A Wānaka mother-and-son duo are toasting the success of their beverage brand, Sidekick Soda.

Fiona Tomlinson and her son Rogie Tomlinson-Gillies first started developing Sidekick Soda during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

Less than four years later, it is not only stocked in national retailers like New World but in Australia and the US too. 

“It’s very exciting for us,” Fiona said. 

“There is a significant demand for all-natural beverages that are healthier alternatives to alcohol or high-sugar soft drinks.” 

The inspiration for Sidekick Sodas began with the traditional English drinking ‘shrub’ (made with a heavy dose of apple cider vinegar) which Fiona’s mother swore by.

Their challenge was taking the taste from medicinal to delicious.

The success of the drink is a victory for the small, Wānaka-run business, Fiona says.

After many months in development, three Sidekick Soda flavours were created: plum, strawberry and plum, and mango.

The drinks use real fruit and the apple cider vinegar is sweetened with New Zealand honey.

Fiona and Rogie run the business from Wānaka and bottling recently moved from Motueka to a site in Auckland with more capacity.

The drinks have made their way into WHS stores in Australia and the Los Angeles-based health-food store Erewhon.

Fiona said the fact that an up-and-coming Kiwi beverage is now available in such highly regarded overseas retailers is a big victory for the small Wānaka business.

“It was important for us to create something that tastes delicious but wasn’t full of non-sugar sweetener,” she said. 

“It’s the versatility and the fact that it is sweetened with honey that makes Sidekick Soda a standout product.”

PHOTOS: Supplied