Taiwanese single malt whisky producer Kavalan has appointed Marussia Beverages as the UK distributor for its namesake brand.
Starting this month, the UK division of Switzerland-headquartered Marussia will oversee “nationwide” distribution across the on- and off-premise channels as well as in e-commerce, Kavalan said. The brand’s presence will also be bolstered in the country this year with a dedicated booth at industry events Whisky Live & Fine Spirits London (from 27–28 March) and The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show, also in London (from 2-4 October).
In terms of previous distribution, Kavalan said it “worked with different partners in the UK over the years” but has more recently had a “more limited” presence “as we took time to review our long-term strategy and positioning”.
The new, “long term” partnership will focus on finding listings for Kavalan’s first age-statement release, a 15-year-old single malt unveiled last year. The two companies said their strategic priority “will be on carefully curated placements in landmark accounts and high-end venues”.
Marussia Beverages UK’s MD, Trevenon Weeks, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to officially bring the award-winning house of Kavalan back to the UK.
“Our entire strategy is built to match their ambition, reintroducing these exceptional single malts with the focus and premium stature they deserve.”
Kavalan, named after the old title for Yilan County, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.
