A new Mangrove office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), will open this month to supply hotels in all seven UAE states, while plans for a the September opening of a Sri Lanka and Maldives office are also afoot.
The Dubai site will be overseen from the UK by Nick Gillett, the agency’s commercial director and co-founder, but run operationally from Dubai by seconded UK staff and new recruits from the UK and Dubai.
According to the agency, its “serious commitment” to spirits education will be central to its work in the UAE, and will see UK bartenders invited to Dubai for training in some of the region's 'premium' hotels.
Mangrove’s proposed Sri Lanka and Maldives office will be in partnership with Rockland Distilleries, producers of Ceylon Arrack.
According to Mangrove, the establishment of a bartender training school will be a major focus of its expansion.
Nick Gillett, commercial director of Mangrove, said: “These particular markets are a great fit for us, providing huge potential for growth in the premium spirits sector.
“Through experience and success in the UK we know we have a business model that works and we are confident that this success can be replicated."
Alongside international expansion, Mangrove is also seeking to grow its spirits portfolio.
Gillett added: “We are seeking new brands to complete our current portfolio in the UK and as our new overseas divisions develop each will have its own portfolio tailored to meet the needs of the local market.”
