Brown-Forman wins William Grant distribution in Japan

Brown-Forman has secured the exclusive distribution rights for William Grant & Sons in Japan.

Since the start of 2025, Brown-Forman Japan has been responsible for the distribution of brands owned by William Grant & Sons, including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Monkey Shoulder, Grant’s, Hendrick’s Gin, Tullamore Dew, Sailor Jerry, and Drambuie.

Eveline Albarracin, senior vice-president, managing director APAC (Asia Pacific), Brown-Forman, said: “We are excited to partner with WG&S [William Grant & Sons] in Japan, a key market within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

“This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Brown-Forman Japan as we expand our portfolio and strengthen our capabilities to serve the APAC region.

“We are actively growing our team to support this distribution and look forward to collaborating with WG&S to bring these exceptional brands to the Japanese consumers.”

American company Brown-Forman launched its own distribution business in Japan in 2024. Its portfolio of spirits includes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Herradura Tequila, Chambord, Gin Mare and Diplomático Rum, to name a few.

Jason Lucas, William Grant & Sons’ regional managing director North Asia, commented: “We look forward to working closely with Brown-Forman Japan to grow our presence in this important market and provide our iconic spirits to consumers across the country.”

In the October 2024 issue of The Spirits Business, a feature on Japanese whisky explored how the category’s producers are increasing prices and the reason why.

In November last year, William Grant & Sons released a 65-year-old Glenfiddich Scotch whisky to mark the company’s partnership with Aston Martin Formula One.

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