Close Menu
News

Altia eyes US cocktail market with aquavit launch

O.P. Anderson aquavit, owned by Finnish drinks group Altia, is set to make its debut in the US market.

In the US, there is a growing trend for niche spirits, such as aquavit

The product will launch in the US at the beginning of 2018 through importer Frederick Wildman and Sons.

“We are excited to introduce O.P. Anderson to the US market. There is a growing interest in aquavits in the cocktail scene right now, which makes this modern classic very contemporary,” said Janne Halttunen, senior vice president in charge of exports at Altia.

“Distribution will be built starting in the east coast with focus in the on-premise market.”

Tim Master, director of the specialty spirits division at Frederick Wildman and Sons, added: “The addition of O.P. Anderson Aquavit to Wildman spirits portfolio will certainly bring much enthusiasm to the marketplace.

“The trend throughout the US continues to move toward niche quality spirits, and bartenders and enthusiasts are embracing them wholeheartedly.”

In May this year, Altia opened a new aquavit distillery in Sundsvall, Sweden, for production of its flagship O.P. Anderson brand, as well as Skåne Aquavit, Gammal Norrlands Aquavit, Hallands Fläder and Bäska Droppar.

O.P. Anderson Distillery will be operated in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Unimedic and will encompass spice distillation, spice extraction, blending and maturation of Swedish aquavit.

In October, Altia, a state-owned company, confirmed that it is considering an initial public offering (IPO).

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No