Marblehead says the partnership provides it with a portfolio of new-to-market, premium, niche brands and gives Quintessential a tailor-made agency solution, providing an established distribution network in the on trade and prestige off trade.
Quintessential Brands international brands and marketing director Mike Salmon said: “This partnership means we are able to provide Marblehead with increased stability and some fantastic new brands. In return we are working with a highly respected prestige agency which has over 30 years’ experience and an established distribution network, giving particularly high penetration in the premium on trade, essential for our super premium gin brands, including Berkeley Square London Dry Gin. Marblehead’s seeding expertise will immediately come to bear on the two new brands Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin and Toussaint Coffee Liqueur.”
The change sees Emma Wykes coming in as Marblehead’s managing director.
Marblehead is the distribution and brand development agency which has been responsible for Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Lillet Blanc, Rouge and Rosé apéritifs, as well as Marblehead's own brands Davna Vodka and Skipper Rum.
Quintessential Brands is a new independent international spirits company headed by Enzo Visone, former CEO of Campari and investment banker Warren Scott. Quintessential recently bought gin producer, G&J Greenall.
The company’s vision is said to include growing existing brand portfolios, developing niche existing brands as well as bringing new brands to market. It also plans also include the development of world class production capabilities and the broadening of its distribution platform in both the UK and internationally.
