De Kuyper acquires Cherry Heering liqueur

Dutch spirits group De Kuyper has acquired liqueur brand Cherry Heering from Danish producer Peter F. Heering for an undisclosed sum.

Along with the purchase of Cherry Heering, the deal also includes Heering Coffee Liqueur.

The brands join the company’s liqueur and spirit portfolio including De Kuyper cocktail liqueurs, Peachtree, Rutte Gin & Jenever and Mandarine Napoléon.

“We are very pleased to add this internationally recognised iconic and, as of next year, 200-year-old brand to our portfolio,” said Mark de Witte, CEO of De Kuyper.

“De Kuyper initiated a business transformation two years ago and is continuously looking for premium brands to enhance its international portfolio. Cherry Heering is the global reference for a variety of classic cocktails and a great fit: fully in line with our company strategy and vision to ‘own the cocktail’. This acquisition will also drive our long-term sustainable growth.

“As a company with over 320 years of experience in the spirits market, we are proud to carry the Heering brand and all its extraordinary heritage into the future.”

Adéle Robberstad, CEO of Peter F. Heering company, added: “This is a unique combination of two family businesses teaming up.

“De Kuyper’s global network and on-premise experience will contribute to the future success and further development of the Cherry Herring brand. I am excited to be part of this journey.”

Established in 1818, Cherry Heering is thought to be the oldest cherry liqueur in the world. The liqueur is known for being used in the first Singapore Sling and in cocktails such as the Blood and Sand. It is available in over 100 countries around the world, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Israel and several Asian markets, as well as in global travel retail.

In April 2016, De Kuyper CEO Mark de Witte told The Spirits Business that he seeks to “own the cocktail” with his strategic vision for the company.