Pernod Ricard has announced a 'significant investment' in Kyoto Distillery brand KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin, as part of its 'Transform & Accelerate' strategic plan.
The drinks firm said that the investment will be used primarily to develop a new state-of-the-art distillery to meet growing demand for the gin brand.
Commenting on the investment, David Croll, CEO of Kyoto Distillery, said, “We are delighted that Pernod Ricard appreciates the unique qualities of Japan’s first ultra-premium gin which we have created with the support and cooperation of Kyoto’s cultural and agricultural communities.”
KI NO BI is distilled at Japan's first dedicated gin distillery, developed in Kyoto in 2014.
The investment by Pernod Ricard follows similar partnerships with Monkey 47 ultra-premium gin, Smooth Ambler West Virginian whiskey, Del Maguey mezcal and Rabbit Hole bourbon.
'One-Of-A-Kind Brand'
“We are thrilled to welcome this one-of-a-kind brand to our portfolio," Alexandre Ricard, chairman & chief executive of Pernod Ricard said in a statement.
"KI NO BI’s unique origins and taste profile make it a perfect complement to The Gin Hub’s extensive stable of brands. I am excited for Pernod Ricard to be part of its ongoing development.”
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
