor table that this information is no longer commercially sensitive.

Last year, we committed to disclose within this repor t the annual bonus targets for 2019, unless the Board considered that these targets 
continue to be commercially sensitive. In keeping with this commitment, we have provided these performance targets below. These targets 
were not met and no annual bonus was therefore paid in respect of 2019. 

73

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

ANNUAL BONUS TARGETS FOR 2019

Turnover

EBITDA

Weighting

75%

25%

Threshold
25% payout

Target
50% payout

Maximum
100% payout

Actual 
performance 
achieved for 2019

£267.5m

£85.4m

£281.6m

£89.9m

£309.8m

£98.9m

£260.5m

£77m

Payout

0%

0%

LTIP VESTING IN RESPECT OF 2020 PERFORMANCE
LTIP awards granted in 2018 vest on 8 May 2021 based on performance to 2020. These awards were based 75% on turnover and 25% 
on EBITDA. The targets were set in 2018 to be exceptionally stretching, reflect our ambitious growth strategy. Despite strong financial 
performance over the last three years, the impact of the current external environment on performance for 2020 meant that performance 
targets were not met and therefore these awards will lapse in full.

PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR THE 2018 LTIP AWARD

Turnover

EBITDA

Total

Weighting

75%

25%

Target
25% vesting

Maximum
100% payout

Performance 
achieved

Portion vesting

£255.2m

£75.4m

£326m

£97.6m

£252.1m

£57.1m

0%

0%

0%

SCHEME INTERESTS AWARDED IN 2020
2020 LTIP
When considering LTIP award levels for 2020, the Committee was mindful of the Company’s share price performance and considered 
whether a reduction in award levels was appropriate. Following careful consideration, the LTIP awards for 2020 were reduced from 300% 
of salar y to 250% of salar y for both Tim Warrillow and Andrew Branchflower to guard against the potential for ‘windfall gains’ from the LTIP. 
The Committee will also consider the value of the award at vesting to ensure that it appropriately reflects the experience of shareholders 
and other stakeholders over the vesting period.

The awards will vest on the third anniversar y of the date of grant, 20 May 2023. The performance condition is based 75% on turnover and 
25% on EBITDA. The three-year performance period began on 1 Januar y 2020 and will end on 31 December 2022.

Executive Director

Tim Warrillow

Date of grant

Face value1

20 May 2020

68,561 shares (£984k)

Andrew Branchflower

20 May 2020

44,079 shares (£633k)

31 December 2022

End of  
performance period

Performance measures

75% on turnover
25% on EBITDA
(25% vests for threshold performance, increasing on a 
straight line to full vesting for stretch performance)

1 Face value based on the average ordinar y share price in the Company for the two months immediately preceding the date of grant of 1,435.29p

LTIP performance targets for the above awards were set, taking into account internal and external reference points, to be stretching but 
achievable with regard to our strategic priorities and the economic environment. 

Fever-Tree has grown rapidly since its establishment and our strategic focus is on continuing to drive rapid expansion to cement and grow 
our market-leading positions and to develop new markets. Our markets are highly competitive, and the Committee strongly believes that 
the targets set for our incentive arrangements could provide market intelligence to our competitors which could be damaging to our 
business and therefore ultimately to shareholders. Consequently, we have not disclosed our 2020 LTIP targets. However, taking into account 
shareholder feedback, performance targets will be disclosed next year, i.e. within one year of grant. This is a change in approach, given 
previously targets were only disclosed on vesting.

EXIT PAYMENTS MADE IN THE YEAR
There were no payments for loss of office in the year.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS
There were no payments to past Directors in the year.

74

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comPAY FOR PERFORMANCE
The following char t compares the total shareholder return performance (TSR) of the Group vs. the FTSE 250 and AIM 100 indices since 
IPO. The AIM 100 index has been chosen as this is the index of which the Company is a constituent. The FTSE 250 has been chosen as it 
includes other companies of comparable market capitalisation to Fever-Tree.

£1,900

£1,600

£1,400

£1,200

£1,000

£800

£600

£400

£200

£0

01/11/2014

01/03/2015

01/07/2015

01/11/2015

01/03/2016

01/07/2016

01/11/2016

01/03/2017

01/07/2017

01/11/2017

01/03/2018

01/07/2018

01/11/2018

01/03/2019

01/07/2019

01/11/2019

01/03/2020

01/07/2020

01/11/2020

FEVER-TREE
FTSE 250
AIM 100

The char t shows the value by 31 December 2020 of £100 invested in Fever-Tree on 7 November 2014 compared with the value of £100 
invested in the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE AIM 100 Index on the same date.

The table below shows the CEO’s single figure pay since 2014 and what percentage of the maximum bonus and LTIP vesting was achieved 
each year.

CEO single figure (£000)

Annual bonus payout (% of maximum)

LTIP vesting (% of maximum)

2014
£000

487

100%

–

2015
£000

460

100%

–

2016
£000

725

100%

–

2017
£000

842

100%

–

2018
£000

 4,098

100%

100%

2019
£000

1,373

0%

100%

2020
£000

904

81%

0%

1 The CEO single figure for 2018 includes the value of the 2016 LTIP award. This award, which vested in full, had a value of £3,176k given 
share price growth of over 300% between the date of grant and date of vest.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDING
The table below shows the shareholding of each Director against their respective shareholding requirement as at 31 December 2020:

Director

Tim Warrillow

Andrew Branchflower

Bill Ronald

Coline McConville

Kevin Havelock

Jeff Popkin

Dom De Lorenzo

Shares held 

Ordinary 
shares at  
31 December
2020

Vested but 
not exercised

Unvested and 
subject to 
performance

 Vested  
but not 
exercised

 Options held

Unvested 
and subject 
to continued 
employment

Options 
exercised

 Shareholding 
req.  
(% salary)

Req. met?

5,460,172

141,488

400,000

11,406

85,117

12,033

3,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

147,828

90,748

171,155

78,821

200%

200%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Yes

Yes

–

–

–

–

–

75

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES AND OPTIONS
The individual interests of the Executive Directors under the Group’s share option schemes are as follows:

Tim Warrillow

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

Andrew Branchflower

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

Date of  
grant

Share 
price

Exercise 
price

20/05/20

08/05/19

08/05/18

1,435.29p1

2,950.10p1

2,754.42p1

20/05/20

08/05/19

1,435.29p1

2,950.10p1

 08/05/18

 2,754.42p1

0.25p

0.25p

0.25p

0.25p

0.25p

0.25p

Number 
of shares/
options
Awarded

68,561

39,240

40,027

44,079

25,226

Face value 
at grant

Performance
period

Release 
date

£984,049

01/01/2020 – 31/12/2022

£1,157,619

01/01/2019 –31/12/2021

£1,102,500

01/01/2018 –31/12/2020

£632,661

01/01/2020 – 31/12/2022

£744,192

01/01/2019 –31/12/2021

20/05/23

08/05/22

08/05/21

20/05/23

08/05/22

 21,443

 £590,625

01/01/2018 –31/12/2020

 08/05/21

1 Based on the average mid-market price of an ordinar y share in the Company for the two months immediately preceding the date of grant

76

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comDIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their repor t together 
with the audited financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2020. The 
Corporate Governance Statement on pages 
56 to 58 also forms par t of this Directors’ 
Repor t.

DIVIDENDS
The Board is pleased to recommend a final 
dividend of 10.27 pence per share, bringing 
the total dividend for 2020 to 15.68 pence 
per share (2019: 15.08 pence per share).

DIRECTORS
The Directors of the Company during the 
period and to the date of this repor t are as 
follows:

WDG Ronald

TDG Warrillow

AJ Branchflower

CL McConville

KJ Havelock

J Popkin

D De Lorenzo

The names of the Directors, along with 
their brief biographical details, are given on 
pages 54 to 55.

CT Rolls was also a Director of the 
Company for the period through to 4 June 
2020.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
The Directors’ interests in the Company’s 
shares and options over ordinar y shares 
are shown in the Remuneration Repor t on 
pages 75 to 76.

No Director has any beneficial interest 
in the share capital of any subsidiar y or 
associate under taking.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY PROVISIONS
As permitted by the Ar ticles of Association, 
the Directors have the benefit of an 
indemnity which is a qualifying third par ty 
indemnity provision as defined by s236 of 
the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity 
was in force throughout the financial period 
and at the date of approval of the financial 
statements. The Group also purchased and 
maintained throughout the financial period 
Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance in 
respect of itself and its Directors.

POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Group made no political donations in 
the financial period.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO 
AUDITOR
As far as the Directors are aware, there 
is no relevant audit information (that is, 
information needed by the Group’s Auditor 
in connection with preparing their Repor t) 
of which the Group’s Auditor is unaware, 
and each Director has taken all reasonable 
steps that he ought to have taken as a 
Director in order to make himself aware 
of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group’s Auditor is aware 
of that information.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The financial risk management objectives of 
the Group, including credit risk, interest rate 
risk and currency risk, are provided in note 
3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
on pages 97 to 101.

SUBSIDIARIES
The Company has ten subsidiaries; a complete 
list is provided at note 14 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements on page 109.

SHARE CAPITAL STRUCTURE
At 31 December 2020, the Company’s 
issued share capital was £291,296 divided 
into 116,518,420 ordinar y shares of 0.25p 
each. Fur ther details of the Company’s 
issued share capital are given in note 21 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements on 
page 112. 

The Company’s ordinar y shares rank 
pari passu in all respects with each other, 
including for voting purposes and for all 
dividends. Each share carries the right 
to one vote at general meetings of the 
Company. Fur ther information on the voting 
and other rights of shareholders, including 
deadlines for exercising voting rights, 
are set out in the Company’s Ar ticles of 
Association and in the explanator y notes 
that accompany the Notice of the Annual 
General Meeting, which are available on the 
Company’s website (www.fever-tree.com). 

RESTRICTION ON SHARES
The Company’s ordinar y shares are freely 
transferable and there are no restrictions on 
the size of a holding. Transfers of shares are 
governed by the provisions of the Ar ticles 
of Association and prevailing legislation. 
The ordinar y shares are not redeemable; 
however, the Company may purchase any 
of the ordinar y shares, subject to prevailing 
legislation and the requirements of the 
Listing Rules. 

The Directors are not aware of any 
agreements between holders of the 
Company’s shares that may result in the 
restriction of the transfer of securities or 
on voting rights. No shareholder holds 
securities carr ying any special rights or 
control over the Company’s share capital. 

AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE OWN 
SHARES
The Company was authorised by 
shareholder resolution at the 2020 Annual 
General Meeting to purchase up to 10% 
of its issued share capital. No shares were 
purchased by the Company during the year. 

SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS
As of 31 December 2020, the Company is 
aware of the following holdings of significant 
shareholders in the Company (as defined in 
the AIM Rules). 

Name

Holding

%

Lindsell Train Investment 
Mgt

Morgan Stanley

Majedie Asset Mgt

Charles Rolls

Tim Warrillow

Fundsmith

Invesco

7,136,258

7,049,690

6,865,625

5,965,928

5,460,172

5,336,216

4,813,814

6.12

6.05

5.89

5.12

4.70

4.58

4.13

SHARE OPTION SCHEMES
Details of employee share schemes are set 
out in note 22 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

77

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRDIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT OF 
DIRECTORS
The Board may from time to time appoint 
one or more additional Directors so long 
as the total number of Directors does not 
exceed the limit prescribed in the Ar ticles 
of Association. 

GOING CONCERN
After making enquiries, including modelling 
a number of scenarios in relation to 
the potential impact of COVID-19, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group and parent company 
have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial 
statements. For this reason, they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the financial statements. Fur ther details 
of the assessment of going concern can 
be found in note 1 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements and the Viability 
Statement on page 62.

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT
The Directors believe that the annual 
repor t and financial statements, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessar y for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s position 
and performance, business model and 
strategy.

The Directors have carried out a robust 
assessment of the Group’s emerging and 
principal risks and the disclosures in the 
annual repor t that describe the principal 
risks and the procedures in place to identify 
emerging risks and explain how they are 
being managed or mitigated.

AUDIT TENDER
The Company has under taken a tender 
process for its external audit ser vices for 
the year ended 31 December 2021. Tender 
documents were issued in November 
2020. The audit firms will deliver their 
final presentations in late March 2021. 
The resolution proposing appointing 
the Company’s auditor is detailed in the 
Company’s AGM notice included at the 
end of this Annual Repor t and financial 
statements. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 
20 May 2021.

