Pernod Ricard has announced that Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal and The Kyoto Distillery producers of KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin have joined its spirits portfolio.
Both brands will be distributed by Pernod from September 2020 across the Tasman as part of its Les Nouveaux Distillers arm, which specialises in fine spirits from around the world.
These two brands join the portfolio at a time when the gin and the tequila/mezcal categories represent some of the fastest growing spirits segments in Australia and New Zealand, with the fastest growing price point being above $50 (Source IRI National AU & NZ Liquor Data to MAT 12/07/20).
Del Maguey will complement the Olmeca Altos tequila brand by bringing a craft mezcal to the group.
Del Maguey was founded 25 years ago by Ron Cooper through deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican Indian producers in the remote villages of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the first producer to credit each of its mezcals to the village where the liquid is made. Pernod Ricard joined forces with Del Maguey in 2017.
In April this year, Pernod Ricard created an investment partnership with The Kyoto Distillery.
Renowned for exquisite spirits, Japanese gin has been rising in the super premium space due to the credibility and demand created through the nation’s whisky producers.
Pernod Ricard Pacific Commercial Managing Director, Kevin Mapson, says the Del Maguey and The Kyoto Distillery ranges represent an exciting opportunity for the Pernod Ricard spirits portfolio.
“Our team is looking forward to sharing and accelerating these brands across Australia and New Zealand both on and off premise,” he says.
“It’s a promising time for both the gin and tequila/mezcal categories as the industry and consumers look for what’s new to serve and drink particularly in this super premium space that both The Kyoto Distillery and Del Maguey specialise in.”
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