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Pernod makes ‘significant investment’ in Kyoto Distillery

French drinks group Pernod Ricard has made a “significant investment” in Japan’s Kyoto Distillery, which will be used to build a new state-of-the-art distillery.

The Kyoto Distillery produces award-winning Japanese gin brand Ki No Bi

The investment was made as part of Pernod Ricard’s Transform and Accelerate strategic plan and will also be used to help The Kyoto Distillery “meet growing demand” for Ki No Bi gin.

Ki No Bi will join The Pernod Ricard Gin Hub with immediate effect, sitting alongside the likes of Beefeater, Plymouth, Malfy and Monkey 47. Pernod Ricard hopes that along with Monkey 47, Ki No Bi will “optimise the growth opportunity” in the ultra-premium gin sector.

Marcin Miller, chairman of The Kyoto Distillery, said: “Having been fortunate enough to work with Pernod Ricard in the past, I am extremely enthusiastic about the wealth of expertise and experience that will ensure this strategic partnership will deliver great success for Ki No Bi.”

The Kyoto Distillery was established in Kyoto in 2014 by Miller and the distillery’s CEO, David Croll. It was Japan’s first dedicated gin distillery.

Other expressions within the Ki No Bi range include Ki No Bi Edition G, thought to be the first Champagne cask-aged gin.

The brand has also released a higher-ABV expression, called Ki No Bi Sei.

Alexandre Ricard, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, said: “We are thrilled to welcome this one-of-a-kind brand to our portfolio.

“Ki No Bi’s unique origins and taste profile make it a perfect complement to The Gin Hub’s extensive stable of brands. I am excited for Pernod Ricard to be part of its ongoing development.”

The Kyoto Distillery will open its new brand home this month, which will offer dishes and drinks made using locally-sourced produce.

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