Global Brands has struck a deal to distribute Distil’s spirits brands in the UK off-trade.
In a stock-exchange filing, Distil, the owner of brands including RedLeg spiced rum, said Global Brands will sell into grocery, cash-and-carry and convenience store customers in the country.
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The companies have worked together in the past, teaming up on the development of RedLeg RTDs.
Distil said Marussia Beverages UK will continue to handle its accounts with “premium off-trade customers” and the on-trade.
“Global Brands has strong relationships with major grocery customers thanks to the national distribution of its own brands – which include VK, Hooch, and Franklin & Sons – in this channel and has demonstrated a keen understanding of Distil’s brands and ambitions,” Distil executive chairman Don Goulding said.
“Having worked with its experienced team on our RedLeg ready-to-serve cans with Franklin & Sons since 2019, we are confident that Global Brands is the best partner to support our growth within the UK off-trade.”
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By GlobalDataDistil, meanwhile, announced that “in light of the new partnership” commercial director Alex Baker is stepping down to focus on his own consulting business from the end of March.
In January, Distil which owns Blavod Black Vodka and Blackwoods gin, reported a 39% rise in third-quarter revenues to £571,000 for the period to the end of December. Volumes increased 10%, it said. Gross profit rose 23% to £272,000.
In the nine months to 31 December, Distil generated revenue of £1.2m, up 38%. Nine-month gross profit also increased 38% to £554,000.
In November, Distil raised £756,000 ($954,400) in capital to help fund its longer-term growth plans.
The company said it would use the capital to restock its customers – following the change in its on-trade distribution – as well as the opening of a Blackwoods guest experience at its Ardgowan distillery.
