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News
Sazerac finalises BuzzBallz purchase
Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has completed its acquisition of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand BuzzBallz for an undisclosed sum.
The deal was first announced in March 2024.
Merrilee Kick, who founded the brand in 2009, will remain with BuzzBallz following the acquisition.
Sazerac said at the time of the announcement that the deal is mutually beneficial and will boost its portfolio with a ‘fun, unique, pre-mixed RTD’ and further extend BuzzBallz’s customer base both domestically and internationally.
Presented in spherical shapes, the products are packaged in 100% recyclable materials. The brand is available in 27 countries across the world.
The BuzzBallz range includes flavours such as Tequila ‘Rita, Strawberry ‘Rita, Chili Mango, Espresso Martini, Choc Tease and Lotta Colado. The expressions carry an ABV of 13.5%.
BuzzBallz joins Sazerac’s spirits portfolio, which includes Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Traveller Whiskey, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac and Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, among others.
The BuzzBallz portfolio also includes additional RTD products such as Biggies, Uptown Cocktails, Sip Sip Hooray, and Texas Craft, along with other brands.
In the US, the RTD category is expected to reach US$21.1 billion in value by 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the spirits industry.
In other news, Buffalo Trace Distillery will open its new brand home in London next week (6 May).
In 2022, Sazerac purchased Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland, and work is under way to develop the 100-plus acre site into a whiskey facility and visitor attraction.