Altamura Distilleries hires global head of brand

Italy’s Altamura Distilleries has named Lorenzo Di Cola, formerly of the Experimental Cocktail Club group of bars, as its international head of brand.

Di Cola will be in charge of the brand’s key global markets such as Italy, the US, the UK and India.

Altamura Distilleries co-founder Frank Grillo said: “My first encounter with Lorenzo dates back to August 2022 during the preparations for Venice Cocktail Week. What began as a professional collaboration swiftly evolved into a close friendship.

“Over the past year, I have come to know Lorenzo as an innovator, a visionary, and a truly compassionate individual. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have him join the Altamura family, representing our values within the mixology community. There is no one better suited for this role than him.”

The producer believes Di Cola’s creativity and expertise in the on-trade will introduce the company to the world of global hospitality.

In his new role, Di Cola will create activations in cocktail destinations around the world.

Di Cola added: “From the first moment I spoke with Frank to join the Altamura family, my goal was very clear: to grow. Frank convinced me immediately with an ambitious project and progress for the brand; it didn’t take much time to tell him yes and toast together.

“My goal in the short and medium term is to establish even more links with global professionals, create new opportunities for the brand across the world, help the team develop strategies and export our philosophy around.”

Altamura Vodka is crafted from ancient grains that have been cultivated in the Altamura region and surrounding communes of Puglia, Italy, for more than two millennia.

The company plans to create gin and whisky.

Earlier this year, Drinks One was named the exclusive distributor of Altamura Distilleries in the UK.