Constellation Brands makes minority investment in US craft distillery
Based in North Carolina, the distillery was co-founded by Melissa and Lee Katrincic in 2013.
The company produces premium Conniption gins, spirits that are ‘both classic and contemporary’. Its products include Conniption Navy Strength Gin and Conniption American Dry Gin, Damn Fine Liqueurs (Chocolate, Mocha and Coffee), Cold Distilled Cucumber Vodka, and ready-to-drink canned cocktails (Conniption Gin & Tonic, Cucumber Vodka & Soda, and new Conniption Gin Rosé Spritz).
The distillery distributes its products outside of North Carolina and overseas, and has been named as the #1 Craft Gin Distillery in the US by USA Today.
Constellation Brands’ investment was made through its Focus on Female Founders program. Durham Distillery’s President and CEO Melissa Katrincic, and her husband, partner and Head Distiller Lee Katrincic, will continue to manage the distillery.
The duo says the investment will allow the distillery to grow its team both locally and across the US, invest in new equipment and its Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar, and draw on Constellation's expertise.
"Every product will continue to be distilled, produced and canned by us, in our facility in downtown Durham. Our employees are our extended family and that ethos will not change."
Last month Constellation Brands also acquired a minority stake in Colorado craft rum maker Montanya Distillers, and in January it took at minority stake in Rochester NY craft spirits company Black Button Distilling.
Other craft acquisitions in the US in recent years include whiskey brand High West Distillery and brewers Ballast Point, Funky Buddha Brewery and Four Corners Brewing.
