Bacardi to distribute Beam whiskies in Brazil

Bacardi has secured a multi-year deal to distribute a number of Beam Suntory’s whisky brands in Brazil, taking over from Pernod Ricard.

Bacardi is to distribute a number of Beam Suntory’s whisky brands in Brazil

The Bermuda-based drinks group will be responsible for the sales and distribution of Beam Suntory’s Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam Bourbon brands.

Teacher’s is the best-selling whisky brand in Brazil, while Bacardi said it would work with Beam Suntory to expand its geographic reach and extend its ladder of products available in the country.

“Beam Suntory has a strong portfolio in Brazil led by the powerful Teacher’s Scotch whisky brand, and this new distribution arrangement will further strengthen our prospects in this important emerging market,” said Stan Auber, managing director of Beam Suntory South & Central America.

“We believe Bacardi is a strong partner that will enable us to expand geographically and introduce additional brands into Brazil in the future.”

Bacardi has distributed brands throughout Brazil for more than 60 years, experiencing the largest volume growth among spirits companies operating in the region over the last three years.

Beam Suntory was formed last year when Japanese drinks group Suntory Holdings acquired US firm Beam Inc, making a number of changes to its distribution channels.

The group moved distribution of its Japanese whisky and Scotch brands in-house in the US and Germany, terminating its contract with Campari.

It was recently announced that SPI’s Amber Beverage Group had agreed to distribute Beam Suntory’s portfolio in all Baltic states.