UK-based Quintessential Brands Group is poised to extend its spirits portfolio’s presence in Asia through the region’s global travel retail channel.
The company, which operates primarily across gin and Irish whiskey, has recruited Global Drinks in Hong Kong to handle distribution operations. Emphasis will be on airports and cruise liners, as well as border outlets, for brands including Opihr gin, Dubliner whiskey and Alizé liqueur.
“Global travel retail in Asia offers great potential for the spirits category, particularly gin, which only holds 3% of the market share in the region [per IWSR Drinks Market Analysis],” said GTR regional sales director Oliver Storrie. “By entering into a distribution deal with Global Drinks, Quintessential Brands Group is in a positive position to introduce its brand portfolio in a market where gin and Irish whiskey have an opportunity to make significant strides.”
Among the brand owners that Global Drinks already works with are Stoli Group, for its namesake vodka and Tulchan gin, and Proximo Spirits, for the Kraken spiced rum and Bushmills Irish whiskey brands.
Last year, privately-owned Quintessential unveiled a paper bottle format for Greenall’s gin, which debuted in GTR in the UK.
