NIO Cocktails names Gorilla Brands UK distributor
Gorilla Brands will ‘drive the next phase of UK growth’ for Italian ready-to-drink (RTD) brand NIO Cocktails.
Under the exclusive agreement, Gorilla Brands will lead NIO’s distribution strategy across the UK on and off-trade.
This includes the brand’s full range of more than 30 RTD cocktails in 100ml sachets, as well as a new 700ml reusable bottle and refill pouch format designed for hospitality venues.
Horsham-based Gorilla Brands has also said it intends to focus on ‘gifting partners’ and ‘deepening customer partnerships’ to grow NIO’s presence in the UK.
Gorilla Brands sales director, Nick Masters, said: “NIO has built an outstanding reputation for quality, innovation and design, making it a perfect fit for the Gorilla Brands portfolio. Our shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship has created a strong partnership between our businesses, and we’re incredibly proud to have been appointed the brand’s exclusive UK distributor. We’re excited to build on NIO’s success by introducing the brand to even more retailers, hospitality operators and consumers across the UK.”
NIO will continue to operate its established direct-to-consumer business, as well as international and travel retail sales.
Richard Sager, UK general manager at NIO Cocktails, said: “Partnering with Nick and his team at Gorilla Brands marks a significant step for NIO, and the timing is deliberate. This is a new chapter for the brand.
“Under new ownership, we are building on everything NIO is known for, cocktails born in Italy and made with award-winning premium spirits, while opening up to hospitality for the first time through our new sustainable 70cl reusable bottle.
“Gorilla’s curated portfolio and trade relationships across retail and hospitality make them the natural home for that ambition. We are ready to bring that first NIO Moment ‘needs ice only’ to far more people across the UK. Salute to what we build together.”
NIO was created in 2017 by Luca Quagliano and Alessandro Palmarin in Milan, Italy.
In 2024, the co-founders sold a majority stake to e-commerce company The Growth Foundation.
UK sales of RTDs generated £704 million (US$948m) in the UK off-trade last year.
On-trade sales approached £200 million (US$265m) during the same period.
Earlier this month, Gorilla Brands also announced an exclusive UK distribution deal with Brooklyn Gin. Its portfolio also includes Spanish aperitif Canonita de Mallorca, Lanique Spirit of Rose and Maraba Coffee Liqueur.
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