The ordinar y business comprises receipt of 
the Directors’ Repor t and audited financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 
2020, the re-election of Directors, the 
appointment of the Company’s Auditor and 
authorisation of the Directors to determine 
the Auditor’s remuneration.

The Company Notice of Annual General 
Meeting and the ordinar y and special 
resolutions to be put to the meeting are 
included at the end of this Annual Repor t 
and financial statements.

APPROVAL
This Directors’ Repor t was approved by the 
Board and was signed on its behalf on 17 
March 2021.

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER
Chief Financial Officer

78

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comSTATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for 
keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Group and 
Company and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Group and Company and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other 
irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring 
the annual repor t and the financial 
statements are made available on a website. 
Financial statements are published on 
the Company’s website in accordance 
with legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements, which may var y 
from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
The maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website is the responsibility of 
the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility 
also extends to the ongoing integrity of the 
financial statements contained therein.

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Repor t and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare financial statements for each 
financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have elected to prepare the Group’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements in 
accordance with international accounting 
standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, 
and the Company Financial Statements 
in accordance with FRS 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework”. Under company law 
the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Group and Company and 
of the profit or loss of the Group for that 
period. The Directors are also required to 
prepare financial statements in accordance 
with the rules of the London Stock 
Exchange for companies trading securities 
on the Alternative Investment Market.

In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:

 ƒ Select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

 ƒ Make judgements and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable and 
prudent;

 ƒ State whether they have been prepared 

in accordance with international 
accounting standards in conformity with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006, subject to any material depar tures 
disclosed and explained in the financial 
statements; and

 ƒ Prepare the financial statements on 
a going-concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 
Company will continue in business.

79

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /   GOVERNANCEStock code: FEVRFINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Repor t 

82

Consolidated Statement of  
Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 

Company Statement of 
Financial Position 

Company Statement 
of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company 
Financial Statements 

88

89

90

 91

92

118 

119

120

 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FEVERTREE DRINKS PLC

OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
In our opinion:

 ƒ the financial statements give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2020 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended;

 ƒ the Group financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with 
International Accounting Standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006;

 ƒ the Parent Company financial statements 

have been properly prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; 
and

 ƒ the financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 
2006.

We have audited the financial statements 
of Fever tree Drinks plc (“the Parent 
Company”) and its subsidiaries (“the 
Group”) for the year ended 31 December 
2020 which comprise the Consolidated 
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other 
Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, the 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in 
Equity, the Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows, the Company Statement of 
Financial Position, the Company Statement 
of Changes in Equity and notes to the 
financial statements, including a summar y of 
significant accounting policies. 

The financial repor ting framework that 
has been applied in the preparation of the 
Group financial statements is applicable law 
and international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006. The financial repor ting 
framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Parent Company financial 
statements is applicable law and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, including 
Financial Repor ting Standard 101 Reduced 
Disclosure Framework (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

BASIS FOR OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance 
with International Standards on Auditing 
(UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards 
are fur ther described in the Auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our repor t. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion. 

INDEPENDENCE
We remain independent of the Group and 
the Parent Company in accordance with 
the ethical requirements that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial statements in 
the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard 
as applied to listed entities, and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. 

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING 
CONCERN 
In auditing the financial statements, we 
have concluded that the Directors’ use of 
the going concern basis of accounting in 
the preparation of the financial statements 
is appropriate. Our evaluation of the 
Directors’ assessment of the Group and 
the Parent Company’s ability to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
included:

 ƒ Management’s assessment of going 

concern: we obtained an understanding 
of the process under taken by 
management to prepare the going 
concern assessment and how the impacts 
of COVID-19 and Brexit on the business 
had been evaluated and incorporated 
into the forecasts.

 ƒ Assessment of assumptions within the 
cash flow forecasts: we challenged the 
assumptions used in the forecasts, in 
par ticular the sales growth rates, gross 
margins and cash flows generated from 
operations against actuals achieved in 
recent financial years. We considered 
the Group’s assessment of the impact of 
COVID-19 and Brexit with reference to 
current year and post year-end financial 
results. 

 ƒ We tested the numerical accuracy of the 
model used to prepare the forecasts.

 ƒ Cash balances: we agreed a significant 
amount of the Group cash balances 
to post year end bank statements and 
compared these to the amounts included 
in the forecast.

 ƒ Sensitivity analysis: evaluation of 

sensitivities over the Group’s cash flows 
to changes in the significant inputs 
and assumptions used. The analysis 
considered reasonably possible adverse 
effects that could arise as a result of 
a decrease in sales or slower than 
predicted recover y from COVID-19 in 
the On-Trade business. 

 ƒ Post year end trading performance: 

comparison of the post year end trading 
results to the forecasts so as to evaluate 
the accuracy and achievability of the 
forecasts prepared.

 ƒ Disclosures: evaluation of the adequacy 
of the disclosures (note 1) in relation 
to the specific risks posed and scenarios 
the Group has considered in reaching its 
going concern assessment.

Based on the work we have performed, 
we have not identified any material 
uncer tainties relating to events or 
conditions that, individually or collectively, 
may cast significant doubt on the Group’s 
or Parent Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern for a period of at least 12 
months from when the financial statements 
are authorised for issue. 

In relation to the Parent Company’s 
repor ting on how it has applied the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, we have 
nothing material to add or draw attention 
to in relation to the Directors’ statement 
in the financial statements about whether 
the Directors considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities 
of the Directors with respect to going 
concern are described in the relevant 
sections of this repor t.

82

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comOVERVIEW

Coverage

Key audit matters

108% (2019: 100%) of Group profit before tax
96% (2019: 100%) of Group revenue
94% (2019: 100%) of Group total assets

Revenue recognition - 
customer arrangements

2020

4

2019

4

Materiality

Group financial statements as a whole

£3.3m (2019: £3.6m) based on 5% of the average Profit before tax over the last three-year period  
(2019: 5% of Profit before tax)

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including the Group’s system of internal 
control, and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. We also addressed the risk of management override 
of internal controls, including assessing whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors that may have represented a risk of material 
misstatement.

A full scope audit was completed by the group audit team in respect of three significant components accounting for 96% of the revenue, 
108% of the profit before tax, and 94% of total assets of the Group. There were two non-significant components identified, where the group 
audit team performed specific procedures over material balances.

KEY AUDIT MATTERS
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of 
the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified, 
including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the effor ts 
of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming 
our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

83

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVRINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FEVERTREE DRINKS PLC CONTINUED

Key audit matter

Revenue recognition 
- customer 
arrangements (Note 1)

The Group agrees promotional sales-
related discount arrangements with 
cer tain distributors and customers and, 
for some agreements, also contributes 
towards marketing and campaign 
expenditure to suppor t and develop the 
Fever-Tree brand. 

The accounting for these arrangements is 
complex and judgemental. This gives rise 
to scope for error in the measurement, 
recognition and presentation of these 
promotional sales discounts and 
contributions as either a reduction in 
revenue or as marketing expenditure 
within administrative expenses. 

Fur thermore, as these amounts are 
material and revenue is a key performance 
indicator, we consider there to be a risk 
of management override. Management 
could manipulate repor ted revenue and 
results through incomplete recording 
of the discounts and contributions or 
through presentation as administrative 
expenses rather than a deduction against 
revenue. 

We therefore identified this to be an area 
of focus for our audit.

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

Our audit procedures included the following:

 ƒ We reviewed a sample of contracts and discussed 

arrangements in place with management to obtain an 
understanding of the more significant arrangements with 
overseas distributors. We considered the accounting for 
these customer arrangements in the context of relevant 
accounting standards. 

 ƒ We tested a sample of revenue and marketing expense 
entries to agreed arrangements with customers and 
distributors to check that the Group’s accounting policy 
had been correctly applied and that the amounts had been 
correctly presented in the profit and loss account.

 ƒ We tested whether amounts were accurately recorded in the 
correct accounting period through sampling and recalculating 
accruals for marketing commitments and price arrangements 
in place around the year-end. 

 ƒ We obtained corroborative third par ty evidence or 

documentation prepared by the Group to confirm the 
accounting treatment for these arrangements, including 
around year end. This included determining whether a 
distinct good or ser vice has been received by the Group or 
whether payments to customers better reflect a sales price 
discount. 

Key obser vations:

Based on our audit procedures we have not identified evidence 
of inappropriate management override in the recording or 
presentation of revenue relating to customer arrangements 
and consider the judgements made by management in the 
recognition of these arrangements to be appropriate.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider 
materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users 
that are taken on the basis of the financial statements. 

In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality level, 
performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Impor tantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily 
be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the par ticular circumstances of their 
occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial statements as a whole. 

84

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comBased on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole and performance materiality as 
follows:

Group financial statements

Parent Company financial statements

2020

£m

3.3

2019

£m

3.6

2020

£m

2.5

2019

£m

2.8

Materiality

Basis for determining 
materiality

5% of three year average 
profit before tax

5% of profit before 
tax

2% of total assets

Rationale for benchmark 
applied

We consider an asset-based measure 
to best reflect the nature of the Parent 
Company which acts as a holding 
company for the Group’s investments.

We consider the 
benchmark of profit 
before tax is the most 
relevant measure of 
financial, performance 
and the key metric for 
users of the Group’s 
financial statements.

We consider the benchmark 
of profit before tax is the 
most relevant measure of 
financial performance and 
the key metric for users 
of the Groups’ financial 
statements. In the current 
year, given the fluctuation 
in profit before tax, we 
considered a pre-tax profit 
averaged over the last three 
years to be appropriate. 

Performance materiality

2.3

2.5

1.75

1.95

Basis for determining 
performance materiality

70% of materiality based on our experience and knowledge of the Group and Parent Company, 
group structure planned testing approach, and histor y of errors.

COMPONENT MATERIALITY
We set materiality for each component 
of the Group based on a percentage of 
between 33% and 90% of Group materiality 
dependent on the size and our assessment 
of the risk of material misstatement of that 
component. Component materiality ranged 
from £1.1m to £2.9m. 

In the audit of each component, we fur ther 
applied performance materiality levels of 
70% of the component materiality to our 
testing to ensure that the risk of errors 
exceeding component materiality was 
appropriately mitigated.

REPORTING THRESHOLD 
We agreed with the Audit Committee 
that we would repor t to them all audit 
differences in excess of £66,000 (2019: 
£72,000). It was also agreed that audit 
differences between 2% and 5% of 
materiality would be aggregated and the 
overall impact of these communicated. 
We also agreed to repor t differences 
below these thresholds that, in our view, 
warranted repor ting on qualitative grounds 
and financial statement disclosure matters 
identified when assessing the overall 
consistency and presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements. 

OTHER INFORMATION
The Directors are responsible for the 
other information. The other information 
comprises the information included in the 
annual repor t and accounts other than 
the financial statements and our Auditor’s 
repor t thereon. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the 
other information and, except to the extent 
otherwise explicitly stated in our repor t, 
we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the financial statements 
or our knowledge obtained in the course 
of the audit, or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated. If we identify such 
material inconsistencies or apparent 
material misstatements, we are required 
to determine whether this gives rise to 
a material misstatement in the financial 
statements themselves. If, based on the 
work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of 
this other information, we are required to 
repor t that fact.

We have nothing to repor t in this regard.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
As the Group has voluntarily adopted the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 
we are required to review the Directors’ 
statement in relation to going concern, 
longer-term viability and that par t of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating 
to the Parent Company’s compliance 
with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Statement specified for our 
review. 

Based on the work under taken as par t of 
our audit, we have concluded that each of 
the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially 
consistent with the financial statements or 
our knowledge obtained during the audit.

85

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FEVERTREE DRINKS PLC CONTINUED

Going concern and longer-term viability

 ƒ The Directors’ statement with regards the appropriateness of adopting the going 
concern basis of accounting and any material uncer tainties identified (set out on 
page 78); and

 ƒ The Directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the entity’s prospects, the period  

this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate (set out on page 62)

Other Code provisions 

 ƒ Directors’ statement on their, balanced and understandable (set out on pages 78); 

 ƒ Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 

principal risks (set out on page 78); 

 ƒ The section of the Annual Repor t that describes the review of effectiveness of risk 

management and internal control systems (set out on pages 60 to 61); and

 ƒ The section describing the work of the Audit Committee (set out on pages 59 to 62).

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting

Based on the responsibilities described below and our work performed during the course of the audit, we are required by the Companies 
Act 2006 and ISAs (UK) to repor t on cer tain opinions and matters as described below. 

