This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Rémy Cointreau invests in EcoSpirits
French spirits group Rémy Cointreau’s new corporate venture capital fund, Rémy Cointreau Ventures (RC Ventures), has acquired a minority stake in EcoSpirits.
Rémy Cointreau has become the latest participant in EcoSpirits’ customer investment programme, following a four-year global licensing agreement announced by the two companies in May this year.
The funding marks the inaugural investment from RC Ventures, the venture capital arm of the French spirits group, which launched this month. The initiative aims to support the growth of drinks startups and assist Rémy Cointreau in testing market trends and exploring new technologies in the sector.
Celia d’Everlange, director of RC Ventures, commented: “We are delighted that the RC Ventures fund is taking part in this investment, which strengthens the existing operational relationship between EcoSpirits and Rémy Cointreau.
“EcoSpirits is perfectly aligned with the fund’s aim of investing in innovative companies with high growth potential that share our vision and values. Through its innovative project, EcoSpirits contributes to Rémy Cointreau’s transformation plan, the Sustainable Exception.”
The collaboration between the two companies started in late 2022 when two Rémy Cointreau brands – Cointreau orange liqueur and Mount Gay rum – were introduced using EcoSpirits’ circular packaging technology at select on-trade venues in London.
With the new investment, plans are underway to extend the collaboration into the United States, starting with Las Vegas.
The agreement allows Rémy Cointreau to use EcoSpirits’ technology for its liqueur and spirit brands in more markets over the coming years.
Paul Gabie, CEO of EcoSpirits, said: “Our relationship with Rémy Cointreau continues to strengthen and this investment is a clear sign both companies are committed to a less wasteful future for the industry, and one that is not dependent on single-use glass.
“Rémy Cointreau has iconic brands that are much-loved by consumers around the world and we are pleased to see the number of venues taking delivery of these in EcoTote format is increasing at a steady pace in the UK. We are looking forward to working together to expand into new markets.”
Investment programme
EcoSpirits launched its customer investment programme in May 2023 alongside the closing of its Series A funding round.
The programme is exclusively available to EcoSpirits’ major customers who enter into long-term licensing agreements for the company’s circular packaging technology.
Eligible customers can make small equity investments in the company, assuring each participant will receive the same investment terms as other customer investors.
The funds will accelerate EcoSpirits’ research and development programme while enhancing its leadership in closed-loop packaging technology for spirits.
In September, the company upgraded its carbon assessment tool to accurately measure the impact of its technology on spirits supply chains.
Other companies involved with EcoSpirits include Black Cow Vodka, Mauritius-based spirits distributor and producer Grays, and Pernod Ricard, which acquired a minority stake in May 2023.
The investment in EcoSpirits was announced on the same day as Rémy Cointreau’s consolidated results for the first half of its 2024/2025 financial year. The firm predicts full-year sales to drop by up to 18% as the group aims to ‘accelerate’ its business beyond Cognac.
Related news
Rémy Cointreau expects major FY sales slump