Australian cordial and pre-mixed drinks brand Billson’s to be acquired by the Coca-Cola company

Historic Australian beverages brand Billson’s has been thrown a lifeline by the Coca-Cola Company after going into voluntary administration earlier this year.

The multinational soft drink manufacturers are currently in the process of purchasing the company, based out of Beechworth in Victoria, according to owners Nathan and Felicity Cowan.

The pair said they had been working closely with Coca-Cola over the last few months and that they were “delighted” that Billson’s popular drinks range would live on.

“It’s truly an honour that the world’s most iconic beverage company sees a bright future for Billson’s,” the couple said on Friday.

“We believe wholeheartedly that the brand is in the best possible hands for its next incredible chapter, and we’re just as excited as you to see where it goes from here.”

Billson’s, which is known for its cordials and pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, announced it had entered voluntary administration in July.

The Cowans said the business had struggled to keep up with its enormous growth since the pair took over in 2017.

“Unfortunately that growth masked several mistakes we made along the way as our systems and processes failed to keep up,” they said at the time.

“We’re ultimately responsible for these mistakes and we know that we have let people down. We are devastated and sorry.”

The Cowans said the acquisition would allow the team to focus on improving other products it currently offers such as soda, beer and alpine spring water.

As part of the transition, however, the brewery and the brand will undergo a name change.

The couple asked the public for their help in choosing a new name but have put forward suggestions including Isabella’s or George’s to honour the original founders.

“Thank you for your amazing support. Cheers to an exciting, flavour-filled future,” the Cowans said.

“We can’t wait to share more with you in 2025.”

Billson’s Brewery was founded in 1865, making it one of the oldest beverage manufacturing companies in the country.

In 2017 the Cowans took over the business, which at the time had scaled back production to only a handful of cordials.

The pair restored the historic brewery in Beechworth and began producing a range of new cordial flavours, sodas and spirits.

The building now has a tap room, beer garden and speakeasy bar for visitors to enjoy a beverage or a meal.

The brewery has continued operating throughout the administration process.