Originally operating solely from its Park Royal, north-west London, headquarters, the C&C/wholesaler later opened other branches in Newhaven, near Brighton, two years ago and Birmingham last year.

The company also has an online drinks service for consumers called drinksupermarket.com.

Another business, Champers Wholesale in Wembley, doubled in size to 60,000 sq ft last year when it took over a nearby drinks competitor, Furniss-Roe & Nichols.

HT & Co Drinks, whose total turnover is understood to be around £173 million, is also a part owner of Blackpool-based Gift Creations & Design.