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 

In our opinion, based on the work under taken in the course of the audit:

 ƒ the information given in the Strategic Repor t and the Directors’ Repor t for the financial 
year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial 
statements; and

 ƒ the Strategic Repor t and the Directors’ Repor t have been prepared in accordance with 

applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Parent Company and its 
environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the 
Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

Matters on which we are required to 
report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 
2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 ƒ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns 
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 ƒ the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting 

records and returns; or

 ƒ cer tain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 ƒ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 79, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is 
necessar y to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor’s repor t that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

8686

 www.fever-tree.com

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.com FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EXTENT TO WHICH THE AUDIT WAS CAPABLE OF DETECTING IRREGULARITIES, INCLUDING FRAUD
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:

 ƒ We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulator y frameworks applicable to the Group. The most significant of these was 

considered to be the applicable financial repor ting frameworks (International Accounting Standards in conformity with the Companies 
Act 2006, FRS 101, Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code) and relevant tax compliance regulations and food 
standards legislation in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. 

 ƒ We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including understanding where and how 
fraud might occur. This includes the procedures described in the Key Audit Matters section of this audit repor t to identify whether 
price-related discounts were being appropriately recorded against revenue. We also considered performance targets and management 
remuneration incentives and how they could influence management to manage repor ted revenue and earnings. 

 ƒ We obtained an understanding of the procedures and controls that the Group has established to address risks identified, or that 

otherwise prevent, deter and detect fraud. Where the risk was considered to be higher, we performed audit procedures to address each 
identified fraud risk. These procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free of fraud or 
error.

 ƒ Based on the understanding obtained, we designed audit procedures to identify non-compliance with the laws and regulations, as 
noted above. This included enquiries of in-house legal counsel, Management, the Audit Committee, review of Board minutes, and 
correspondence with legal counsel and regulators.

 ƒ We tested journal entries, focusing on journal entries containing characteristics of audit interest, year-end consolidation journals, journals 

processed by users with privileged IT systems access rights and those relating to revenue. 

 ƒ We tested and challenged the key estimates and judgements made by management in preparing the financial statements for indications of 

bias or management override when presenting the results and financial position of the Group.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
deliberate concealment by, for example, forger y, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit 
procedures performed and the fur ther removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in 
the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A fur ther description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Repor ting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms par t of our Auditor’s repor t.

USE OF OUR REPORT
This repor t is made solely to the Parent Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Par t 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been under taken so that we might state to the Parent Company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an Auditor’s repor t and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Parent Company and the Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this repor t, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

DIANE CAMPBELL 
Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutor y Auditor 
London, UK

17 March 2021

BDO LLP is a limited liability par tnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Stock code: FEVR

87

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note

4

10

11

22

5

7

7

8

3

9

9

2020
£m

252.1

(135.8)

116.3

(65.0)

57.0

(2.7)

(1.1)

(1.9)

51.3

0.5

(0.2)

51.6

(9.9)

41.7

(0.2)

0.6

0.4

42.1

35.86

35.76

2019
£m

260.5

(129.0)

131.5

(59.3)

77.0

(2.2)

(0.7)

(1.9)

72.2

0.5

(0.2)

72.5

(14.0)

58.5

0.1

0.2

0.3

58.8

50.46

50.26

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation

Amortisation

Share-based payment charges

Operating profit

Finance costs

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit for the year

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Foreign currency translation difference of foreign operations

Effective portion of cash flow hedges

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per share

Basic (pence)

Diluted (pence)

88

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

At 31 December 2020
Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Deferred tax asset

Other financial assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Corporation tax asset

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Corporation tax liability

Deferred tax liability

Lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

10

11

20

15

16

18

17

19

20

12

12

21

23

23

23

23

23

2020
£m

7.5

48.8

1.9

–

58.2

38.7

56.0

1.3

1.1

143.1

240.2

2019
£m

6.9

41.0

0.5

2.1

50.5

20.8

60.8

0.1

–

128.3

210.0

298.4

260.5

(42.4)

(0.1)

–

(1.5)

(0.7)

(44.7)

(1.1)

(1.1)

(27.5)

–

(5.1)

–

(0.6)

(33.2)

(1.2)

(1.2)

(45.8)

(34.4)

252.6

226.1

0.3

54.8

0.1

0.8

(0.2)

196.8

252.6

0.3

54.8

0.1

0.2

–

170.7

226.1

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER
Chief Financial Officer

89

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVRCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Equity as at 31 December 2018

Profit for the year

Foreign currency translation difference 
of foreign operations

Effective portion of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Dividends issued

Share-based payments

Tax on share-based payments

Shares issued

Share
capital
£m

0.3

Share
premium
£m

54.8

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£m

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Equity as at 31 December 2019

0.3

54.8

0.1

Profit for the year

Foreign currency translation difference 
of foreign operations

Effective portion of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive income 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Dividends issued

Share-based payments

Tax on share-based payments

Shares issued

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Cash flow 
hedge
reserve
£m

–

–

–

0.2

0.2

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

0.6

0.6

–

–

–

–

Translation 
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

(0.1)

128.1

Total
£m

183.2

58.5

0.1

0.2

58.8

58.5

–

–

58.5

(18.0)

(18.0)

1.9

0.2

–

1.9

0.2

–

170.7

226.1

41.7

–

–

41.7

41.7

(0.2)

0.6

42.1

(17.8)

(17.8)

1.9

0.3

–

1.9

0.3

–

–

0.1

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

Equity as at 31 December 2020

0.3

54.8

0.1

0.8

(0.2)

196.8

252.6

90

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.com 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Operating activities

Profit before tax

Finance expense

Finance income

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets

Share-based payments

Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables

Decrease/(Increase) in inventories

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Income taxes paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Interest received

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Interest paid

Issue of shares

Dividends paid

Repayment of loan

Issue of other financial assets

Payment of lease liabilities

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Note

7

7

10 & 12

11

5

13

24

2020
£m

51.6

0.2

(0.5)

2.7

1.1

1.9

57.0

4.0

(17.2)

10.8

(2.4)

54.6

2019
£m

72.5

0.2

(0.5)

2.2

0.7

1.9

77.0

1.3

5.7

(4.0)

3.0

80.0

(16.5)

(12.0)

38.1

68.0

(2.6)

0.5

(1.7)

(3.8)

(0.2)

–

(17.8)

(0.9)

–

(0.7)

(19.6)

(2.6)

0.5

–

(2.1)

(0.2)

–

(18.0)

(6.1)

(2.2)

(0.5)

(27.0)

14.7

38.9

128.3

0.1

143.1

89.7

(0.3)

128.3

91

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are set out below. The policies 
have been consistently applied to all of the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

The impact of COVID-19 has also been reflected in the Directors’ assessment of the going concern basis of preparation for the Group 
and Company financial statements. This has been considered by modelling the impact on the group’s cashflow for the period to the end 
of March 2022.

Whilst the Group is financially strong and has well balanced revenue streams, given the ongoing nature of restrictions on the On-Trade 
and travel, it is likely that COVID-19 will continue to have a material impact on 2021 trading. The On-Trade channel, which traditionally 
makes up 45% of Group sales, has been severely challenged across many of our regions, especially in those markets where government 
advice has led to the closing of all On-Trade outlets during lockdown periods. In the Off-Trade channel, overall sales have remained in 
growth with increases in market share achieved across our major regions.

Due to uncer tainty in relation to the length, breadth and depth of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the Directors have modelled 
the impact on the Group and Company under five separate scenarios, as set out in the viability statement on page 62. Three of these 
scenarios considered differing potential impacts of COVID-19 on the business. In the final two scenarios, against the most prudent 
COVID-19 scenario we then applied the fur ther potential impact of two key risks: business interruption and increased competition.

Under these differing scenarios, the forecasts for the period to the end of March 2022 indicate that the Group and the Company would 
continue to hold significant cash balances and, as a result, are able to continue operating and to meet their liabilities as they fall due.

To stress test these scenarios fur ther, the Directors built a ‘break-even’ model to demonstrate what would have to happen for the 
Group to deplete its cash reser ves. In completing this exercise, the Directors established there were no plausible scenarios that would 
result in the Group and the Company no longer continuing as a going concern.

The Directors have therefore concluded that the Group and the Company have adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for at least the 12 months following the signing of the financial statements, that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of preparation in the financial statements, that there is not a material uncer tainty in relation to going concern and 
that there is no significant judgement involved in making that assessment. 

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. 

Intragroup balances including unrealised profit in stock, where inventor y purchased from Group companies has not been sold on to 
third par ties, are eliminated upon consolidation.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Business combinations are reflected through the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets and liabilities, including intangible 
assets and contingent liabilities, are recognised at fair value as at the date of acquisition. The consideration payable is also measured at 
fair value. 

The difference between the fair value of consideration transferred and the identifiable net assets received is recognised as goodwill. 
Any payments to former owners, contingent on continued employment are recognised as administrative expenses as are all transaction-
related costs.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. There is only one type of product – premium 
carbonated mixers – thus the revenue recognition policy is consistent across all sales. 

92

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Revenue is recognised when the Group’s performance obligations are fulfilled, i.e. when control over goods is transferred to customers. 
Customers obtain control of the goods when they are delivered to and have been accepted at their premises or made available for ex-
works collection, depending on individual customer arrangements. 

Invoices are generated at that point in time and are usually payable within 30 days. Revenue is recorded based on the price specified 
in sales invoices, net of any agreed discounts and rebates, and exclusive of value added tax on goods supplied to customers during the 
year. 

There are a variety of discounts and rebates provided to customers, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis as to whether the 
resulting payment to customers is for a distinct good or ser vice (such as marketing) or for a promotional discount. 

If a payment to a customer is judged to be for a distinct good or ser vice, this is accounted for as a cost in administrative expenses. If 
the payment is judged to represent a discount, this is accounted for as a reduction in the underlying transaction price. Management will 
restrict revenue to the amount that is highly unlikely to subsequently be reduced by promotion or discount. Accruals are included in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in respect of expected amounts necessar y to meet the claims of the Group’s customers 
based on discount and rebate agreements in place. None of the discounts or rebates result in a material right being provided to the 
customer, as there are no cases where customers are given the option to purchase at a discount in the future as a result of their 
historical purchases. 

Returns are permitted, but typically these only occur in isolated instances where inaccuracy has been made in the order.

EXPENDITURE
Expenditure is recognised in respect of goods and ser vices received when supplied in accordance with contractual terms. A provision 
is made when a present obligation exists for a future liability relating to a past event and where the amount of the obligation can be 
reliably estimated.

GOODWILL
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business represents any excess of the fair value of the consideration over the fair value of the 
identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired are incorporated into the consolidated financial 
statements at their fair value to the Group.

Goodwill is not amor tised but tested for impairment annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the profit or loss and is not 
subsequently reversed. On disposal of a business, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or 
loss on disposal. 

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Impairment tests on goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are under taken annually at the repor ting date. 
Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests if there is any indication of impairment. Where the carr ying value of an asset 
is judged to exceed its recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use or the fair value less costs to sell), the asset is written down 
accordingly. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously 
recognised may no longer exist.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the asset’s 
cash generating unit (i.e. the lowest group of assets, in which the asset belongs, for which there are separately identifiable cash flows). 
Goodwill is allocated on initial recognition to each of the Group’s cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies 
of the combination giving rise to the goodwill.

Impairment charges, and the reversal of previous impairment charges, are expensed/credited to the profit or loss. An impairment loss 
recognised for goodwill is not reversed.

EXTERNALLY ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Externally acquired intangible assets, including software, are initially recognised at cost and subsequently amor tised on a straight-line 
basis over their useful economic lives.

The amor tisation expense for both externally acquired and internally generated intangible assets is recognised within administrative 
expenses and charged as follows:

Computer software – 20% per annum straight-line

93

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

INTANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED AS PART OF A BUSINESS COMBINATION
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are identified and recognised separately from goodwill where they satisfy the 
definition of an intangible asset. The cost of such intangible assets is their fair value at the acquisition date and comprises the Group’s 
brand names and customer relationships acquired. All intangible assets acquired through business combination are amor tised over their 
estimated useful lives. 

The significant intangibles recognised by the Group, their useful economic lives and the methods used to determine the cost of the 
intangibles acquired in a business combination are as follows:

Intangible asset 
Brands 
Customer relationships 

Useful economic life 
20 years 
10 years 

Valuation method
Fair value
Fair value

Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are measured at cost less accumulated 
amor tisation and, where appropriate, provision for impairment in value. Amor tisation is included within administrative expenses.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Items of proper ty, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable 
costs. Subsequently, proper ty, plant and equipment are stated at cost less the accumulated depreciation and, where appropriate, 
provision for impairment in value or estimated loss on disposal.

