Making it Work

How a Kildare bottling plant grew from quenching the thirst of 20,000 troops at the Curragh

JJ Mahon & Sons drinks bottling business started from an idea its founder had during World War II, or the Emergency as it was known at the time, and now the business is intent on growth as it recently acquired Drino Drinks

Kevin Mahon, managing director, Kevyn Mahon, sales representative and David Mahon, sales director, JJ Mahon Wholesale Distribution: ‘Our business model is based on volume. We’re at a point where we need to become bigger to grow credibility.’ Picture: Michael Donnelly

David Mahon is carrying on a tradition started by his grandfather in 1949 when JJ Mahon & Sons first started. With over 70 years of heritage behind him, Mahon knows it’s important his business evolves in order to keep growing.

The Kildare town-based business now has 60 staff and provides bottling services nationwide.

“Essentially we’re a licensed trade distributor. Historically there were regional bottlers. All bottled beers and spirits were done locally to where they were sold. In addition, we manufactured our own soft drinks as well,” Mahon told the Business Post.