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Next Century Spirits snaps up Blue Chair Bay Rum
North Carolina-based Next Century Spirits (NCS) has acquired Kenny Chesney’s rum brand, Blue Chair Bay, marking its first move into the category.
Founded by American country singer Kenny Chesney in 2013, Blue Chair Bay Rum claims to have sold millions of cases since launch.
Following the acquisition, Chesney will remain one of the brand’s largest shareholders and continue to play an ‘integral role’ at Blue Chair Bay.
“Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family,” said
Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of Next Century Spirits, noted the brand’s “endless potential”.
He continued: “Kenny created something special – a great tasting rum with a rich story. At NCS, we’re building a team of fast-moving entrepreneurs and a portfolio of bold, unique brands for the next generation of spirits drinkers.
“Adding Kenny and Blue Chair Bay to our vision is another incredible step forward.”
Rob Mason, co-CEO of Next Century Spirits, believes the partnership with Chesney was a “natural fit”, with the deal marking “another step in accelerating growth” as the company seeks to “shape the spirits of tomorrow”.
Blue Chair Bay is a Caribbean rum blended with natural ingredients. The range includes Spiced, White, Coconut, Banana and Vanilla, among other flavours.
Chesney said the brand was “created to capture my life, as a spirit to share with friends”.
“This rum is the result of a lot of fun, passion, sunshine, good people and No Shoes Nation [Chesney’s fan club] energy,” he added. “Next Century Spirits embraces those same qualities. They have a passion for innovation and going to new places. This is going to be cool.”
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Next Century Spirits has made several acquisitions in the past 12 months, including the purchase of six brands from Southwest Spirits & Wine.
In February 2024, NCS took a minority stake in ready-to-drink brand Vide, which is backed by model and actor Olivia Culpo.
The group’s portfolio includes American whiskey brands Bear Fight, Creek Water and, Henderson, alongside Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails, Calamity Gin, Nue Vodka and Numbskull, a mint and chocolate-flavoured whiskey.
Suits star Gabriel Macht joined Bear Fight as a creative partner and stakeholder last year, with the aim of growing the brand worldwide.
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