Quintessential takes gin distribution in-house

London-based drinks group Quintessential Brands will take on-trade distribution for the Greenall’s and Bloom Gin brands back in-house after a three-year partnership agreement.

Bloom Gin, along with sister brand, Greenall’s, has returned distribution responsibilities to brand owner, Quintessential Brands

The move follows Quintessential Brands’s acquisition of on-trade distributor and brand development firm Marblehead in 2014.

Both the Greenall’s and Bloom Gin brands will be distributed by Marblehead and Essential Drinks, Quintessential Brands’s sales and distribution entity, from 1 March 2016.

Brand agency business and Matthew Clark Wholesale trading division Catalyst Brands has handled the distribution for Greenall’s and Bloom since August 2012.

“The acquisition of the on-trade distribution and brand development company Marblehead in 2014, coupled with the off-premise capability provided by Essential Drinks, also part of the Quintessential Brands Group, means that the time is now right to build on the current strong brand performance and bring Greenall’s The Original London Dry Gin and the Bloom Gin brands into the Quintessential Brands group of companies,” said William Ovens, International Commercial Director for Quintessential Brands.

“This will enable us to offer our complete gin portfolio including Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin and Berkeley Square London Dry Gin, as well as the recently launched Thomas Dakin craft gin, to all customers.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Catalyst Brands for the invaluable role that they have played in building these brands.”

Gary Squire, managing director of Catalyst Brands, added: “Catalyst Brands have had great success in building these two brands over the past three and a half years. We have established the brands as major players within the UK on-trade gin category through achievement of significant distribution and volume growth.

“In addition, we have executed some fantastic brand activation initiatives including implementation of the Greenall’s experiential activity with the Jockey Club, and Bloom Gin’s sponsorship of the Vista Bar at London’s Trafalgar Hotel.”

G&J Distillers, which produces both Greenall’s and Bloom Gin, last year forecast “record-breaking” turnover, with a 20% increase in the business’ production team.