Depreciation is provided on all items of proper ty, plant and equipment so as to write off their carr ying value over the expected useful 
economic lives. It is included within administrative expenses and is charged at the following rates:

Leasehold proper ty 
Fixtures and fittings 
Reusable packaging 
Motor vehicles 

– 
– 
– 
– 

over the life of the lease
33% per annum straight-line
20% per annum straight-line
20% per annum straight-line

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Included within cash and cash equivalents are demand deposits and shor t-term deposits used for shor t-term cash requirements. The 
carr ying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value. 

FINANCIAL ASSETS
The Group classifies its financial assets into the categories, discussed below, based upon the purpose for which the asset was acquired. 
The Group has not classified any of its financial assets as fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS (FVTPL)
This categor y comprises only in-the-money derivatives (see “Financial liabilities” section for out-of-the-money derivatives) not used for 
hedge accounting purposes. They are carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at fair value with changes in fair value 
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Other than these derivative financial instruments, the Group does 
not have any assets classified as FVTPL.

94

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

AMORTISED COST
The Group’s assets at amor tised cost comprise trade and other receivables included within the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position and cash and cash equivalents, including cash held at bank.

Trade and other receivables are classified as financial assets at amor tised cost as they are held only with the purpose of collecting 
the contractual cash flows. They arise principally through the provision of ser vices to customers (e.g. trade receivables), where the 
contractual cash flows comprise only the invoiced amounts, but also incorporate other types of contractual monetar y assets in which 
payments comprise only principal and interest.

They are initially recognised at fair value plus, where relevant, directly attributable transactions costs and are subsequently carried at 
amor tised cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment.

Impairment provisions are recognised based on the expected credit loss model, with the amount of such a provision being the 
difference between the net carr ying amount and the present value of the future expected cash flows associated with the impaired 
receivable. For trade receivables, which are repor ted net, such provisions are recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss 
being recognised separately in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. On confirmation that 
the trade receivables will not be collectable, the gross carr ying value of the asset is written off against the associated provision.

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The Group classifies its financial liabilities into one of two categories, depending on the purpose for which the liability was acquired:

FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS
This categor y comprises only out-of-the-money derivatives (see “Financial assets” for in-the-money derivatives) not used for hedge 
accounting purposes. They are carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at fair value with changes in fair value 
recognised in the profit or loss. 

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The Group’s other financial liabilities comprise bank loans, trade payables and other borrowings, including shor t-term monetar y 
liabilities. Bank loans are initially recognised at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of the instrument. 
Such interest-bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amor tised cost using the effective interest rate method, which ensures 
that any interest expense over the period to repayment is at a constant rate on the balance of the liability carried in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position. The interest expense includes initial transaction costs and premiums payable on redemption, as well as 
any interest coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.

Trade payables, other borrowings and other shor t-term monetar y liabilities, which are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 
carried at amor tised cost using the effective interest method.

HEDGE ACCOUNTING
The Group designates a por tion of its derivatives as cash flow hedges, hedging the currency risk of highly probable forecast future 
sales transactions by utilising forward contracts. The forward rate designation accounting approach is used, which includes the forward 
element of the derivative in the hedge designation. Changes in fair value of the effective por tion of the hedge accounted derivatives 
are recognised in other comprehensive income before being recycled to the statement of profit or loss when the forecasted cash flow 
affects the profit or loss. Hedge effectiveness is forward looking and is tested on an ongoing basis. The Group utilises critical terms 
matching to assess effectiveness and any ineffectiveness is recognised immediately in the profit or loss. 

SHARE CAPITAL
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial 
liability. The Group’s ordinar y shares are classified as equity instruments.

LEASED ASSETS
When entering into a contract the Group assesses whether or not a lease exists. A lease exists if a contract conveys a right to control 
the use of an identified asset under a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Group has elected not to separate non-lease 
components for the lease of land and buildings. Leases of low value items and shor t-term leases (leases of less than 12 months at the 
commencement date) are charged to the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term in administrative expenses.

The Group recognises right-of-use assets at cost and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date based on the present value 
of future lease payments. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis in line with the Group’s accounting policy for 
proper ty, plant and equipment. The lease liabilities are recognised at amor tised cost using the effective interest rate method. Discount 
rates used reflect the incremental borrowing rate specific to the lease.

During the financial year, the Group has not revised the estimates lease term of any leases recognised on transition to IFRS 16, 
therefore there has been no adjustment to carr ying amounts of the lease liability or right-of-use assets recognised.

95

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

In addition, during the financial year, the Group has not benefitted from rent concessions on any lease as a result of COVID-19; 
therefore, amendments to IFRS 16 have not been applied.

DEFERRED TAXATION
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carr ying amount of an asset or liability in the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on:

 ƒ the initial recognition of goodwill;

 ƒ the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction 

affects neither accounting or taxable profit; and

 ƒ investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the 

difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which 
the difference can be utilised. 

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the repor ting date 
and are expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities or assets are settled or recovered. Deferred tax balances are not discounted.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and 
the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on either :

 ƒ the same taxable group company; or

 ƒ different company entities which intend either to settle current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis, or to realise the assets 

and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
expected to be settled or recovered.

Deferred tax is recognised as income or an expense and included in profit or loss for the period except in relation to deferred tax on 
share-based payments. If the amount of a future tax deduction exceeds the amount of the cumulative remuneration expense, the excess 
of the associated deferred tax is recognised directly in equity.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for 
obsolete and slow-moving items.

Weighted average cost is used to determine the cost of ordinarily interchangeable items by considering the cost of similar items at the 
beginning of the period and the cost of similar items purchased or produced during the period.

OPERATING SEGMENTS
Operating segments are repor ted in a manner consistent with the internal repor ting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. 
The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Board of Directors.

The Board considers that although the Group’s activity is generated from global sales across four regions (as shown in the Chairman’s 
statement and note 4), there is ultimately one overarching repor ting and operating segment. This is due to the centralised nature of the 
Group, with many expenses incurred at the Group head office. Management reviews the performance of the Group by reference to 
total results against budget. 

The total profit measures are operating profit, adjusted EBITDA and profit for the year, all disclosed on the face of the profit or loss. 
No differences exist between the basis of preparation of the performance measures used by management and the figures in the Group 
financial statements.

ADJUSTED EBITDA
Operating profit is adjusted for a number of non-cash items, including amor tisation of the Fever-Tree brand intangible acquired in March 
2013 and other intangible assets, depreciation, and the share-based payment charge which recognises the fair value of share options 
granted. 

96

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 

The intention is for adjusted EBITDA to provide a comparable, year-on-year indicator of underlying trading and operational 
performance. Adjusted EBITDA is the Group’s primar y alternative performance measure (APM).

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Where share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the option at the date of grant is charged to the profit or loss over 
the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected 
to vest at each repor ting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number 
of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other 
vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. 

Where share options are cancelled, their remaining unamor tised fair value is fully written off through the profit or loss.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
The consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented in pounds sterling. The presentation currency of the consolidated 
financial statements is the same as the functional currency of the Company. 

TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
Transactions entered into by Group entities in a currency other than the currency of the primar y economic environment in which they 
operate (their “functional currency”) are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur. Foreign currency monetar y assets 
and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the repor ting date. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of unsettled 
monetar y assets and liabilities are recognised immediately in the profit or loss.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS
The profit or loss and statement of cash flows of foreign operations are translated at the average rate of exchange during the period. 
The statement of financial position of a foreign operation is translated at the ruling rate at the repor ting date. Exchange differences 
arising on opening net assets and arising on the translation of results at an average rate compared to a closing rate are both recognised 
in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the translation reser ve.

2.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 

Management has made estimates and accounting judgements within the financial statements; these are reviewed regularly and revisions 
to estimates are recognised prospectively. 

CUSTOMER ARRANGEMENTS
An element of judgement is involved in determining whether payments to customers are in exchange for a distinct good or ser vice 
under IFRS 15 or are instead a reduction in transaction price, namely in relation to discretionar y marketing spend with our Europe and 
Rest of World distributors.

Management carefully assesses what is received in each individual arrangement with customers to determine the correct accounting 
treatment. Third par ty evidence is obtained to corroborate the information provided by customers. In the absence of clear evidence to 
the contrar y, payments to customers are recognised as reductions to revenue.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
As detailed in note 1, the Group uses the acquisition method for business combinations as required by IFRS 3. Judgement is used in 
identifying and measuring the assets and liabilities acquired. Intangible assets, such as customer relationships disclosed in note 11, rely on 
estimation of future performance and customer retention which are uncer tain. External valuation exper ts have been used to assist in 
the valuation process.

3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group’s risk management objectives and policies. The overall objective 
of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group’s competitiveness and 
flexibility.

All funding requirements and financial risks are managed based on policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The 
Group uses derivative financial instruments, including forward currency contracts to manage its exposure to cer tain financial risks.

97

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

The Group is exposed to the following financial risks:

 ƒ Credit risk

 ƒ Liquidity risk

 ƒ Pricing risk

 ƒ Market risk

In common with all other businesses, the Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. The principal financial 
instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

 ƒ Trade and other receivables

 ƒ Cash and cash equivalents

 ƒ Trade and other payables

 ƒ Forward currency contracts

To the extent that financial instruments are not carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the carr ying 
values approximate fair values at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY
FINANCIAL ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments in cash flow hedges

Other derivative financial instruments

Other financial assets (non-current)

Total financial assets

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Other derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

Financial assets  
at fair value

Financial assets  
at amortised cost

2020
£m

–

–

1.0

0.3

–

1.3

2019
£m

–

–

0.2

–

–

0.2

2020
£m

143.1

49.0

–

–

–

192.1

2019
£m

128.3

56.2

–

–

2.1

186.6

Financial liabilities 
at fair value

Financial liabilities  
at amortised cost

2020
£m

–

–

–

–

–

2019
£m

–

–

–

0.1

0.1

2020
£m

41.7

1.8

0.1

–

43.6

2019
£m

23.5

1.8

–

–

25.3

CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterpar ty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations. The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. At 31 December 2020 the Group has net trade receivables of 
£47.9m (2019: £51.0m).

98

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

The Group is exposed to credit risk in respect of these balances such that, if one or more customers encounter financial difficulties, this 
could materially and adversely affect the Group’s financial results. In order to minimise this risk, the Group endeavours only to deal with 
companies which are demonstrably creditwor thy and this, together with the aggregate financial exposure, is continuously monitored. 
Companies which are not deemed to be creditwor thy can only deal with the Group on a prepayment basis.

The Group fur ther mitigates credit risk by under taking credit insurance through “A” credit rated underwriters for some of its receivable 
balances. Supply of products by members of the Group results in trade receivables, which the management consider to be of low risk; 
other receivables are likewise considered to be low risk. The management does not consider that there is any concentration of risk 
within either trade or other receivables.

The Group performs an expected credit loss assessment for all trade receivables to calculate a provision for expected credit loss, based 
on historical credit loss information, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The simplified approach is used, in 
accordance with IFRS 9. The resulting provision in respect of outstanding balances at 31 December 2020 is not material. 

Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recover y; indicators of this include the counterpar ty going 
into administration or receivership.

Credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is considered to be low as the counterpar ties are all substantial banks with investment grade 
credit ratings. 

LIQUIDITY RISK 
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s management of working capital. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its 
financial obligations as they fall due. The Group actively manages its cash generation and maintains sufficient cash holdings to cover its 
immediate obligations.

The Group actively manages its cash and currently holds substantial cash balances in sterling, US dollars and euros. The Group also has 
access to additional equity funding. Trade and other payables are monitored as par t of normal management routine. See bank loans note 
(note 19).

The contractual maturity profile (undiscounted) of the Group’s financial liabilities and derivatives is set out below. 

31 December 2020

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Bank borrowings principal

Derivative financial instruments outflow

Derivative financial instruments (inflow)

31 December 2019

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Bank borrowings principal

Derivative financial instruments outflow

Derivative financial instruments (inflow)

For fur ther details on bank loans, see note 19. 

Within 
one year
£m

One to  
two years
£m

Two to 
 five years
£m

Over  
five years 
£m

41.7

0.8

0.1

87.9

(86.9)

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Within  
one year
£m

One to  
two years
£m

Two to  
five years
£m

Over  
five years 
£m

23.5

0.6

–

67.9

(68.2)

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

99

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

PRICING RISK
Pricing risk is the risk that oscillation in the price of key input costs will affect the profitability of the business. The Company manages 
this risk by agreeing long-term prices with suppliers where possible.

