Arctic Blue Beverages forms US joint venture
Finnish gin producer Arctic Blue Beverages will establish a joint venture with a group of US investors, led by former National Hockey League (NHL) star Teemu Selänne.
Known for its eponymous gin brand, Arctic Blue Beverages released its first long drink in spring last year, which is a canned gin-based soda traditionally flavoured with grapefruit.
The gin producer has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with a consortium of US investors, led by Selänne, a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger.
The joint venture will be incorporated in the US with the aim of launching the Arctic Blue Long Drink portfolio nationally, starting with California.
The 330ml canned long drink line includes four variants: Arctic Blue Long Drink Grapefruit, the sugar-free Arctic Blue Long Drink Grapefruit Light, Arctic Blue Long Drink Laku (flavoured with Finnish liquorice), and Arctic Blue Long Drink Rose (made with blueberries and rose petals).
Each expression has an ABV of 5%.
“I have been following Arctic Blue Beverages for some time and truly believe in what the company stands for,” said Selänne.
“The Finnish purity shines through in every sip of their long drink, which combines authentic taste with a premium design that stands out in the market. I’m excited to bring this unique experience to consumers in the US.”
The consortium is expected to contribute approximately US$2 million to US$2.5m in capital to finance the product’s US entry and initial growth phase.
“This is a significant milestone in our international expansion strategy,” added Antti Villanen, executive chairman of Arctic Blue Beverages.
“Teemu Selänne is not only a legendary athlete but also a highly respected name in lifestyle and business, especially in California. We’re proud to partner with him and his investor group to introduce Arctic Blue Long Drink to the US market.”
The deal is expected to be completed by 31 August 2025, with commercial operations due to begin between the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2026.
The long drink was invented for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics in Finland and has seen several companies release versions of the Finnish product in recent years.
One of the most successful brands is The Finnish Long Drink, which launched in the US in 2018. It has since gained investment from American actor Miles Teller and rapper Jay-Z.
According to The Brand Champions 2025 report, The Finnish Long Drink sold 2.6 million nine-litre cases last year, an increase of 44.4%.
In July last year, England-based startup Lonkero Drinks launched a Finland-inspired long drink made with gin, grapefruit and botanicals.
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