La Martiniquaise-Bardinet takes majority share of Warner’s
French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet has acquired a majority stake in English gin producer Warner’s Distillery.
The deal has been agreed for an undisclosed sum. Through the partnership, Warner’s believes it can maximise its portfolio both in the UK and global trade, as well as ‘supercharge’ its mission of making the best drinks that are best for the planet.
Tom Warner, co-founder of Warner’s Distillery, said: “This partnership allows us to stay true to our roots, creating incredible drinks with real purpose, while giving us the strength to scale that mission globally.”
Warner founded the brand with his wife, Tina Warner-Keogh, in 2012. The pair and their team produce a range of gins from their distillery in Northamptonshire – plus a multi-category brand called Trash & Treasure that uses ‘rescued’ ingredients from local food producers.
Much of the ingredients they use are grown at their Fall Farm site across 16 acres of botanical gardens. In October 2022, they became the 10th distillery in the UK to achieve B Corp certification.
Warner-Keogh added: “La Martiniquaise-Bardinet shares our unique ‘united in spirit’ values driven by a commitment to quality, authenticity, people and planet. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us take Warner’s to the next level.”
The Warners will remain at the helm of the business following the acquisition.
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s spirits portfolio includes brands such as Glen Moray, Bardinet Brandy, Cutty Sark and Saint James Rum.
The company cited Warner’s track record in innovation and sustainability ethos as key points of appeal.
Warner’s was the world’s first distillery to make a rhubarb gin exclusively with fresh farm-grown fruit. It also created a range of non-alcoholic spirits alternatives and has taken on a number of nature-positive farming practices, including bee conservation and the Warner’s Nature Marque initiative, which creates space for nature at hospitality sites.
Christophe Pichambert, international director for La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, said: “We are very proud to see Warner’s Distillery join the LMB [La Martiniquaise-Bardinet] group of companies alongside our portfolio of internationally renowned brands.
“Warner’s Gin is a true gem of the English craft gin landscape with its farm-grown and distilled botanicals. Our goal will be to help Tom and Tina bring their wonderful spirit to the world, with respect for their pioneering spirit and exceptional passion.”
Warner’s Distillery products are currently available in more than 25 countries.
In January, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet finalised its deal to buy Cacique rum from Diageo.
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