The move means that Edrington now controls distribution for all of its leading brands in the world’s largest premium spirits market - other brands include Cutty Sark, Highland Park and Snow Leopard vodka.
Edrington (£593.4m ($1bn) sales in 2013 up 6.3% year-on-year; £168.6m pre-tax profits up 13.3%) says it will now be able to expand its reach to major US cities across the country where premium spirits - especially Scotch malt whiskies and premium rums - are gaining market share and have high growth forecasts.
The firm has quadrupled its headcount, expanded its New York HQ and established new regional offices in Miami, Chicago, Dallas and Orange County.
Paul Ross, president & CEO Edrington Americas said: “The US is the world’s largest premium spirits market and continues to grow significantly as more consumers gain an appreciation for premium spirits. Edrington’s award-winning brands, such as The Macallan and Brugal are already extremely popular among US consumers and the launch of Edrington Americas means that we are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities for our portfolio.”
Edrington also announced today that it has signed long-term agreements with the US distributors: Charmer Sunbelt Group, Martignetti Companies, Republic National Distributing Company, Wirtz Beverage Group and Youngs Market Company.
Last year Edrington establised new marketing and distribution companies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.