Congratulations are in order for UCL Alumnae and twin sisters Joyce and Raissa de Haas, as they have recently been shortlisted for the Great British Businesswoman Awards 2023 in the Young Businesswoman category. We had the privilege of catching up with the dynamic sisters to mark this occasion.
Double Dutch Drinks was founded in 2014 when the sisters were studying MSc Entrepreneurship at UCL School of Management. Their vision was clear: to disrupt the market and redefine people’s expectations of mixers. The innovative duo was the first to introduce dual-flavor mixers, such as Cucumber & Watermelon and Pomegranate & Basil, as well as cocktail sodas like their Margarita Soda. This approach has allowed them to cater to the rising number of no-low consumers and has garnered recognition from prestigious chefs and on-trade partners, including Soho House. Their dedication and unique products have earned them numerous awards, including Best Premium Adult Soft Drink at the World Beverage Innovation Awards and the CLASS Awards World’s Best Tonic.
Joyce and Raissa de Haas have been no strangers to recognition in recent years. In 2022, they were honoured as Food & Drink Women of the Year. Now, their nomination for the Young Businesswoman category of the Great British Businesswoman Awards 2023 is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their brand, Double Dutch Drinks. When asked about their initial reaction to the nomination, the sisters expressed their gratitude, stating,
“It was a real honor to be recognized as Food & Drink Women of the Year in 2022, and now being nominated by the Great British Businesswoman Awards again for Young Businesswomen is a great honour. It’s a validation of all the hard work of our team and this nomination is a testament to all our commitment to Double Dutch. Any award opens doors to new opportunities and offers credibility for new partnerships and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in the industry.”
Their journey from university students to successful entrepreneurs has been shaped by their experiences at UCL SoM. As they point out, “UCL provided us with a supportive environment for exploring our entrepreneurial ideas and developing the necessary skills to start and grow a business. Our experiences at university taught us the importance of resilience, teamwork, and adaptability, all of which have been essential in our entrepreneurial journey.”
Their nomination for the Great British Businesswoman Awards 2023 promises to open new doors for them. “Any nomination opens doors in some way or another and increases visibility, which is crucial in reaching a broader audience. It is definitely a stepping stone to further growth and impact. Personally, of course, it is fulfilling, and this nomination gives us a platform to inspire others,” they shared.
The Great British Businesswoman Awards 2023 Winner will be revealed on 22 November - we wish them the very best of luck! Until then, let us celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable sisters and women in business.
You can find out more about the Double Dutch sisters and read more about their alumni story.
