Halewood strengthens GTR presence

UK-based Halewood Artisanal Spirits has boosted its availability in global travel retail with two new distributors and expanded its team.

Halewood, producer of Whitley Neill gin and The Pogues Irish whiskey, has teamed up with distributors Actium and Wine Classics International.

Halewood’s portfolio of spirits will become more widely available across North America and Latin America through Miami-based Actium, and in the Canadian duty free channel via Ontario’s Wine Classics.

Louis Chaignaud, director of Actium’s beverage division, said: “After two years working with the awarded brands Whitley Neill, The Pogues, Dead Man’s Fingers and the rest of Halewood’s portfolio in Latam and Caribbean domestic markets, we are convinced that it is the right time to build the brands in travel retail.

“We specialise in premium spirits and the Halewood portfolio fits right in. Our regional team is already in discussion with various travel retail operators to expand listings in the channel.”

Furthermore, the company has appointed Tara Viesnik to the new role of global travel retail (GTR) manager, supporting Halewood’s head of GTR Eamon Prunty.

Prunty said: “Following successful growth in the GTR sector pre-Covid, we now have a fantastic opportunity to start growing our artisanal spirits portfolio globally again with the re-emergence of the sector.

“Appointing Actium and Wine Classics will be pivotal to support the next stage of growth in North America, Latin America and Canada and we look forward to working together. The GTR team are also happy to welcome Tara to the team to help support this ongoing expansion.”

Halewood’s portfolio, which also includes Dead Man’s Fingers rum and JJ Whitley vodka, is rolling out across select travel retail outlets in the Americas now.

Earlier this month, Halewood released the first single malt to be produced in Edinburgh in nearly a century under its John Crabbie & Co brand.