US distiller and brand owner MGP Ingredients is backing its ongoing acquisition hunt with the creation of the director of business development & integration role.
Former KPMG executive Sean Wirtz has assumed the position, which will focus on “identifying and integrating opportunities that align with our long-term strategic plan”, according to COO David Bratcher. The Kansas-based company, which claims to be one of the largest distillers in the US, recruited Wirtz in April.
During his eight-and-a-half years with KPMG, Wirtz worked mainly on the audit side for, among other companies in food and beverage manufacturing, MGP.
“MGP continues to actively seek acquisition and organic growth opportunities that will support and enhance our influence in branded spirits and plant-based proteins,” Bratcher added.
MGP oversees five distilleries in the country and operates a contract distilling business. On the branded side, the company owns The Peral vodka and Bourbon Ezra Brooks, inherited from last year’s acquisition of Luxco, as well as its own George Remus Bourbon brand.
American whiskey faces challenges but its long-term outlook could scarcely be better
