Distell widens US footprint with IBC acquisition

South African drinks group Distell has acquired 100% of Atlanta, Georgia-based distributor International Beverage Company (IBC) for an undisclosed sum.

International Beverage Company distributes Bunnahabhain Scotch whisky, among other Burn Stewart brands in the US

The buyout gives Distell, owner of Amarula cream liqueur, the US import rights for the Scotch whiskies produced by Burn Stewart Distillers, which it bought for £160 million in April 2013.

The Burn Stewart portfolio includes single malt Scotch whiskies Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Ledaig and Tobermory, as well as Black Bottle and Scottish Leader blends.

The deal gives Distell, South Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders and RTDs, an opportunity to expand its footprint in the US market.

While the group will focus on distributing its Scotch brands across the US, Distell does not intend to expand the presence of its South African whiskies, Bain’s and Three Ships, in the country in the near future.

Distell claims 98% of its business is generated within South Africa, although South African whisky accounts for just 15% of the domestic whisky market.