Rapscallion Soda: quenching thirsts from Glasgow to the Gulf

12 January 2026 | 5 minute read

When Glasgow-based Rapscallion Soda launched in 2016, its mission was clear: create premium soft drinks using only natural ingredients, designed for adults seeking an alternative to alcohol.

Founder Gregor Leckie wanted to challenge the status quo of sugary, artificial sodas by crafting drinks with complexity and character: something that felt “grown-up, without the alcohol.”

Fast-forward to today, and Rapscallion Soda is raising a glass to success far beyond Scotland. After years of refining its “fruit to can” ethos and building a loyal UK customer base in foodservice and retail, the company has secured its first importer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rapscallion now employs eight people and has achieved a turnover of £700,000. Its entry into the UAE market marks a turning point, building for growth as the brand establishes its presence in the country.

As the entrepreneur behind the business, Gregor Leckie travelled to the UAE to strengthen his business relationships with buyers there, and to accelerate his company’s growth.

Scotland’s £19 billion food and drink sector

Rapscallion Soda’s success story is part of a much bigger picture. Scotland’s food and drink sector is worth £19 billion, employing over 123,000 people across 17,000 businesses. It's the country’s third-largest industry and a global leader in quality and innovation, according to industry body, Scotland Food and Drink.

With rising demand for premium, health-conscious products, Scottish brands like Rapscallion are perfectly positioned to lead the charge into international markets.

With our support, Rapscallion Soda accessed capital grants and innovation support that allowed it to build, test and expand nitrogen production capacity and invest in the infrastructure needed for growth. This was complemented by international grant support, which funded engagement with brand consultants to refine the company’s proposition for global audiences.

E-commerce guidance and market intelligence gave the company further confidence, equipping the team with insights into consumer trends and competitive positioning. This approach meant Rapscallion could grow sustainably before entering new markets - a critical step for long-term success.

A blueprint for modern Scottish brands

Rapscallion Soda’s journey is more than an export win: it’s a blueprint for modern Scottish brands. The company demonstrates how authentic Scottish identity can be adapted for global audiences without losing its core values. 

Its brand is aligned with global trends: premium adult soft drinks are a fast-growing segment worldwide, driven by health-conscious consumers and cultural shifts away from alcohol. This highlights the importance of integrated growth strategies, where scaling innovation is the foundation for international expansion. 

The UAE opportunity reflects a growing global appetite for non-alcoholic alternatives. Rapscallion’s ability to anticipate this trend, and invest early in scaling and brand development, shows how Scottish businesses can combine creativity with strategic planning to thrive internationally.

Gregor Leckie sums up: “Exporting was always our ambition, but we realised we had to scale first to make it viable. With Scottish Enterprise’s support, we’ve built the capacity and resilience to grow sustainably. This isn’t just about export, it’s about helping a small, ambitious business get fit for scale, so we can take on new markets with confidence.”