Close Menu
News

Jaye Iwanowski founds distribution firm Sauce Brands

Drinks development specialist Jaye Iwanowski has launched a distribution company, called Sauce Brands.

Jaye-Iwanowski-Sauce-Brands
Sauce Brands founder: Jaye Iwanowski

Established in the UK, which will be its target market, Sauce Brands will cover both on-trade and off-trade distribution.

Iwanowski is the former founder of distributor Identity Drinks Brands (whose portfolio includes Planteray Rum, Bruxo Mezcal and The Whistler Whisky) which she ran for nine years.

“There are so many incredible brands that deserve stronger, 360 distributor representation in the UK right now,” Iwanowski said. “It’s been a genuine pleasure meeting so many great producers over the past few months, listening to their goals and objectives, and showcasing how we can successfully bring their brands to market.

“The intention of Sauce is to create and maintain a concise portfolio to ensure all brands receive the attention and growth they deserve for years to come.”

Sauce launches with a varied portfolio of brands on its roster, including Wolfcraig Whisky, the Scotch brand founded by Richard Paterson and Ian McMillan.

In addition, the company will also distribute The Muff Liquor Company, owned by a celebrity team including Ed Sheeran, Russell Crowe, Jimmy Carr and Ronan Keating.

Additional brands already in the Sauce portfolio include: Jumping Goat, a coffee liqueur from New Zealand; Merrys, Irish cream liqueurs crafted by Robert A Merry & Co; and the Sustainable Spirits Co, which creates handmade spirits. A range of premium piscos from Chile will also join the line-up in due course.

Jaye-Iwanowski-Johnny-Hunter-Sauce-Brands
L-R: Jaye Iwanowski and Johnny Hunter

Former Pernod Ricard sales head joins Sauce

Sauce Brands has also welcomed Johnny Hunter to the fold as director of on-trade.

Hunter brings more than 20 years’ experience to the company, 16 of which were spent with French drinks company Pernod Ricard. While at Pernod Ricard, Hunter looked after prestige accounts and took charge of operations in London and the south of England.

From there, Hunter spent time at spirits producers Gorilla Spirits and One Gin.

In his latest role prior to joining Sauce Brands, Hunter managed the sales team in the south of England for Ian Macleod.

Sauce is also backed by Lucy Francis, founder of Domino Communications, which was originally a spirits PR company, but recently transitioned into a global brand communications consultancy that continues to be led by Francis.

Furthermore, Russell Burgess and Harry Gerakis, the founders of consultancy, mixology, events and digital company Wet & Dry, bring more than 40 years of combined experience in building drinks brands, activations and events to Sauce Brands.

Related news

South Seas brings Mahura to UK

Number of UK cocktail bars up 17.4%

Le Philtre names UK distributor

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No