Foley appoints Jay Gifford to lead international sales
Jay Gifford has joined Foley Family Wines & Spirits in the newly created position of managing director, international.
In his new role, Gifford will lead sales for Foley’s US wine and spirits portfolio in all markets outside of the US.
Prior to joining the business, Gifford served as head of UK and Nordics for WX Brands/Grupo Peñaflor. He also held sales leadership roles at Accolade Wines (Vinarchy), InterContinental Brands, Constellation Brands and Molson Coors.
“I am delighted to join the Foley Family Wines & Spirits team and am looking forward to showcasing the breadth of outstanding wineries, winemakers and brands, in addition to the company’s proven capability to deliver high-quality wines and spirits at great prices,” Gifford said.
Gifford will be based in Canterbury and will focus primarily on growing California wine sales.
While Foley made a name for itself in wine, the company expanded its offerings to include spirits in July 2024. Its spirits portfolio includes Minden Mill single estate whiskey, New Zealand’s Lighthouse gin, and Tequila El Mexicana, which debuted a new look across the US this past April.
For many US brands, international markets represent the best opportunity for growth. The EU imported US$1.2 billion of US spirits in 2024.
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