New York-based start-up Yoshi Matcha Liqueur has secured a nationwide distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co in the US.
The arrangement, confirmed this week, will see the Japanese-inspired liqueur’s presence expanded across all of Southern Glazer’s 47 US markets from 1 September. Yoshi is already available through Empire Merchants in New York and Allied Beverage Group in New Jersey.
The brand’s sole, namesake SKU is made with matcha, oat milk and a 17%-ABV neutral grain spirit. The liqueur has an SRP of US$49.99 per 75cl bottle.
The brand was launched by investment banker Brett Jacobs in December last year. In May, the company hired ex-Southern Glazer’s on-premise national accounts senior VP, Jamie Gruwer, as its president.
“The response from bartenders, retailers and consumers has exceeded our expectations… ,” said Jacobs. “Southern Glazer’s unmatched national reach, commercial expertise and industry relationships make them the ideal partner as we build an entirely new spirits category together.”
Southern Glazer’s president of commercial sales, Mark Chaplin, added: “Innovation from brands like Yoshi Matcha Liqueur is essential to creating excitement in the industry, as we continue to look to attract new consumers with fresh, culturally relevant experiences, and inspiring them to discover and enjoy new drinking occasions.
“We are highly selective about the brands we bring into our portfolio, and Yoshi Matcha Liqueur distinguished itself through its quality, forward-thinking vision and ability to unlock a new opportunity within the premium spirits category.”
In June, the privately owned alcohol distributor – formed in 2016 when Southern Wine & Spirits merged with Glazer’s – announced it was changing its name to Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co. The group cited an increased focus on additional categories, such as beer, as the reason behind the decision to drop ‘wines & spirits’ from the name.
