Rémy Cointreau ends First Drinks UK distribution

Rémy Cointreau is to end its distribution agreement with First Drinks in the UK after five years, following the establishment of its own distribution arm.

Rémy Cointreau will take over the UK distribution of its brands from March 2014

The French drinks group, whose brands include Rémy Martin, Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum and Passoã, will bring distribution of its entire UK portfolio under the remit of the Remy Cointreau UK Distribution Company from 1 April 2014.

Rémy Cointreau established its own UK distribution arm in June 2013 following the acquisition of the Bruichladdich Scotch distillery on Islay in 2012. It currently handles the route to market for both Bruichladdich single malt Scotch and The Botanist Gin, which is also made at the distillery.

Chris Mason, managing director of First Drinks, said: “We are very proud of the fantastic results we have delivered in building the Rémy Cointreau brands over the last five years.

“First Drinks has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Rémy Cointreau and we wish them success for their new venture in the UK.  Our focus going forward will be to do what we do best: build premium brands.”

First Drinks is now working on a hand-over strategy to ensure a smooth transition.

“We would like to thank First Drinks for its efforts in building the Rémy Cointreau portfolio over the last five years and we wish them well for the future,” added Spyros Ghikas, managing director of Rémy Cointreau Europe, Africa and Middle East.

First Drinks primarily handles the UK distribution of William Grant & Sons’ portfolio, including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Three Barrels.