A BURY-BASED drinks company has had a sweet Easter after signing a deal to supply a seasonal gin to Aldi stores across Australia after the flavour became a hit down under.

Manchester Drinks Co, situated at Warth Business Centre on Warth Road, secured a contract to stock its Hot Cross Bun Gin Liqueur to the supermarket giant's Australian outlets ahead of the Easter period.  

The spirit was trialled by the retail giant last year and proved so successful that Aldi extended its availability across the continent.

Co-founder of Manchester Drinks Co, Richard Benjamin, said: “We were surprised when Aldi Australia placed its first order because we thought that hot cross buns were just a British thing. 

"It turns out they’re extremely popular down under too.

"We spent some time creating the flavour which is our classic gin infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.”

Ahead of the Easter weekend, spirits and beer buying director for Aldi, Paul Handley, said: “Hot Cross Bun Gin became an instant favourite with our customers when it was introduced last year.

"It sold out in record time so we’re very excited to be bringing it back for Easter again this year. 

"It’s a great twist on a classic festive favourite.”

Manchester Drinks Co was founded in 2005 by Richard Benjamin and Brian Levine. 

The company produces "ready-to-drink" products including soft drinks, cocktails, seltzers and small batch gins which are sold throughout the UK.