Following on from the move for France’s Domaine Saint Martin in October, the American whiskey specialist, which operates the Nearest Green distillery in Tennessee, has entered the vodka category through the acquisition of Square One Organic Spirits. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
Founded 20 years ago, Square One owns the namesake vodka brand as well as a line of cocktail mixers and RTDs. Based in Virginia in the US, the company’s full portfolio, which also features a rye vodka, is certified as organic by the US Department of Agriculture.
“In 2020, I expressed our vision for Uncle Nearest to not just be a brand, but to become the first spirits conglomerate in America founded by a woman or person of colour,” said founder & CEO Fawn Weaver.
“The [consumer] shift towards authenticity has created a pivotal opportunity for a company like ours. By entering the vodka market, we’re not just expanding our portfolio, we’re responding to a consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands.”
Square One founder Allison Evanow, who will continue with the business in a leadership role, added: “While we have really loved being an independent brand so that we could focus on quality organic ingredients and unique flavour profiles, the intense demands of handling nearly all sales personally underscored the need for stronger backing.
“Uncle Nearest will … bring the robust sales and distribution capabilities we need to reach our full potential.”
Last year, Weaver leveraged her father’s credentials as a former Motown writer and producer in a marketing activation for the Uncle Nearest brand in the US.
