Renais Gin to enter US

The gin brand co-founded by actor Emma Watson, Renais, will make its US debut in 2024 after partnering with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC).

The gin will arrive in the US in spring 2024 on a five-year partnership with the distributor.

It will be initially featured in RNDC’s Regency portfolio, which is designed to ‘fast track the brand’s introduction across multiple states’ so it becomes a household name in the region.

The move is viewed as a ‘pivotal moment’ in the brand’s expansion.

After Southern Glazer’s, RNDC is the second-biggest wine and spirits distributor in the US.

Renais co-founder Alex Watson said: “Our US launch is just the beginning of an exciting journey.

“The traction we’ve gained in Europe is a solid foundation for exploring the expansive US market for high-end gin. We’re thrilled to collaborate with RNDC, whose reputation and wide reach will undoubtedly elevate Renais.”

Meanwhile, chief supplier and growth officer at RNDC, David Lane, commented: “Renais Gin is a unique blend of innovation and tradition, aligning perfectly with our vision at RNDC.

“We are excited to play a pivotal role in introducing Renais to the American market and are confident in its potential to redefine luxury gin across the nation.”

Renais is still a young brand having only been founded earlier this year by the Watson siblings – it’s made using leftover grape skins from the Watson family’s vineyard, Domaine Watson, in the Chablis region in France.

It has been selected as one of the gin brands to watch next year, as part of our 2023 World Spirits Report.

The Harry Potter actor recently designed the bottles for the brand’s limited Artwork Edition.

Of the deal to bring the gin to the US, Emma Watson said: “The positive reception from the US has been overwhelming, as my second home I can’t wait to bring Renais to our friends and family across the US.”