bacardi brown-forman split

Bacardí Brown-Forman to end long-running distribution deal

26 July, 2019

Bacardí and Brown-Forman have decided to end their distribution deal in the UK after more than a decade working together.

Sources close to Drinks International revealed that the companies are ending their partnership, meaning they will no longer work together with brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Woodford Reserve, Finlandia Vodka, Herradura tequila and Chambord Liqueur among others. 

The current deal means the two companies share the sales force and logistics operation in bringing their respective portfolios to market in the UK, while each company maintains full responsibility for the marketing of its own brands.

One source told Drinks International that the split had come at the right time for both companies and that it was a mutual decision to stop working together. The same source believes it is a sad moment for both parties, but insisted they have both been planning for the end of their collaboration.

In 2015 Bacardí acquired Kentucky-based bourbon brand Angel's Envy and more recently Brown-Forman bought Fords Gin, which is thought to be the replacement brand for Bacardí’s Bombay Sapphire in the UK market.

It is not yet known when exactly the partnership will end but it is thought to be by the end of this year.





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