UK drinks producer Babco International has purchased compatriot RTD brand Tom Savano Cocktails from its founder.
The deal, financial details of which were not disclosed, will see Babco take control of Tom Savano’s range of canned and bottled premix cocktails – but not the brand’s production facilities. Founder James Kerslake “is currently pursuing a new chapter” and will not remain with the business, Babco confirmed to Global Drinks Intel.
Tom Savano’s portfolio includes Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha, Tommy’s Margarita and Classic Mojito in cans. Its bottled range features Devon Coastal Negroni, Kentucky Winter Old Fashioned and Brazilian Sunset Passionfruit Martini.
The RTDs are available in UK retail multiple Sainsbury’s and through global travel retail with Virgin Airlines, Eurostar and British Airways. Neptune Rum owner Babco, formed by the merger of Babco and Innovatus Drinks last year, plans to scale distribution across all channels.
“Tom Savano is an exceptional brand with a clear identity and a genuine commitment to cocktail quality,” said Babco CEO, Lewis Bowen. “The RTD category is evolving quickly, and consumers are increasingly seeking premium options that replicate the experience of a great bar serve.
“Tom Savano already delivers that, and we see significant opportunity to scale the brand through our distribution platform, export network and portfolio synergies.
“The acquisition forms part of Babco International’s broader strategy to build a scalable drinks platform capable of incubating and accelerating premium brands. By integrating Tom Savano into its operational infrastructure, Babco plans to expand distribution across retail, on-trade and international markets.”
Kerslake added: “The ambition was always to create the gold standard for ready-to-drink cocktails. Joining Babco gives the brand the platform and resources to take that vision much further, while staying true to the quality and flavour that built the brand.”
In other RTD news, the owner of Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff launched a canned-cocktail range last week under a “standalone sub-brand” called Pangaia.