MARKET RISK
Market risk arises from the Group’s interest-bearing, tradable and foreign currency financial instruments. It is the risk that the fair 
value, or future cash flows, of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in the interest rates (interest rate risk) or foreign 
exchange rates (foreign exchange risk).

(A) INTEREST RATE RISK
The Group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk from its loan facilities, which carr y interest at variable rates. The Group’s policy is 
to balance exposure to interest rate risk with the cost and flexibility of funding. This policy is managed centrally. The requirement for 
interest rate hedging is reviewed periodically, being a mechanism available to manage interest rate risk. These reviews acknowledge that 
interest rate hedges will not necessarily protect the Group from the risk of paying rates in excess of current market rates nor eliminate 
cash flow risk associated with the variability in interest payments.

Judgements are therefore exercised in the context of the market and the materiality of the potential risk compared to the cost. The 
Group does not currently have any debt facilities, nor does it engage in interest rate hedging.

(B) FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that movements in exchange rates affect the profitability of the business. The Group is exposed to 
transaction foreign exchange risk as it operates predominantly within the USA and Europe where transactions are denominated in US 
dollars and euros respectively. The exposure is limited to the extent to which there is a mismatch between the currencies in which sales, 
purchases, receivables and borrowings are denominated and the respective functional currencies of Group companies.

Forward contracts are used to manage foreign exchange risk. Those financial assets in currencies other than sterling may be the subject 
of economic hedging arrangements using forward contracts. Receivables are carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
at the rate of exchange at the period end. The derivative instruments are carried at fair value with that value being the contract value at 
the repor ting date.

At 31 December 2020 there were commitments to purchase foreign currency exchange forward contracts with a total sterling value of 
approximately £87.9m (2019: £67.9m) mainly in euros and US dollars. All contracts mature within 12 months of the repor ting date.

Although the Board accepts that this policy does not protect the Group entirely from currency risk or from incurring an exchange rate 
in the future that is adverse to the then spot rate in operation, it considers that it achieves an appropriate balance against exposure to 
the risk. 

The summar y quantitative data about the Group’s exposure to currency risk (before the effect of balance sheet hedging) is as follows. 
This includes intragroup balances which eliminate on consolidation.

Receivables

Payables

Cash

Total

2020
Currency in m

2019
Currency in m

Euro

19.3

(6.1)

3.8

17.0

USD

26.2

(0.5)

6.5

32.2

Euro

21.9

(4.6)

3.3

20.6

USD

18.8

–

1.0

19.8

EFFECT OF CASH FLOW HEDGES
At 31 December 2020, the Group held derivatives with a notional value of £36.6m (2019: £35.5m) designated as hedging instruments 
for cash flow hedging purposes. They all have maturities in 2021 and have a range of hedged rates between EUR 1.06 - 1.19 and USD 
1.16 - 1.35.

In respect of cash flow hedges, the Group has recognised a net gain of £0.6m (2019: £0.2m) in other comprehensive income in the year 
due to changes in fair value. A loss of £1.2m (2019: nil) has been transferred out of other comprehensive income to net revenue to 
offset the foreign exchange impact on the underlying transactions. There was no ineffectiveness recognised in the year.

100

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com3.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Group’s capital is made up of share capital, retained earnings and other reser ves.

The Group’s objectives when maintaining capital are:

 ƒ To safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and 

benefits for other stakeholders; and

 ƒ To provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and ser vices commensurately with the level of risk.

The capital structure of the Group consists of shareholders’ equity as set out in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. All 
working capital requirements are financed from existing cash resources.

4.   REVENUE

A) REVENUE STREAMS
There is one revenue stream, being the sale of premium carbonated mixers. All revenue arises from this revenue stream.

Analysis of concentration of top three customers and other:

Customer 1

Customer 2

Customer 3

Other

An analysis of turnover by geographical market is given below:

United Kingdom

United States of America

Europe

Rest of the World

2020

11%

6%

6%

77%

100%

2020
£m

103.3

58.5

65.3

25.0

252.1

2019

11%

6%

5%

78%

100%

2019
£m

132.7

47.6

64.4

15.8

260.5

In the year ended 31 December 2020 the Group had one customer representing £30.8m of sales, accounting for 11% of Group revenue 
(2019: one customer represented £29.5m of sales, accounting for 11% of revenue).

B) CONTRACT BALANCES
The following table provides information about receivables from contracts with customers. 

£m

Receivables, which are included in “trade and other receivables”

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

49.1

52.3

Note

16

No information is provided about remaining performance obligations at 31 December 2020 that have an original expected duration of 
one year or less.

101

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR5.  PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

Operating profit is stated after charging:

Foreign exchange loss/(gain)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangible assets

Lease payments directly through profit or loss (short-term leases)

Logistics and warehousing

Discretionary marketing

Share-based payments

Auditors’ remuneration*:

Fees for audit of the Company

Fees for audit of subsidiaries

Non-audit services*

2020
£m

0.2

2.7

1.1

0.1

19.5

25.2

1.9

0.2

0.1

–

2019
£m

–

2.2

0.7

0.2

18.5

28.7

1.9

0.1

0.1

–

*Total audit fees in 2020 are £260,000 (2019: £252,830). Non-audit ser vices of £21,100 (2019: £47,372) have been rounded down to zero in the above disclosure. 

6.  STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries

Employers national insurance

Pensions

The average monthly number of employees (including Directors) during the period was as follows:

Sales and Marketing

Production and Administration

Directors’ remuneration included in staff costs

Salaries

Bonuses

2020
£m

19.3

2.3

0.6

22.2

2020

138

121

259

2020
£m

1.1

0.8

1.9

2019
£m

12.6

1.1

0.6

14.3

2019

91

82

173

2019
£m

1.1

–

1.1

Total remuneration regarding the highest paid Director was £4.3m (2019: £0.4m). The total remuneration regarding the highest paid 
Director includes the gain on exercise of share options, which is not included in staff costs. 

The Directors’ gain on exercise of share options was £7.3m (2019: £nil). £1.7m of these share options had performance criteria 
attached and are disclosed in the single figure table, valued at the vesting date, relating to performance conditions met in the 2019 
financial period. £5.6m of the gain relates to share options with performance conditions relating to financial performance in the 2018 
financial period and were disclosed in the single figure table in the 2018 annual repor t.

102

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com2020
£m

2019
£m

0.5

0.5

0.1

0.1

0.2

2020
£m

10.0

0.9

10.9

(0.6)

(0.4)

9.9

0.5

0.5

0.2

–

0.2

2019
£m

14.6

–

14.6

(0.7)

0.1

14.0

2019
£m

72.5

13.8

(0.1)

0.1

0.2

14.0

7.   FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES

Finance income

Interest Income

Finance expense

Interest on lease liabilities

Bank loan interest and other charges

8. 

 INCOME TAX

Current tax expense

Current tax on profits for the period

Adjustment in respect of prior period

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment in respect of prior period

Total tax expense

The reasons for the difference between the actual tax charge for the year and the standard rate of corporation tax in the United 
Kingdom applied to profit for the year are as follows:

Profit for the year

Expected tax charge based on corporation tax rate of 19% in 2020 (19% in 2019)

Income not chargeable for tax purposes

Adjustment in respect of prior period

Differences in tax rates

Total tax expense

2020
£m

51.6

9.8

–

0.5

(0.4)

9.9

During the year, corporation tax relief of £0.9m (2019: £0.1m) was recognised within equity in relation to share options exercised in 
the period. 

103

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR9.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Profit

Profit used in calculating basic and diluted EPS

Number of shares

Weighted average number of shares for the purpose of
basic earnings per share

Weighted average number of dilutive employee share options outstanding

Weighted average number of shares for the purpose of 
diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (pence)

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

Normalised EPS 

Profit

Reported profit before tax

Add back:

Amortisation

Adjusted profit before tax

Tax – assume standard rate (19%)

Normalised earnings

Number of shares

Normalised basic earnings per share (pence)

2020
£m

41.7

2019
£m

58.5

116,277,921

116,126,293

335,590

448,508

116,613,511

116,574,801

35.86

50.46

35.76

50.26

2020
£m

51.6

1.1

52.7

(10.0)

42.7

2019
£m

72.5

0.7

73.2

(13.9)

59.3

116,277,921

116,126,293

36.72

51.08

Normalised EPS is an APM in which earnings have been adjusted to exclude amor tisation and the UK statutor y tax rates have been 
applied (disregarding other tax adjusting items).

104

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com10.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Proper ty, plant and equipment comprises owned and leased assets, as follows:

Owned property, plant and equipment

Leased property, plant and equipment (right-of-use assets, see note 12)

Total property, plant and equipment

Owned proper ty, plant and equipment is detailed as follows:

2020
£m

5.8

1.7

7.5

Cost

At 31 December 2018

Additions

At 31 December 2019

Acquisition of GDP

Additions

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 31 December 2018

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2019

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Leasehold 
property 
improvements
£m

Reusable 
packaging
£m

Motor 
vehicles
£m

Fixtures and 
fittings
£m

0.7

–

0.7

–

0.2

0.9

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.2

0.5

0.4

0.4

2.5

3.9

6.4

–

2.1

8.5

1.0

1.2

2.2

1.6

3.8

4.7

4.2

0.4

0.1

0.5

–

–

0.5

0.2

–

0.2

0.1

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.6

0.2

0.8

0.1

0.2

1.1

0.2

0.2

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.5

0.4

2019
£m

5.3

1.6

6.9

Totals
£m

4.2

4.2

8.4

0.1

2.5

11.0

1.5

1.6

3.1

2.1

5.2

5.8

5.3

105

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR11.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost

At 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019 

Acquisition of GDP

Additions

Exchange differences

At 31 December 2020

Amortisation

At 31 December 2018

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2019

Charge for the year

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Goodwill
£m

Brands
£m

Customer 
relationships
£m

Software
£m

Totals
£m

31.5

0.8

–

(0.1)

32.2

–

–

–

–

–

32.2

31.5

14.4

–

–

–

14.4

4.2

0.7

4.9

0.7

5.6

8.8

9.5

–

8.0

–

(0.1)

7.9

–

–

–

0.4

0.4

7.5

–

–

0.2

0.1

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

45.9

9.0

0.1

(0.2)

54.8

4.2

0.7

4.9

1.1

6.0

48.8

41.0

Brands represent the fair value at the 12 March 2013 acquisition date of the “Fever-Tree” brand. The fair value has been determined by 
applying the “relief from royalty” method to the estimated cash flows to be earned from the brand. The key management assumptions 
are around growth forecasts (over 20 years and at an ongoing growth rate of 3%), discount factors (a discount factor of 20% was used) 
and royalty percentage utilised. A brand useful life of 20 years is considered appropriate and projected cash flows have been discounted 
over this period.

Customer relationships represent the fair value on acquisition of the customer base of Global Drinks Par tnership GmbH (GDP) on 
1 July 2020. They were valued using the multi-period excess earnings method using a five year forecast followed by long-term growth 
at 1% reflecting local industr y and inflation assumptions. A ten year useful economic life is considered appropriate taking into account 
historic customer retention.

Goodwill recognised upon the acquisition of Fever tree Limited on 12 March 2013 and upon the acquisition of Global Drinks 
Par tnership GmbH (GDP) on 1 July 2020 represented the difference between the consideration paid and the fair value of assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed on each occasion. In line with IAS 36, the cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated 
is tested for impairment at least annually by comparing the carr ying amount of the unit, including the goodwill, with the recoverable 
amount of the unit. Management has made this consideration and does not believe there to be any impairment indicators.

Goodwill is not amor tised but tested for impairment annually. The impairment model for goodwill is based on fair value less costs to sell 
using the quoted price of the Company’s shares as an estimate of the fair value. This exercise showed significant headroom in the year.

Cer tain disclosures, including sensitivities, relating to goodwill have not been made, given the significant headroom on impairment testing.

106

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com12.  LEASES

The Group leases its office premises in London, New York and Germany and a small fleet of motor vehicles used by its UK-based sales 
team and Germany-based team. 

