Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits partners Anchor

As part of its strategy to focus on its on its premium spirits business, Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has formed a strategic partnership with San Francisco-based Anchor Brewers & Distillers, which includes Anchor Distilling and Preiss Imports within its spirits division.

According to Simon Berry, chairman of Berry Bros. & Rudd: “This partnership has been made possible by the sale of Cutty Sark earlier in the year to the Edrington Group and underlines the commitment of Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits within the US.

“Anchor Brewers & Distillers delivers an innovative distribution platform that shares many values with Berry Bros. & Rudd, including independence, a differentiated offering, genuine provenance and authenticity.

“Within the spirits division, Anchor Distilling has been an innovative leader of the artisan spirits movement and Preiss Imports has for many years acted as a bridge between discerning consumers and top quality, family-owned brands. The spirits expertise of Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio will benefit the development of No. 3 London Dry Gin and The King’s Ginger in the US.”

“There is an undeniable affinity for craft beer and artisan spirits around the globe,” noted Keith Greggor, CEO of Anchor Brewers & Distillers, “The partnership between Anchor and Berry Bros. & Rudd will provide an international platform to foster the development of authentic, quality products founded in tradition”.

Jeremy Parsons, CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits, states; “By aligning with Anchor Brewers & Distillers we’ve found the ideal partner to share our new spirits brands within the US market. This is particularly important for brands, such as No. 3 London Dry Gin and King’s Ginger Liqueur, which require real care and focus in the early years. This investment will enable Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits to grow our premium spirits brands and, ultimately, to connect with a rapidly growing audience with a demonstrated affinity for our hand-crafted spirits.”

Berry Bros. & Rudd products already available in the US will continue to be marketed and distributed by those contracted companies.

Central to the strategy for Anchor Brewers & Distillers is the creation of a ”Center of Excellence,” which will serve as an epicentre of development, education, entertainment and innovation for brewers and distillers. This echoes the heritage of Berry Bros. & Rudd’s shop at No. 3 St. James’s Street, which has for centuries provided peerless expertise for connoisseurs of the finest wines and spirits.

1 August 2010 - Felicity Murray