Drinks group raises a glass to Irish swoop

Drinks group raises a glass to Irish swoop
CHESHIRE-headquartered drinks group, Quintessential Brands, has swallowed an Irish cream liquers business in a multi-million pound deal.

CHESHIRE-headquartered drinks group, Quintessential Brands, has swallowed an Irish cream liquers business in a multi-million pound deal.

The Warrington-based group, best known for its Greenalls Gin brand, has bought First Ireland Spirits Company Ltd., the largest independent producer of Irish cream liqueurs and Irish country creams.

Quintessential, founded three years ago by former Campari boss Enzo Visone and banker Warrne Scott, said the “multi-million euro investment” is part the firm’s strategy to acquire drinks companies that complement its existing brands, enhance its industry services and provide additional route to market in line with its growth and investment plans.

First Ireland Spirits produces and sells more than 700,000 cases of product across 35 markets worldwide for some of the world’s largest retailers and drinks companies.

Mr Visone, said: “The acquisition of First Ireland Spirits gives us an unrivalled position in the global market for Irish cream liqueurs and is part of our strategy to become a leading European independent player in the spirits industry.

“First Ireland Spirits has well-established customer and international distribution platforms, a strong portfolio of brands and proven production capabilities, which will add to our branded and private label businesses, enhance our route to market capability and open up new opportunities in other dynamic spirits and liqueurs categories.

“The acquisition by Quintessential Brands ensures management and employees of First Ireland Spirits have an exciting future as we pursue our ambitious plans to expand our operations in Ireland,” he said.

Owen Brady, one of the founders of First Ireland Spirits, added: “As part of Quintessential Brands, First Ireland Spirits will now have the opportunity to grow sales in the international Irish cream markets as well as expand into other Irish spirits categories. I am very proud of what we have built over the years and this deal represents an exciting opportunity for the company and its employees.”

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