Pernod Ricard UK adds two top trending brands to its growing portfolio of Premium+ Spirits
Following the announcement last month that Pernod Ricard has made a significant investment in Japanese Gin, KI NO BI, and formed a partnership with award-winning aperitivo, Italicus, the UK affiliate will begin distributing both brands from 1st May 2020
Pernod Ricard UK will take over the global marketing and UK distribution of KI NO BI, previously distributed by Cask Liquid Marketing, and UK distribution of Italicus, previously distributed by Cellar Trends, from Friday 1st May 2020.
KI NO BI is a fast-growing, ultra-premium, artisanal gin with a Japanese heart, distilled in Japan’s first dedicated Gin distillery built in Kyoto in 2016. It is made with obsessive attention to detail, care and precision, from a high-quality rice spirit and Japanese botanicals such as yuzu, lemon, sansho pepper, ginger and gyokuro tea.
Italicus is 20% ABV and addresses the fast-growing opportunity for a distinguishable, yet versatile, unique ingredient for bartenders, and for a core low-ABV spirit for discerning consumers. Italicus is one of the world’s most-awarded modern aperitivo, including Best New Spirit 2017 at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.
Ian Peart, Business Development Director, Pernod Ricard UK, comments: “We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of Premium+ artisanal spirits. KI NO BI will drive value at the Super-Premium+ end of the Gin category, which by the end of last year was growing +19% in the on-trade[1], by tapping into the continued popularity of Japanese whiskey (+24% in the off-trade) and increasing growth of Japanese Gin (+18%)[2].
“With Italicus, we will target two growing consumer trends. Firstly, ‘Spritz’ cocktails, which are gaining momentum and now feature in the UK’s top 10 favourite cocktails[3], and secondly, as a lower-ABV spirit, Italicus provides an alternative for the 38% of cocktail consumers claiming to drink more lower alcohol options than one year ago[4].”
The significant investment in KI NO BI and partnership with Italicus were confirmed last month by the Pernod Ricard Group. The full KI NO BI range includes: classic KI NO BI (45.7% abv), KI NO BI SEI (54.5% Abv), KI NO TEA (45.1% abv).
[1] CGA data – Total UK On-trade – Vales Sales % Change vs. YA - MAT to 29/12/2019
[2] Nielsen – Total UK Off-trade – Sum of Japanese and Japanese-style Whiskeys/Gins – Value % Change vs. YA – MAT to 21/03/2020
[3] Latest CGA Mixed Drinks Report Q3 2019 [12]
[4] Latest CGA Mixed Drinks Report Q3 2019 [81]