Richard Reed

Co-Founder

innocent drinks

After graduating from Cambridge University and working in advertising for four years, Richard and two college friends, decided to set up a fresh fruit smoothie company. Following six months of developing recipes and the success of their first stall at a music festival they resigned from their jobs to focus on their new venture.

Seven years on the company employs 105 people, has a turnover of £75 million, and sells over one million smoothies a week. The innocent range has expanded to include special smoothies for children, one litre cartons for families, juicy waters for a more refreshing natural drink and thickies for a yoghurt and fruit blend. The drinks regularly win industry awards, including Best Soft Drink in the UK at the Q Awards for four years running. innocent regards itself as a profitable company which acts responsibly, striving for sustainability across all areas of the business. They also donate 10% of profits to the innocent foundation, which funds projects in countries where they purchase their fruit.