Oslo Håndverksdestilleri names new UK distributor

Norwegian distillery Oslo Håndverksdestilleri (OHD) has appointed Cask International as its distributor in the UK.

OHD has worked with Cask International since it was launched by drinks industry veteran Marcin Miller in 2015. Miller also co-founded the Kyoto Distillery, which Pernod Ricard made a ‘significant’ investment in last year.

Frederik Dahl, sales and marketing manager for OHD, said: “The story of Oslo Handverksdestilleri has been interwoven with the Cask group since day one.

“We see them as family and have known them for years. Having this type of relationship is valuable, especially as we look to re-establish the brand in the UK market.”

The partnership also sees Cask expanding its portfolio from craft beer to spirits.

Dahl added: “Cask International have an impressive track record of growing Norwegian beer brands in the UK [and] we’ve been impressed by how much this knowledge spreads to the spirits category.

“We firmly believe this is going to be an exciting and successful partnership which will allow us to make the UK one of our focus markets.”

OHD produces a range of spirits, including: Vidda Torr Gin; Marka Bitter; a cask-aged aquavit; and Norwegian spirit Akevitt Blank. The producer’s Norwegian Wood Birch Vodka will debut in the UK following the partnership.

Simon Kent, Cask International co-founder and managing director, commented: “We are delighted to bring our first spirit brand into the Cask International portfolio.

“I am particularly interested in seeing how aquavit develops as the industry continues to explore new and creative products.”

Cask International is taking over from Maverick Drinks, which was appointed distributor for the Scandinavian spirits range in 2018.