In Sri Lanka’s dynamic drinks market, Pelican Island represents a turning point for premium mixers. Part of the Liquid Island portfolio within the Rockland Group, the brand was introduced in 2021, at a time when Sri Lanka faced economic upheaval and repeated supply-chain disruption. Launching in such conditions might have seemed risky, yet the brand quickly secured a following and established itself as one of the early leaders in its category.
The rollout began in cans, for their practicality when sourcing and distribution were uncertain. Once stability returned, Pelican Island switched to glass bottles, reinforcing its premium image and aligning packaging with the quality of what was inside. The move showed that in a crowded market, presentation can matter as much as taste and set new expectations for how premium mixers are positioned in Sri Lanka.
The range began with Soda, Tonic, and Cola, made from natural ingredients and containing up to 40% less sugar than conventional soft drinks. It later expanded to include Lemorang, a sharp, citrus-led variant. In a sector where branding can be as influential as taste, Pelican Island distinguishes itself with an identity that is modern, restrained, and appealing.
Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne, Group Managing Director of Rockland, discusses Pelican Island’s product innovation, branding, and strategic positioning to take a Sri Lankan brand, global.
What gap in the market did you see that led to the creation of Pelican Island?
For years, Sri Lanka’s mixer segment has been dominated by mass-market beverages. While these products served their purpose, they were never designed with the specific goal of complementing premium spirits. In most bars and homes, a supermarket soft drink would be paired with rum, whisky, or gin because there was simply no alternative.
We identified this as a significant gap. Aside from imported brands, there were limited mixers offering the complexity and balance needed to elevate a spirit. This was our opportunity: creating a mixer designed from scratch while honouring the spirit.
Why is the low-sugar aspect so important to your brand identity?
We’re in an era where consumers are seeking more than just healthier options and exciting flavours; they prefer balance. Sugar has come under increased scrutiny. The World Health Organization recommends adults limit their intake to under 25 grams per day – an amount many soft drinks exceed in a single can. This has created growing demand for mixers and solutions that offer flavour without excessive sweetness.
Our Pelican Island range offers a responsible alternative without compromising on taste. Our tonic, for example, uses almost half the sugar available in competing brands – a significant reduction.
From a bartender’s perspective, less sugar creates a more balanced beverage experience.
How has the international market responded to the range?
The response to Pelican Island has been strong. In Australia, the Cuba Libre – a simple mix of rum, cola, and lime – remains among the country’s most popular bar serves, and one of the largest mixed-drink categories by volume. The venues we supply, from city-centre bars to resort hotels, have welcomed a cola that is lower in sugar than most, made with natural ingredients, and developed specifically to complement spirits rather than overwhelm them. This positioning has made it a credible alternative to mainstream soft drinks and a useful tool for bartenders seeking balance in their drinks.
Singapore has also proved receptive, particularly in the higher end of the market. Pelican Island Tonic has been adopted across the premium hospitality sector, where the standard of mixers is increasingly scrutinised. We have become the default “pouring tonic” at several prestigious hotels, including the Andaz. Such placements are not merely symbolic: they reinforce the brand’s quality credentials, secure visibility among influential consumers, and signal a level of trust from establishments that are cautious about what they put behind the bar.
Where do you see Pelican Island in the next five years?
Our goal is to establish Pelican Island as the go-to premium mixer in both domestic and international markets. We’re already in Australia and Singapore, with plans to expand into other potential markets.
In a world where health, flavour and quality matter more than ever, Pelican Island aims to meet all three. Our low-sugar approach responds to rising scrutiny of diet and wellbeing; focus on authentic ingredients caters to consumers seeking products that feel natural; and our emphasis on presentation and balance ensures that the drinking experience is elevated rather than compromised. By combining these elements, Pelican Island is positioning itself not simply as another mixer, but as a standard-bearer for how a Sri Lankan brand can compete and thrive on a global stage.