Alcohol supplier Sasma snaps up Ultra Pure

Dutch base spirit supplier Sasma has significantly expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in US bulk alcohol producer Ultra Pure.

Sasma, headquartered close to Rotterdam, has a presence across Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia, and previously held 50% of Ultra Pure shares.

Ultra Pure serves more than 700 of the approximate 1,300 craft distilleries in the US market through six distribution centres in addition to supplying alcohol for the health and personal care sectors.

While the terms of the October 2016 acquisition have not been disclosed, Sasma has confirmed the deal was fully financed by its own resources.

The acquired shares were previously held by an individual partner who has retired from Ultra Pure to pursue charitable endeavours.

“This was the perfect timing for Sasma to become a 100% owner of Ultra Pure and further build both companies,” said Guy van Everdingen, head of sales and marketing at Sasma.

“[We will] take advantage of our purchasing and sales efforts but mainly use our combined worldwide network among 700+ artisanal distilleries, in the USA, UK and rest of the world [that] we now supply.”

The acquisition will boost Sasma’s worldwide sales of bourbon and Scotch whiskies, and speciality ethyl alcohols such as organic alcohol, van Everdingen adds.

Sasma suppliers craft producers with a range of base spirits, including organic sugarcane, wheat and rye alcohols.

According to The American Craft Spirits Association, craft spirits growth in the US is running at a five-year CAGR of 27.4% in volume and 27.9% in value terms.