In this latest round of distribution news, we check in with Tequio, Fairfields Rum, Kastra Elion Vodka and two UK gins headed this way, Warner’s and Renais Gin, the latter courtesy of Harry Potter star actor Emma Watson’s Renais Spirits.
Tequio Tequila Cocktails Lands at Erewhon
Six months after its southern California launch, Tequio Tequila Cocktails is headed to L.A.’s luxury supermarket. The ready-to-drink additive-free Sparking Blanco SKU is now available at Erewhon’s Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades locations and online.
Tequio’s recent expansion into the Pacific Palisades location comes shortly after the Blanco cocktail topped the category best seller charts at Erewhon in Beverly Hills during its first two months in-store, according to the founders.
Looking ahead to 2024, Tequio will remain focused on the Southern California market for most of the year with strategic expansion into new markets, including parts of Mexico around Q4.
Kastra Elion Vodka Expands into Total Wine, BevMo
Kástra Elión Vodka, a premium sipping vodka distilled from Greek olives and grains, is moving into additional Total Wine & More locations, and BevMo stores as well as BevMo.com for the first time. The vodka will now be available in 21 Total Wine locations in Texas, 22 locations in California and 16 locations in Florida. Additionally, Kástra Elión will now be available in eight BevMo stores in Southern California.
The brand has built its story around the “olive ecosystem,” positioning itself as a martini vodka in the on-premise, and offering luxury kits— and recent additions of olive brine and cocktail olives— to independent retail partners and online customers. Fueled by the rise of the martini, the founders said they will be pushing east next year with an expanded focus on chain accounts.
Farfields Rum Launches in Connecticut
Farfields Rum, made from ingredients sourced throughout the Americas, has released its first rum now available in Connecticut.
The company has positioned its brand as an alternative for tequila and vodka drinkers by using the tagline “if you like your tequila, you will love our rum.” It’s one of a crop of new rum brands highlighting responsible sourcing and craft cocktail placements as a way to elevate the category.
The product line starts with a dry white rum retailing at $28.99 per 750 ml. Founders will be focused on craft cocktail-driven restaurants and bars before launching into major retailers in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California in 2024 and releasing the reserve 8-year aged dark rum.
Two U.K. Gins Head to the U.S.
Here’s one for the legal drinking age “Harry Potter” fans: actor Emma Watson’s Renais Gin has secured a national distribution agreement within the U.S. for Spring 2024.
Launched in the U.K. in May, Alex and Emma Watson have entered into a strategic five year distribution partnership with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). The initial rollout, planned for spring 2024, will see Renais Gin fast-tracked across multiple states.
“The traction we’ve gained in Europe is a solid foundation for exploring the expansive U.S. market for high-end gin,” said Alex Watson in a statement.
Gin hit its peak in the U.K. a couple of years ago, with analysts recommending that founders head for new markets and find whitespace in flavor innovations.
Flavored gin Warner’s has done the latter, and will also now begin U.S. sales at select retailers including Total Wine & More. Warner’s Distillery is known as the pioneer and leader of U.K. flavored gin and is responsible for the world’s first Rhubarb Gin. The lineup includes its flagship, Warner’s Harrington Dry Gin (at SRP $34.99), Rhubarb Raspberry, and Elderflower Gin (all for $32.99).