Right-of-use assets:

Balance at 1 January 2019

Additions

Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2019

Acquisition of GDP

Additions

Depreciation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2020

Lease liabilities:

Undiscounted future cash flows

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

Later than five years

Total undiscounted future cash flows

Lease liabilities at 31 December

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Amounts recognised in the profit or loss

Interest on lease liabilities

Depreciation charge for right-of-use assets

Charge relating to short-term leases

Amounts recognised in consolidated statement of cash flows

Total cash outflow for leases

Leasehold 
property
£m

Motor 
vehicles
£m

2.1

–

(0.5)

1.6

0.4

–

(0.5)

1.5

0.1

–

(0.1)

–

0.3

–

(0.1)

0.2

Total
£m

2.2

–

(0.6)

1.6

0.7

–

(0.6)

1.7

2020
£m

2019
£m

0.8

1.1

–

1.9

0.7

1.1

1.8

2020
£m

0.1

0.7

0.1

2020
£m

0.7

0.6

1.3

–

1.9

0.6

1.2

1.8

2019
£m

0.2

0.6

0.2

2019
£m

0.5

107

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR13.  ACQUISITION OF GDP GLOBAL DRINKS PARTNERSHIP GMBH

On 1 July 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of GDP Global Drinks Par tnership GmbH (GDP). 
GDP has exclusively distributed Fever-Tree products across Germany for a number of years. GDP also distributes a number of other, 
complementar y, premium products. The German market represents a notable oppor tunity for the Group. It is one of the largest 
mixer markets in Europe and is underpinned by emerging premiumisation trends evident in both the mixer and spirits categories. 
The acquisition of GDP, with established management, distribution relationships and sales channels already in place, allows the Group 
to accelerate the strength and depth of its presence in Germany much faster than could have been achieved by building the same 
capabilities from scratch.

The results of GDP have been consolidated from 1 July onwards, contributing £14.6m to Group revenue and £1.3m to Group adjusted 
EBITDA. If the acquisition had been made on 1 Januar y 2020, management estimates it would have contributed an incremental £9.9m 
to Group revenue and a £0.2m loss to Group adjusted EBITDA. GDP was previously the Group’s sales agent in Germany; therefore, a 
por tion of GDP’s net revenue would have been recognised in other Group companies as principal had the acquisition not been made. 
The full-year incremental revenue and EBITDA excludes that agency revenue and relates solely to GDP’s por tfolio brands.

The fair value of the acquired receivables does not materially differ to their gross contractual amounts. As a long-term distributor and 
later agent of the Group, GDP owed Group entities trade creditor and loan balances totalling £3.9m; these balances form par t of the 
consideration and there was no gain or loss on their effective settlement.

Summary of acquisition of GDP

Intangible assets – Customer relationships

Property, plant, equipment, and software

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loans and borrowings

Lease liabilities

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liability

Fair value of net assets acquired

Goodwill

Consideration

Consideration satisfied by:

Cash consideration

Deferred consideration

Settlement of existing relationships

Net cash flow – business combination 

Cash consideration

Net cash acquired

Net cash outflow in respect of business combinations

108

2020
£m

8.0

0.9

1.0

2.6

0.3

(5.1)

(1.0)

(0.6)

2.0

(2.6)

5.5

0.8

6.3

2.0

0.4

3.9

2020
£m

2.0

(0.3)

1.7

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com14.  SUBSIDIARIES

The subsidiaries of the Company, which have been included in the consolidated financial statements, are as follows:

Principal activity

Incorporated

Registered address

2020
Ownership 
%

2019
Ownership 
%

Name

Fevertree Limited

Fevertree USA Inc.*

Fevertree USA Holding Co. Inc.*

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks 

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks

The activities of a holding 
company

UK 

USA

USA

Fevertree USA Production Co. Inc.* Development and sale of 

USA

Fevertree UK Limited*

Fevertree US Limited*

Fevertree Europe Limited*

Fevertree ROW Limited*

Fevertree Germany Limited*

premium mixer drinks

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks

The activities of a holding 
company

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks

Development and sale of 
premium mixer drinks

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
Delaware, 19808

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
Delaware, 19808

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, 
Delaware, 19808

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

Kildare House, 3 Dorset Rise, 
London, EC4Y 8EN

GDP Global Drinks Partnership 
GmbH*

Distribution of premium 
mixers and other drinks

Germany

Marienstr. 17
80331 München

* Denotes indirectly held subsidiar y

15.   INVENTORIES

Raw materials

Finished goods

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

n/a

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

n/a

2020
£m

8.7

30.0

38.7

2019
£m

5.7

15.1

20.8

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in the cost of sales amounted to £106.8m (2019: £107.1m). The amount 
charged to the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income in respect of impairment and write-off of 
inventories was £1.2m (2019: £0.4m).

109

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR16.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables

Expected credit loss provision

Net trade receivables

Other receivables

Total financial assets other than cash and 
cash equivalents held at amortised cost

Prepayments

Recoverable VAT

Total trade and other receivables

2020
£m

49.1

(1.2)

47.9

1.1

49.0

4.0

3.0

56.0

2019
£m

52.3

(1.3)

51.0

5.2

56.2

3.2

1.4

60.8

There is no material difference between the net book amount and the fair value of current trade and other receivables due to their 
shor t-term nature. 

There is no par ticular concentration of credit risk to the Group’s trade receivables as the Group has a large number of customers.

EXPECTED CREDIT LOSS ASSESSMENT FOR CUSTOMERS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
The following table provides information about the exposure to credit risk and ECLs (expected credit losses) for trade receivables as at 
31 December 2020. The simplified approach has been used, as permitted by IFRS 9.

31 December 2020

Current (not past due)

1-30 days past due

31-60 days past due

Over 60 days past due

31 December 2019

Current (not past due)

1-30 days past due

31-60 days past due

Over 60 days past due

Weighted 
average 
loss rate

Gross 
carrying 
amount
£m

Impairment 
loss 
allowance
£m

2%

2%

11%

67%

41.2

6.7

0.9

0.3

0.8

0.1

0.1

0.2

Weighted 
average 
loss rate

Gross 
carrying 
amount
£m

Impairment loss 
allowance
£m

2%

2%

4%

9%

46.6

3.5

1.0

1.2

1.0

0.1

–

0.2

Loss rates are based on actual credit loss experience. These rates are multiplied by scalar factors to reflect differences between 
economic conditions during the period over which the historical data has been collected, current conditions, credit insurance and the 
Group’s view of economic conditions over the expected lives of the receivables. 

Impaired receivables are only written off following the conclusion of administration proceedings.

110

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com16.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED

MOVEMENTS IN THE ALLOWANCE FOR IMPAIRMENT IN RESPECT OF TRADE RECEIVABLES
Movements in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows.

Balance at 1 January 

Amounts written off

Net remeasurement of loss allowance

Balance at 31 December 

17.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current

Trade payables

Accruals

Other

Total financial liabilities, excluding loans and borrowings, classified as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Social security and other taxes

Total trade and other payables

2020
£m

1.3

(0.2)

0.1

1.2

2020
£m

11.0

25.5

5.2

41.7

0.7

42.4

There is no material difference between the net book amount and fair value of trade and other payables due to their shor t-term 
nature. 

18.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Foreign currency exchange contracts

Total derivative financial instruments

2020
£m

1.3

1.3

2019
£m

1.7

–

(0.4)

1.3

2019
£m

4.5

16.1

2.9

23.5

4.0

27.5

2019
£m

0.1

0.1

The fair value of a derivative financial instrument is split between current and non-current depending on the remaining maturity of the 
derivative contract and its contractual cash flows. All contracts mature in less than 12 months; therefore, the instruments are classified 
as current.

The fair value of foreign exchange contracts is based on bank valuations. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the repor ting date is the fair value of the derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position.

The increase in fair value on forward contracts not used for hedging purposes of £0.4m (2019: increase of £0.4m) has been included 
within the foreign exchange amount in note 5, with the unrealised profits offsetting the foreign exchange movements in net assets. 

111

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR19.  LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Bank loans

Current portion

Total bank loans

20.  DEFERRED TAX 

The movement on the deferred tax account is as shown below:

Opening asset/(liability)

Acquisition of GDP

Recognised in comprehensive income

Recognised in equity

Closing asset/(liability)

Details of the deferred tax (liability)/asset are as follows:

2020
£m

0.1

0.1

2020
£m

0.5

(0.6)

1.0

(0.5)

0.4

At 31 December 2019

Acquisition of GDP

Comprehensive income debit/(credit)

Recognised in equity

At 31 December 2020

Fair valuation 
of intangible 
assets
£m

Share-based 
payments
£m

(1.6)

(2.6)

0.1

–

(4.1)

1.6

–

(0.2)

(0.6)

0.8

Other
£m

0.5

2.0

1.1

0.1

3.7

2019
£m

–

–

2019
£m

(0.2)

–

0.6

0.1

0.5

Total
£m

0.5

(0.6)

1.0

(0.5)

0.4

After offsetting deferred tax assets and liabilities where appropriate within territories, the net deferred tax asset comprises deferred 
tax assets of £1.9m (2019: £0.5m) and deferred tax liabilities of £1.5m (2019: nil). Other deferred tax assets include £2.0m related to 
GDP previous years’ tax losses, £1.4m on temporar y differences related to unrealised intragroup profit in stock and £0.3m on other 
miscellaneous deferred tax assets.

The March 2021 Budget announced an increase in the UK main rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25%, from 1 April 2023. This rate 
has not been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, as a result, deferred tax balances as at 31 December 2021 continue to 
be measured at 19%. If all of the UK deferred tax balances were to reverse at the amended rate the impact to the closing DT position 
would not be significant.

21.  SHARE CAPITAL

Ordinary shares of £0.0025 each

At beginning of the period

Issued during the year

At the end of the period

112

2020
Number 

2020
£m

2019
Number 

116,131,199

387,221

116,518,420

0.3

–

0.3

116,116,983

14,216

116,131,199

2019
£m

0.3

–

0.3

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com22.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

In November 2014 the Group established two incentive plans whereby share options are granted to employees.

THE COMPANY SHARE OPTION PLAN (“CSOP”)
The CSOP is a share option plan that satisfies the requirements for tax relief under Schedule 4, ITEPA. All employees and full-time 
Directors of the Group are eligible to par ticipate at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Options may be granted subject 
to objective performance conditions, but no performance conditions applied to the first grant of Options under the CSOP. The exercise 
price of options granted under the CSOP must be equal to or above the market value of the ordinar y shares on the date of grant of 
the options. Options may not generally be exercised prior to the third anniversar y of grant, unless the option holder’s employment 
ceases for a specified “good leaver” reason, such as ill health, disability, redundancy, retirement or a sale out of the Group of the 
Company or the business by which they are employed, or if there is a change of control of the Company due to a cash takeover.

The first options granted under the CSOP vested three years from the date of grant and have an exercise price equal to the placing 
price under the Group’s initial public offering of £1.34. These options lapse after ten years.

UNAPPROVED SCHEME
The Unapproved Scheme largely mirrors the CSOP, save to the extent that it does not need to satisfy the requirements of Schedule 4, 
ITEPA. 

The exercise price of the granted options is equal to the estimated market price of the shares on the date of the grant. Options may 
normally be exercised in whole or in par t during the period between the third and tenth anniversaries of their grant provided any 
performance targets specified at the date of grant have been achieved. Options may be satisfied by the issue of Ordinar y Shares or the 
transfer of existing Ordinar y Shares.

Options will normally lapse on cessation of employment. However, exercise is permitted for a limited period following cessation of 
employment for specified reasons such as redundancy, retirement or ill health, and, in other circumstances, at the discretion of the 
Remuneration Committee.

In the event of an amalgamation, takeover or winding up of the Company, Options may be exercised within cer tain time limits. There 
are also provisions for the exchange of Options in specified circumstances. Options immediately lapse on the tenth anniversar y of the 
date of grant and in the event of the par ticipant’s bankruptcy.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (“LTIP”)
All employees and full-time Directors of the Group are eligible to par ticipate at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Share 
awards may be granted subject to objective performance conditions and vest over a vesting period determined by the Remuneration 
Committee at the time of the grant.

Awards will normally lapse on cessation of employment. However, exercise is permitted for a limited period following cessation of 
employment for specified reasons such as redundancy, retirement or ill-health, and, in other circumstances, at the discretion of the 
Remuneration Committee. In the event of an amalgamation, takeover or winding up of the Company, unvested awards may vest 
over such number of shares as is specified by the Remuneration Committee. There are also provisions for the exchange of awards 
in specified circumstances. The awards immediately lapse on the tenth anniversar y of the date of grant and in the event of the 
par ticipant’s bankruptcy.

EMPLOYEE SHARESAVE SCHEME (“SAYE”) 
In June 2019 the Group introduced a savings-related share scheme in which UK employees can save up to £500 from their net after tax salary 
over a period of three years to purchase options. These options can be exercised at the end of their three-year vesting period. Employees 
have the option to withdraw their savings at any time and forfeit their right to exercise the options at the end of the vesting period.

