Company History

History Timeline

• 1851

  

  The Beginning of the Dayla Story

  Joseph Senior Holland enters the brewing and licensed trade, laying the foundations for what would become Dayla.

• 1919

  

  Expansion Begins in Aylesbury

  Joe Holland acquires North & Randall and begins growing the family business across Buckinghamshire.

• 1947

  

  A New Generation Joins the Business

  Joan and Pat Holland, alongside Richard Cooper, help shape the future of the company.

• 1949

  

  Leadership, Growth & Community

  Joseph Holland becomes Mayor of Aylesbury as Richard Cooper drives the business into a new era of expansion.

• 1958

  

  Hubbly Bubbly Arrives in the UK from South Africa

  Richard Cooper launches the iconic South African soft drink nationwide.

• 1966

  

  The Dayla Brand is Born

  Dayla launches its own expanding range of soft drinks, mixers, cordials and juices.

• 1977

  

  A New Name for the Business

  North & Randall officially becomes Dayla Soft Drinks. Dayla originally stood for 'Dicks AYLesbury Agency' after our MD Richard (Dick) Cooper. 

• 1986

  

  A Bold Shift Towards Distribution

  Dayla moves away from manufacturing to focus fully on wholesale drinks distribution.

• 1987

  

  Tim Cooper Becomes Managing Director

  At just 30 years old, Tim Cooper takes the reins of the family business.

• 1996

  

  Recognition for Richard 'Dick' Cooper

  Dick Cooper is awarded an OBE for his voluntary services to the magistracy.

• 2001

  

  James Pettit Joins the Family

  Dayla acquires James Pettit & Company Wine Merchants, as well as celebrating 150 years of independence.

• 2010

  

  A New Home for Dayla

  The business relocates from Aylesbury High Street into a modern regional distribution centre.

• 2011

  

  Official Opening of the New Distribution Centre

  Formula 1 driver Mark Webber officially opens the new Dayla & James Pettit facility.

• 2012

  

  A Royal Visit to Dayla

  HRH Princess Alexandra visits Dayla during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

• 2012

  

  The Fifth Generation Begins Their Journey

  Kaz Cooper and Daniel Cooper join the business, followed by James Lapham in 2014.

• 2019

  

  One Modern Identity

  Dayla & James Pettit unveil a major rebrand uniting both businesses together.

• 2024

  

  Expanding Into London & Beyond

  Dayla opens its second distribution centre to support continued regional growth.

• 2026

  

  175 Years Independent

  Dayla celebrates 175 years as the fifth generation steps forward to lead the business.