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Uncle Nearest buys Square One Organic Spirits
Tennessee whiskey producer Uncle Nearest has moved into vodka with the acquisition of Virginia-based Square One Organic Spirits.
Founded in 2004 by Allison Evanov, Square One became the first company dedicated to producing USDA-certified organic spirits.
The company’s range includes the rye-based Square One Organic Vodka, which will be rebranded ahead of its expansion to all 50 states this summer.
The portfolio also includes four flavoured vodkas, a botanical spirit, ready-to-drink cocktails, cocktail syrups and mixers.
As part of the deal, Square One will introduce a new line of organic options, with the aim of appealing to a broader consumer base.
The move into vodka follows Uncle Nearest’s expansion into the Cognac category last year with the acquisition of a vineyard in France.
Financial details of the Square One purchase were not disclosed.
“In 2020, I expressed our vision for Uncle Nearest not just to be a brand, but to become the first spirits conglomerate in America founded by a woman or person of colour,” said Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. “Many saw this as wishful thinking since we were only three years into our journey at the time.”
She noted that the expansion into vodka was in response to a “consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands”.
“There is a clear demand for brands that are authentically owned and culturally resonant. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver high quality but also maintain genuine ties to the communities they represent,” Weaver continued.
“This shift towards authenticity has created a pivotal opportunity for a company like ours. With Uncle Nearest’s extensive national distribution network and our deep commitment to heritage and authenticity, we are perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand.”
To date, Square One’s sales have exceeded US$22 million with nearly 200,000 cases sold.
“While we have really loved being an independent brand so that we could focus on quality organic ingredients and unique flavour profiles, the intense demands of handling nearly all sales personally underscored the need for stronger backing,” explained Evanov, who will remain in a key leadership role at Square One.
“Uncle Nearest will not only preserve our independent spirit and world-class quality but also bring the robust sales and distribution capabilities we need to reach our full potential.”