113

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR22.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:

2020

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Number of 
shares

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019

Weighted 
average  
exercise price
£

Number of 
shares

1.34

1.34

–

–

250

(250)

–

–

2020

 Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

Number of 
shares

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Number of 
shares 

9,925

(9,925)

–

–

1.34

1.34

–

–

CSOP

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

CSOP

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

Unapproved scheme

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

Unapproved scheme 

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

114

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com22.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

LTIP

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Forfeited

Granted

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

LTIP

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Exercised

Forfeited

Granted

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

SAYE

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Granted

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

SAYE

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Granted

Outstanding at end of the year

Of which vested and exercisable

2020

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Number of 
shares

666,730

(387,221)

(4,804)

289,750

564,455

35,421

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

2019

Weighted 
average 
 exercise price 
£

Number of 
shares 

511,674

(4,041)

(2,136)

161,233

666,730

297,326

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

0.0025

2020

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£

Number of 
shares

50,565

18,255

68,820

–

20.99

16.85

19.89

–

2019

Weighted 
average 
 exercise price 
£

Number of 
shares 

–

50,565

50,565

–

–

20.99

20.99

–

115

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR22.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the period was determined at £15.66 (2019: 25.04) per option. 
The weighted average price of options exercised in the year was £20.31 (2019: 27.55). The outstanding options have a weighted 
average remaining contractual life of eight years and exercise prices between £0.0025 and £24.66.

Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No performance conditions were included in the fair value 
calculations. The fair value per option granted in the year and the assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate

Expected life

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield 

Share price at grant date

2020

2019

0.02%

0.39%–0.79%

5 years

5 years

57.48% 29.20%–33.56%

0.93%

0.53%–0.60%

£16.85

£21.92–£31.58

For option grants the volatility range reflects the historical volatility based on share transactions since listing. The maximum vesting 
period was used as a basis to determine the expected life of the option. The expected life used in the valuation has been adjusted, 
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. 
The risk-free rate was based on the Bank of England spot yields in effect at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield reflects 
management’s and market expectations based on budget projections.

23.  RESERVES

Share premium is the amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 

Retained earnings are the cumulative net profits in the profit or loss. Movements on these reser ves are set out in the Consolidated 
Statement of Changes in Equity.

Capital redemption reser ve was created as a result of the share buy-back during 2014.

The translation reser ve captures exchange differences arising on the translation of non-GBP functional subsidiaries’ accounts on 
consolidation.

The cash flow hedging reser ve was created as a result of the implementation of hedge accounting. It captures the change in fair value 
for hedge accounted derivatives before the hedged item is recognised in the financial statements.

24.  DIVIDENDS

In the financial year ended 31 December 2020 dividends were paid with a value of £17,777,192 (being £11,473,762 at 9.88 pence per 
share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019, and £6,303,430 at 5.41 pence per share in respect of the six months ended 30 
June 2020). Dividends of £17,976,649 (being £11,937,872 at 10.28 pence per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018, 
and £6,038,778 at 5.20 pence per share in respect of the six months ended 30 June 2019) were paid in the prior year. The Directors 
are proposing a final dividend of 10.27 pence per share - £11,966,441. This dividend has not been accrued in the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position.

116

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 www.fever-tree.com25.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no events after the repor ting period to disclose.

26. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Compensation of key management personnel:

Short-term employee benefits

Bonus

Share-based payments

Employers national insurance

2020
£m

1.3

0.8

–

0.1

2.2

2019
£m

1.1

–

0.6

0.1

1.8

The key management personnel are judged to be the Directors. For full details of Directors’ remuneration, see the Remuneration 
Committee Repor t on pages 64 to 76. 

27.  ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

In the opinion of the Directors there is no ultimate controlling par ty.

117

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Company number 08415302

Fixed assets

Fixed asset investments

Current assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ funds

Note

4

5

6

7

8

8

8

2020
£m

60.5

35.1

65.3

100.4

2019
£m

60.5

66.9

22.9

89.8

(1.9)

(4.5)

98.5

85.3

159.0

159.0

0.3

54.8

0.1

103.8

159.0

145.8

145.8

0.3

54.8

0.1

90.6

145.8

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit or loss account of the parent Company has not been presented.  
The parent Company’s profit for the year was £29.7m (2019: £59.7m).

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER
Chief Financial Officer

118118

 www.fever-tree.com

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comCOMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Equity as at 31 December 2018

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends paid 

Share-based payments

Tax on share-based payments

Shares issued

Share
capital
£m

0.3

Share
premium
£m

54.8

Capital 
redemption
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

0.1

46.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

102.0

59.7

(18.0)

1.9

0.2

–

145.8

29.7

(17.8)

1.9

(0.6)

–

59.7

(18.0)

1.9

0.2

–

90.6

29.7

(17.8)

1.9

(0.6)

–

Equity as at 31 December 2019

0.3

54.8

0.1

Total comprehensive income for the year

Dividends paid 

Share-based payments

Tax on share-based payments

Shares issued

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Equity as at 31 December 2020

0.3

54.8

0.1

103.8

159.0

119

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements of Fever tree Drinks plc Company have been prepared in accordance with Financial Repor ting Standard 101, 
Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Company’s financial statements are presented in sterling. 

In preparing these financial statements the Company has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS 101. Therefore, 
these financial statements do not include:

 ƒ cer tain comparative information as otherwise required by IAS 1;

 ƒ cer tain disclosures regarding the Company’s capital;

 ƒ a statement of cash flows;

 ƒ the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted;

 ƒ the disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel; and

 ƒ disclosure of related par ty transactions with wholly owned fellow group companies

In addition, and in accordance with FRS 101, fur ther disclosure exemptions have been adopted because equivalent disclosures are 
included in the consolidated financial statements of Fever tree Drinks plc. These financial statements do not include cer tain disclosures 
in respect of:

 ƒ Share-based payments;

 ƒ Financial instruments (other than cer tain disclosures required as a result of recording financial instruments at fair value);

 ƒ Fair value measurement (other than cer tain disclosures required as a result of recording financial instruments at fair value) and;

 ƒ The disclosure requirements of IFRS 15.

In all respects, the Company applies the same accounting policies as the Group, which, as stated above, are outlined in the notes to the 
consolidated financial statements. In addition, the following accounting policies are also applied, given the Company’s function as holding 
company for the Group.

INVESTMENTS
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provisions for diminution in value.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Company operates equity-settled share-based option plans. The fair value of the employee ser vices received in exchange for the 
par ticipation in the plan is recognised as an expense in the profit or loss account. The corresponding credit has been recognised in the 
profit or loss account reser ve.

The fair value of the employee ser vice is based on the fair value of the equity instrument granted. This expense is spread over the 
vesting period of the instrument. 

2.  PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS 

Operating profit is stated after charging:

Share-based payments

3.  STAFF COSTS

Short-term employee benefits

Accrued bonus

Employers national insurance

2020
£m

1.9

2020
£m

1.3

0.8

0.4

2.5

2019
£m

1.9

2019
£m

1.1

–

0.1

1.2

No headcount figures are included within this note since salaries are recharged for ser vices to the Company from other Group 
companies.

120120

 www.fever-tree.com

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 www.fever-tree.comNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

4.   FIXED ASSET INVESTMENT

At 31 December 2019 and 2020

Refer to note 14 of the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the list of the Company’s subsidiaries.

5.  DEBTORS

Amounts owed by group undertakings

Deferred tax asset

6.  CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Accruals

Other payables 

Amounts owed to group undertakings

Subsidiary
undertakings
£m

60.5

2020
£m

34.3

0.8

35.1

2020
£m

0.9

0.5

0.5

1.9

2019
£m

65.2

1.7

66.9

2019
£m

0.1

–

4.4

4.5

Fever tree Drinks plc is also par ty to an Omnibus Guarantee and Set Off agreement with one of the Group’s banking providers.

7.  SHARE CAPITAL

Refer to note 21 of the consolidated financial statements for information on share capital.

8.  RESERVES

Refer to note 23 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of the reser ves.

9.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose related par ty transactions with wholly owned fellow Group 
companies. Related par ty transactions with key management personnel (including Directors) are shown in note 26 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

10.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Share-based payment arrangements for Directors are set out in the Remuneration Repor t.

Details of the share options in existence are shown in note 22 of the consolidated financial statements.

11.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no events after the repor ting period to disclose.

121

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVROTHER
INFORMATION

Company Information 

Notice of Annual General 
Meeting 

124

125

Notice of Annual General Meeting –  
128
Explanator y Notes 

 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

COMPANY INFORMATION

REGISTERED OFFICE
Kildare House   
3 Dorset Rise   
London  
EC4Y 8EN

HEAD OFFICE
186-188 Shepherds Bush Road 
London 
W67 NL

COMPANY WEBSITE
www.fever-tree.com

COMPANY SECRETARY
John Finlay

ADVISERS
NOMINATED ADVISERS AND BROKERS
Investec Bank plc 
2 Gresham Street   
London 
EC2V 7QP

Numis Securities 
10 Paternoster Square 
London 
EC4M 7LT

LEGAL ADVISERS TO THE COMPANY
Osborne Clarke 
One London Wall   
London 
EC2Y 5EB

AUDITORS
BDO LLP 
55 Baker Street   
London 
W1U 7EU

REGISTRARS
Link Group 
10th Floor 
Central Square 
29 Wellington Street 
Leeds 
LS1 4D

124

 www.fever-tree.com

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) of Fever tree Drinks plc (the “Company”) will be held at the office of 
Fever Tree at 186-188 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7NL, on 20 May 2021 at 11:30 a.m. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and 
considering the latest UK Government measures on physical public gatherings this year the Board is adopting a number of changes to the 
traditional running of the AGM. The Company wishes to advise that, in order to limit the risk of infection and protect the health and safety 
of shareholders and employees, the Board is planning that the AGM this year will be a closed meeting and convened with the minimum 
quorum of two shareholders which the Company will arrange. As a result, we regret shareholders will not be permitted to attend the meeting 
in person and, in the interests of safety, anyone seeking to attend in person will be refused entr y. In the event that Government guidance 
changes prior to the date of the meeting, we will announce any changes to the meeting arrangements through a regulator y news ser vice and 
on the Company’s website. Shareholders are invited to submit any questions for the Board by sending an email to agm@fever-tree.com. We 
encourage all shareholders to vote by proxy, fur ther details of which are contained in this notice. It is par ticularly impor tant that shareholders 
vote by proxy this year as they will be unable to attend in person.  We will be providing a conference call facility for any shareholders wishing 
to listen to the AGM proceedings. If you would like to join, please email agm@fever-tree.com for details. Note that joining the conference call 
does not constitute attendance at the meeting for legal purposes so you will not be able to vote. Accordingly, even if you intend to dial into 
the meeting you are encouraged to submit your vote by proxy before the meeting. The AGM will be for the following purposes:

ORDINARY BUSINESS
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinar y resolutions:

1.  Report and accounts

To receive the audited annual accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020 together with the Directors’ repor ts 
and the Auditors’ repor t on those annual accounts.

2.  Directors’ Remuneration 

To approve the Directors’ remuneration repor t for the year ended 31 December 2020. 

3.  Declaration of dividend

To declare a final dividend of 10.27p per ordinar y share for the year ended 31 December 2020 payable on 28 May 2021 to 
shareholders who are on the register of members of the Company on 9 April 2021.

4.   Re-election of William Ronald

To re-elect William Ronald as a Director.

5.   Re-election of Timothy Warrillow

To re-elect Timothy Warrillow as a Director.

6.   Re-election of Andrew Branchflower

To re-elect Andrew Branchflower as a Director.

7.   Re-election Coline McConville

To re-elect Coline McConville as a Director.

8.   Re-election of Kevin Havelock

To re-elect Kevin Havelock as a Director.

9.   Re-election of Jeff Popkin

To re-elect Jeff Popkin as a Director.

10.  Re-election of Domenic De Lorenzo

To re-elect Domenic De Lorenzo as a Director.

11.  Re-appointment of Auditors

To re-appoint BDO LLP as Auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this AGM until the conclusion of the next 
general meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company.

12.  Auditors’ remuneration

To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the Auditors.

SPECIAL BUSINESS
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolution 13 and 16 will be proposed as ordinar y resolutions and 
resolutions 14 and 15 will be proposed as special resolutions.

