Berry Bros. & Rudd to end UK distribution deals

Berry Bros. & Rudd will terminate its contracts with Maxxium UK and Mangrove from 1 July 2016 in order to bring UK distribution of its spirits portfolio in-house.

It is hoped the new move will allow Berry Bros. & Rudd to further its own range of spirits nationally and in London through “existing trade relationships and new customers”.

“The relationships with both Maxxium and Mangrove have been excellent, providing a strong platform for our spirits brands and for this we are very grateful,” commented Dan Jago, CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd.

“The time is now right, however, for us to build our own on- and off-trade UK distribution capabilities in spirits as well as wine as part of our long-term plans.”

Berry Bros. & Rudd has worked with Maxxium UK since 2006 and attributed “significant growth” of its brands, including The Glenrothes and No.3 London Dry Gin, to its relationship with Maxxium UK.

“We are proud of the successes we have achieved over the past decade with The Glenrothes and No.3 and wish Berry Bros. & Rudd well for their continued development,” commented managing director of Maxxium.

“Today’s announcement will allow us to focus resources on our leading global whiskies, Cognac and vodka brands to drive accelerated, sustainable and profitable growth for the long-term health of the spirits category.”

Mangrove began working with Berry Bros. & Rudd in 2014 and played an “instrumental” role in reaching new on-trade consumers with The King’s Ginger liqueur and Pink Pigeon spiced rum.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished with The King’s Ginger and Pink Pigeon spiced rum in the past two years and wish Berry Bros. & Rudd further success on the brands,” said Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove.

“Mangrove will continue to focus on our hand-picked portfolio of specialist spirits and liqueurs that showcase authenticity, innovation and commercial viability.”