Kanpai, the London-headquartered sake craft brewer, has secured a UK distribution agreement with Speciality Brands.
The deal marks Speciality Brands’ first foray into sake as it looks to “increase Kanpai’s footprint in the UK”. Five iterations will be added to the distributor’s roster: Sumi Junmai Sake, Sora Honjozo Sake, Tori Junmai Daiginjo, Kumo Nigori Sake and Hana Yuzu Fruit Sake.
Details on the plans for the five, including the focus sales channels, were not disclosed.
Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife duo Tom and Lucy Wilson, Kanpai is the “UK’s first-ever sake brewery”. In 2023, the brewery relocated to Bermondsey in the south of the city to increase production and introduce an “enhanced visitors’ experience”.
“Partnering with Specialty Brands is a perfect match, as we enter our tenth-year crafting premium sakes in the capital,” said Tom Wilson. “Now, with Speciality Brand’s distribution network and experienced team, we are excited to get our award-winning sakes into more hands across the country.”
Last month, Soto Sake announced that its UK distribution is set to be handled by Mangrove Global, a distributor of independent spirits brands.
