Founded in February 2024, Manchester-based United Canning has rapidly established itself as a specialist manufacturer for natural, innovative drinks. From additive-free, health-conscious beverages to syrups supplied to the high-streets major retailers, the business reflects the deep technical expertise and passion of its founder, Raphael Ogunrinde.
Raphael – who moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2007 to study and pursue a career in food quality management – founded United Canning to support clients on formulation, market insight and small-batch production. The team supports some of the UK’s fastest-growing beverages firms, including KAYTEA, Bloomin, Agua de Madre and Sabeel Date Water.
As an established Lloyds business customer, United Canning has already drawn on the bank’s products and services to support its early growth. But as the business matured, it became clear that financial tools were just one element in Raphael’s growth phase. While he had the technical capability to bring these products to life, building a manufacturing operation at scale is an entirely different challenge.
As United Canning prepares to transition into a larger, high-capacity facility in Middleton, Greater Manchester to meet the influx of demand, Raphael recognised that he needed guidance on the many demands that come with growing a business.
