Constellation Brands has announced that it has acquired the Kentucky-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Company for an undisclosed sum.
The product portfolio of the craft spirits maker includes American Brandy, absinthe, gin, and Destillaré liqueurs.
It also runs a tasting room and restaurant located in the heart of Bourbon Country in Louisville, Kentucky.
The move is part of Constellation Brands’ strategy to add bold, innovative and high-end brands and products to its portfolio.
'A Fast-Growing Category'
Bill Newlands, president and chief executive officer of Constellation Brands, commented, “American Craft Brandy is a fast-growing category that resonates with consumers, specifically among whiskey drinkers, and provides an excellent bridge between fine wine and craft bourbon.
“Copper & Kings’ prime location in Bourbon Country also presents an opportunity for Constellation to drive brand awareness and further expand the brand’s direct-to-consumer and retail routes to market.”
Previously, Constellation Brands had a minority investment in Copper & Kings American Brandy Company.
Both companies have been collaborating since 2017 for a deeper understanding of the American craft brandy category and increasing awareness and distribution of the Copper & Kings brand, Constellation Brands said in its statement.
Jennifer Evans, vice president of Constellation Ventures, commented, “With entrepreneurship and quality being part of Constellation’s core values, it’s gratifying to see those values come to life through our first full Ventures acquisition in Copper & Kings.
“When making a venture investment, we look for brands that want to push boundaries, grow with consumers, and expand their current markets. Copper & Kings checks all those boxes, and we look forward to integrating them into our wine and spirits portfolio.”
Innovative Spirits
Founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Joe and Lesley Heron, Copper & Kings uses small batch copper pot-distillation and unconventional methods, like sonic ageing and solera blending, to craft a variety of non-traditional and innovative spirits.
“As Copper & Kings moves into this next phase, we feel immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together with Constellation Brands," Joe Heron commented.
“Copper & Kings and Constellation have had a symbiotic relationship right from the start. Because of that shared culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and respect for the environment, as well as a good personal relationship, Lesley and I know we are leaving Copper & Kings in good hands.”
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
