This deal means the gin will be marketed to on and off-trade, wholesalers, independent outlets and supermarkets through Mangrove’s network in the UK.
James Nicol, managing director at Forest Spirits, which produces Kokoro Gin, said: “Our deal with Mangrove will allow us to take Kokoro Gin to a larger market.
“We know that Mangrove only works with the highest quality products, so this is a perfect partnership. It is a significant step for us in growing the brand.”
Kokoro was launched in September 2016, with its first batch selling out in two months. Its core ingredient, sansho berries, are imported to the UK from the Afan Woodland, a sustainable forest in the Nagano region of Japan. Sansho berries have a distinctive pepper flavour with a citrus aftertaste.
Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove, said: “Kokoro Gin expands our gin selection, offering a point of difference for our customers. The addition of sansho berries produces a gin with oriental nuances, adding unique flavours compared to the traditional style of gin.”