13.  Directors’ authority to allot shares

That, in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of this resolution, the Directors be 
and they are generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 551, Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to exercise all powers of the 
Company to allot shares in the Company, and grant rights to subscribe for or to conver t any security into shares of the Company (such shares, 
and rights to subscribe for or to conver t any security into shares of the Company being “relevant securities”) up to an aggregate nominal 

Stock code: FEVR

125

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16 April 2021 11:37 am 

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 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  CONTINUED

amount of £97,099 provided that, unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this authority shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 
months after the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company, except that the Company may at 
any time before such expir y make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expir y and 
the Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired. 

14.  Directors’ power to issue shares for cash

That, in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of this resolution, the Directors 
be and they are empowered to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Act) of the Company wholly for cash pursuant to the 
authority of the Directors under Section 551 of the Act conferred by resolution 14 above (in accordance with Section 570(1) of the Act) 
and/or by way of a sale of treasur y shares (in accordance with Section 573 of the Act), in each case as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not 
apply to such allotment provided that the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to:

(i) 

the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of, or invitation to apply for, equity securities:

(A)  in favour of holders of ordinar y shares in the capital of the Company, where the equity securities respectively attributable to 

the interests of all such holders are propor tionate (as nearly as practicable) to the respective number of ordinar y shares in the 
capital of the Company held by them; and

(B)  to holders of any other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,

but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessar y or expedient to deal with treasur y shares, 
fractional entitlements or legal, regulator y or practical problems arising under the laws or requirements of any overseas territor y or by 
vir tue of shares being represented by depositor y receipts or the requirements of any regulator y body or stock exchange or any other 
matter whatsoever ; and

(ii)  the allotment, otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value equal to 

£14,565; and

unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this power shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 months after the date of the 
passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company except that the Company may before the expir y of this 
power make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or sold after such expir y and the Directors 
may allot equity securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this power had not expired.

15.  Authority to purchase shares (market purchases)

That the Company be and is hereby unconditionally and generally authorised for the purposes of Section 701 of the Act to make market 
purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4) of the Act) of its ordinar y shares of 0.25p each (“Ordinar y Shares”) provided that:

(i) 

the maximum number of Ordinar y Shares authorised to be purchased is 11,651,903;

(ii)   the minimum price which may be paid for any such Ordinar y Share is 0.25p;

(iii)   the maximum price which may be paid for an Ordinar y Share shall be the higher of:

(A)  an amount equal to 105% of the average middle market quotations for an Ordinar y Share as derived from the London Stock 
Exchange Daily Official List for the 5 business days immediately preceding the day on which the Ordinar y Share is contracted 
to be purchased; and

(B)  the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the trading venue where the 

purchase is carried out; and

(iv)  this authority shall, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 months after the date 
of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next AGM, but the Company may enter into a contract for the purchase 
of Ordinar y Shares before the expir y of this authority which would or might be completed (wholly or par tly) after its expir y.

16.  Amendment to LTIP Rules

That rule 4.1 of the Fever tree Drinks plc Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), adopted on 21 April 2016, be and is hereby amended to 
increase the maximum total market value of shares over which awards may be granted to a par ticipant in any financial year to 450% of the 
par ticipant’s salar y, as defined in rule 4.2, as shown in the rules of the LTIP produced to the meeting and initialled by the Chairman of the 
meeting for the purpose of identification. 

Dated: 19 April 2021
Registered Office:
Kildare House
3 Dorset Rise
London 
EC47 8EN

126

 www.fever-tree.com

By order of the Board
JOHN FINLAY
Company Secretary

NOTES

1.  Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncer tificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended), only those members registered in the register 
of members of the Company at the close of business on 18 May 2021 (or if the AGM is adjourned, 48 hours before the time fixed for 
the adjourned AGM) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that 
time. Any changes to the register of members after such time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or 
vote at the AGM.

2.  Due to the restrictions on attendance at this year’s AGM we encourage all shareholders to vote by proxy, fur ther details of which are 

contained in this notice in Note 7 below. All shareholders are encouraged to appoint the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy rather 
than a named person, as they will not be permitted to attend the physical meeting.

3.  Each of the resolutions to be put to the meeting will be voted on by a poll reflecting the number of voting rights exercisable by each 

member. The results of the poll will be published on the Company’s website once the votes have been counted and verified.

4.  In the case of joint holders of shares, the vote of the first named in the register of members who tenders a vote shall be accepted to the 

exclusion of the votes of other joint holders.

5.  A member that is a company or other organisation not having a physical presence cannot attend in person but can appoint someone 
to represent it. This can be by the appointment of a proxy (described in Note 7 below) Members considering the appointment of a 
corporate representative should check their own legal position, the Company’s ar ticles of association and the relevant provision of the 
Companies Act 2006.

6.  Copies of the executive Directors’ ser vice contracts with the Company and any of its subsidiar y under takings and a copy of the rules of 
the Fever tree Drinks plc Long Term Incentive Plan (showing the proposed amendment under resolution 16) are available on request.

7.  You can vote either :

 ƒ by logging on to www.signalshares.com and following the instructions;

 ƒ You may request a hard copy form of proxy directly from the registrars, Link Group, at enquiries@linkgroup.co.uk or on 

Tel: 0371 664 0300. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will var y by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom 
will be charged at the applicable international rate.  Lines are open between 09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales.

 ƒ in the case of CREST members, by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment ser vice in accordance with the procedures set 

out below.

In order for a proxy appointment to be valid a form of proxy must be completed. In each case the form of proxy must be received by Link 
Group, 10th Floor, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL by 11:30 a.m. on 18 May 2021.

8.  CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST proxy appointment ser vice may do so for the AGM (and 
any adjournment thereof) by following the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST 
sponsored members (and those CREST members who have appointed a voting ser vice provider) should refer to their CREST sponsor or 
voting ser vice provider, who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a “CREST Proxy 
Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s (“Euroclear”) specifications and must 
contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message (regardless of whether it relates to 
the appointment of a proxy or to an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy) must, in order to be valid, be 
transmitted so as to be received by Link Group, RA10 by 11.30 a.m. on 18 May 2021. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken 
to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which Link Group is able 
to retrieve the message by enquir y to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies 
appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means.

CREST members (and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting ser vice providers) should note that Euroclear does not make 
available special procedures in CREST for any par ticular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation 
to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or if the CREST member is a 
CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting ser vice provider, to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting 
ser vice provider takes) such action as shall be necessar y to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any 
par ticular time. In this connection, CREST members (and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting ser vice providers) are referred, 
in par ticular, to those sections of the CREST Manual (available at www.euroclear.com/CREST) concerning practical limitations of the CREST 
system and timings.

The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncer tificated 
Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended).

127

 FEVER-TREE DRINKS PLC   /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTSStock code: FEVR Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING –  
EXPLANATORY NOTES

RESOLUTION 1 – RECEIVING THE ACCOUNT AND REPORTS
All quoted companies are required by law to lay their annual accounts before a general meeting of the Company, together with the 
Directors’ repor ts and Auditors’ repor t on the accounts. At the AGM, the Directors will present these documents to the shareholders for 
the financial year ended 31 December 2020.

RESOLUTION 2 – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
To approve the Directors’ remuneration repor t for the year ended 31 December 2020.

RESOLUTION 3 – DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND
This resolution concerns the Company’s final dividend payment. The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 10.27p per ordinar y 
share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2020 which, if approved, will be payable on 28 May 2021 to the shareholders on the 
register of members on 9 April 2021.

RESOLUTION 4 – RE-ELECTION OF WILLIAM RONALD
This resolution concerns the re-election of William Ronald who is retiring at the meeting by rotation in accordance with the Company’s 
ar ticles of association. A biography of William Ronald’s background and experience is provided in the Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 5 – RE-ELECTION OF TIMOTHY WARRILLOW
This resolution concerns the re-election of Timothy Warrillow who is retiring at the meeting by rotation in accordance with the Company’s 
ar ticles of association. A biography of Tim Warrillow’s background and experience is provided in the Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 6 – RE-ELECTION OF ANDREW BRANCHFLOWER
This resolution concerns the re-election of Andrew Branchflower who is up for re-election pursuant to Company’s continued compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code. A biography of Andrew Branchflower’s background and experience is provided in the Annual 
Repor t.

RESOLUTION 7 – RE-ELECTION OF COLINE MCCONVILLE
This resolution concerns the re-election of Coline McConville who is up for re-election pursuant to Company’s continued compliance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code. A biography of Coline McConville’s background and experience is provided in the Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 8 – RE-ELECTION OF KEVIN HAVELOCK
This resolution concerns the re-election of Kevin Havelock who is up for re-election pursuant to Company’s continued compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code. A biography of Kevin Havelock’s background and experience is provided in the Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 9 – RE-ELECTION OF JEFF POPKIN
This resolution concerns the re-election of Jeff Popkin who is up for re-election pursuant to Company’s continued compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. A biography of Jeff Popkin’s background and experience is provided in the Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 10 – RE-ELECTION OF DOMENIC DE LORENZO
This resolution concerns the re-election of Domenic De Lorenzo who is up for re-election pursuant to the Company’s continued 
compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. A biography of Dom de Lorenzo’s background and experience is provided in the 
Annual Repor t.

RESOLUTION 11 – RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
Following an audit tender process, this resolution concerns the re-appointment of BDO LLP as Auditors until the conclusion of the next 
general meeting at which accounts are laid, that is, the next AGM.

RESOLUTION 12 – AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 
This resolution authorises the Directors to fix the Auditors’ remuneration.

RESOLUTION 13 – DIRECTORS’ POWER TO ALLOT SHARES
This resolution grants the Directors authority to allot shares in the capital of the Company and other relevant securities up to an aggregate 
nominal value of £97,099 representing approximately one third of the nominal value of the issued ordinar y share capital of the Company as 
at 7 April 2021, being the latest practicable date before publication of this notice.

The Directors do not have any present intention of exercising the authorities conferred by this resolution but they consider it desirable that 
the specified amount of authorised but unissued share capital is available for issue so that they can more readily take advantage of possible 
oppor tunities.

Unless revoked, varied or extended, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or the date falling 18 
months from the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier.

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RESOLUTION 14 – DIRECTORS’ POWER TO ISSUE SHARES FOR CASH FOR PRE-EMPTIVE ISSUES AND GENERAL PURPOSES
This resolution authorises the Directors in cer tain circumstances to allot equity securities for cash other than in accordance with the statutor y 
pre-emption rights (which require a company to offer all allotments for cash first to existing shareholders in propor tion to their holdings). 
The relevant circumstances are either where the allotment takes place in connection with a rights issue or the allotment is limited to a 
maximum nominal amount of £14,565 representing approximately 5% of the nominal value of the issued ordinar y share capital of the Company 
as at 21 April 2020 being the latest practicable date before publication of this notice. Unless revoked, varied or extended, this authority will 
expire at the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company or 18 months after the passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier.

RESOLUTION 15 – AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE SHARES (MARKET PURCHASE)
This resolution authorises the board to make market purchases of up to 11,651,903 ordinar y shares (representing approximately 10% of the 
Company’s issued ordinar y shares as at 7 April 2021, being the latest practicable date before publication of this notice). Shares so purchased 
may be cancelled or held as treasur y shares. The authority will expire at the end of the next AGM of the Company or 18 months from the 
passing of the resolution, whichever is the earlier. The Directors intend to seek renewal of this authority at subsequent AGMs.

The minimum price that can be paid for an ordinar y share is 0.25p being the nominal value of an ordinar y share. The maximum price that 
can be paid is 5% over the average of the middle market prices for an ordinar y share, derived from the Daily Official List of the London 
Stock Exchange, for the five business days immediately before the day on which the share is contracted to be purchased.

The Directors intend to exercise this right only when, in light of the market conditions prevailing at the time and taking into account all 
relevant factors (for example, the effect on earnings per share), they believe that such purchases are in the best interests of the Company 
and shareholders generally. The overall position of the Company will be taken into account before deciding upon this course of action. 
The decision as to whether any such shares bought back will be cancelled or held in treasur y will be made by the Directors on the same 
basis at the time of the purchase.

The Directors do not have any present intention of exercising the authorities conferred by this resolution but they consider it desirable 
that the authorities are in place so that they can more readily take advantage of possible oppor tunities.

RESOLUTION 16 – AMENDMENT TO COMPANY’S LTIP RULES
This resolution authorises the board to amend the Company’s LTIP Rules in order to increase the maximum total market value of 
shares over which awards may be granted to a par ticipant during a financial year from 300% of his/her salar y to 450% of his/her salar y. 
The Remuneration Committee has discussed the proposed change with the Company’s leading shareholders, who have been broadly 
suppor tive of the proposed change.

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