Hi-Spirits takes on Paddy distribution in Ireland

Sazerac subsidiary Hi-Spirits will take over the distribution of Paddy Irish Whiskey in Ireland later this year.

Paddy Irish Whiskey will be distributed by Hi-Spirits in Ireland come 1 July

Hi-Spirits Ireland will start distributing Paddy in Ireland on 1 July, taking over from Jameson maker Irish Distillers.

US drinks group Sazerac acquired the brand from Pernod Ricard subsidiary Irish Distillers in 2016. The group purchased distributor Hi-Spirits for an undisclosed sum in the same year.

George Roberts, country manager for Hi-Spirits Ireland, said: “Paddy is a much-loved Irish whiskey and we see real opportunities to take the brand on to even greater success.”

He added: “For on-trade and off-trade customers it’s very much business as usual for Paddy, both while we work with Irish Distillers during the handover period, and then when we take over the distribution on 1 July.”

Hi-Spirits Ireland already distributes Southern Comfort, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Fireball, Fernet-Branca, Antica Sambuca and other brands in Ireland.