Spirit of Harrogate, the owner of the Slingsby UK gin brand, has been bought out of administration by Brightside Spirits.
Newly-established Brightside said it bought Spirit of Harrogate, “following an intense period of marketing”, in mid-March, on the same day that the company entered administration. Financial details of the pre-pack deal were not disclosed.
Initial reports of the retailer & gin producer’s struggles emerged in January, when it appointed an insolvency firm to begin the administration process. Spirit of Harrogate cited “rising costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years” for its demise.
The new owners will continue to produce the Slingsby brand but the company’s Harrogate, Yorkshire-based shop has been closed “due to large overheads”. Administrator Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency confirmed to Global Drinks Intel that “some jobs” had been saved, but did not specify a figure.
The “local couple” who have taken on the brand said their immediate focus would be “stabilising the business” and “rebuilding production”. The distilling, blending and bottling of Slingsby was previously carried out by Intercontinental Brands. Global Drinks Intel has enquired whether this arrangement will remain post-transaction.
“Over the coming months, we will be investing in the brand, strengthening local partnerships and exploring new ways to celebrate the craftsmanship that made this gin so special,” said Brightside’s director, Chris Williams.
Joint administrator Gareth Lewis added: “The sale has maximised the return for creditors and preserved some jobs.”
Last year, French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet bought a majority holding in English craft gin Warner’s, bringing the former’s presence in the category up to three brands.
