Disaronno owner Illva Saronno has announced its entry into the American whiskey category through the acquisition of a majority stake in Baltimore’s Sagamore Spirit.
The transaction, announced today, is for an unspecified size of stake and fee. As part of the purchase, Illva Saronno will relocate the headquarters for its US operations to Sagamore’s offices and distillery site in Baltimore, Maryland.
Outgoing CEO Aldino Marzorati, who will step aside at the end of this month for former Bacardi and Stoli Group executive Marco Ferrari, said he was “thrilled” that Illva Saronno now has a presence in “the premium American whiskey segment”.
“We have always held the US market [sic] and this operation allows us to strengthen our portfolio with a company and products that we fully believe in,” Marzorati said. “The transaction demonstrates our commitment, in line with our strategy, of continuing growth as a global leader in the spirits industry.
“With Sagamore Spirit, we have the opportunity to enter the attractive Bourbon whiskey category and exploit its growth potential around 160 countries where we already have a presence with Disaronno.”
As well as its flagship Disaronno almond liqueur, Saronno also owns the Tia Maria coffee liqueur as well as Irish whiskey The Busker.
Kevin Plank, the founder of sportswear business Under Armor, set up Sagamore Spirit ten years ago. The craft distiller sits within Plank’s investment company, Sagamore Ventures, and aims to source its raw materials from providers based in Maryland.
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