- 28/5/2025

Buddy is out to reinvent the energy drink

3 min

Offering a healthy alternative to energy drinks is the challenge that Buddy and the Maxime brothers, Oscar and Arthur van der Rest have been successfully meeting since 2020. "Buddy is a 100% natural drink that boosts energy and concentration with a duo of organic superfoods: guarana and ginkgo biloba,” explains Maxime. "Buddy contains no additives, colourings or other harmful substances, and is 75% less sweet than traditional energy drinks. It’s the healthiest brand on the market. "

Inspiring family values

This entrepreneurial adventure has its roots in the brothers’ family history. “Food has always been central to us. Our parents believed in organic food long before it became a trend, and superfoods were already part of our routine. That probably explains a lot.”

Growth boost

The Buddy recipe was a hit: sales soared, giving a real boost to the energy drinks market. "In 2024, we sold more than 1 million cans. Initially, Buddy was sold in organic shops and specialist catering outlets. Today, you’ll find us in major supermarket chains, even abroad. And we've won over consumers who weren't buying energy drinks before," says Maxime. "This year,  we’re aiming to grow our volumes even further."

A trusted banking partner

Christophe Demaret, Relationship Manager at BNP Paribas Fortis, has been with Buddy from the start. "We met their initial needs: opening an account, issuing bank cards, providing online banking access, etc. Then we closely monitored Buddy's development, always aiming to offer the right solutions at the right time. And that's what we did when product volumes really took off.”

A smooth and efficient relationship

“As we outsource, we have to finance everything we produce in advance, which naturally puts pressure on our working capital,” adds Maxime. "Christophe was there to analyse the different financing solutions and explain the pros and cons to us. This enabled us to choose a line of credit tailored to our specific needs. What do I like about Christophe? Proactivity, transparency and flexibility. Everything has always been very smooth and efficient."

"That's what's so exciting about my job: building real relationships with local entrepreneurs and working alongside them to bring their projects to life and help them grow," concludes Christophe.

" Today, we can be found in major supermarket chains, even abroad. And we've won over consumers who weren't buying energy drinks before."
Maxime van der Rest, co-founder of Buddy