The US arm of Spanish wine group González Byass has commenced the importation of Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton’s non-alcoholic agave spirit brand Almave into the country.
Chicago-based González Byass USA is handling Almave’s three SKUs: Ámbar, Blanco and latest launch Humo. González Byass said the arrangement forms part of the company’s strategy to “expand its presence in emerging premium beverage categories”.
Distribution will be managed by Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co.
Almave was co-founded three years ago by Hamilton in partnership with Mexico-based innovation incubator Casa Lumbre and investment firm Copper. In 2024, Pernod Ricard bought a minority stake in the brand.
“As we continue to expand our portfolio with distinctive brands that represent where the premium beverage industry is headed, we are thrilled to welcome Almave to González Byass USA,” said the unit’s CEO, Andrew Sinclair.
“Almave brings together authentic Mexican craft, innovation and a compelling approach to the growing non-alcoholic category. Its connection to agave spirits and its versatility across cocktails and sipping occasions make it an exciting addition to our portfolio and an opportunity for our distributor and account partners to offer consumers something genuinely different.
In March, Southern Glazer’s acquired Colorado’s Eagle Rock Distributing Co and Long Island distributor Clare Rose, both of which handle Anheuser-Busch’s stable of brands.
