Stoli Group acquires KAH tequila

The rights to importing, distributing, selling and marketing the KAH tequila brand is now to be held by Stoli Group.

This development, revealed in December, closed out a banner year across the group's portfolio, driven by continued sales increases for the namesake Stoli vodka and ultra-luxury Elit vodka and the extension into 24 states for Bayou rum.

Stoli Group’s entry into tequila comes at a time of near-unprecedented growth for the category. According to IWSR’s US Beverage Alcohol Review 2016, tequila posted 5.2% growth to surpass the 15m nine-litre-case mark in 2015 and “shows no signs of slowing down”.

KAH, which translates to 'life' in the ancient Mayan language, is produced by Fabrica de Tequilas Finos in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. It was designed to pay reverence and honor to Mexico and its people. The product range features four expressions with each being made from 100% blue agave. Each is presented in its own uniquely decorated, spirited skull bottle.

Patrick Piano, CEO, Stoli Group says: “We are on a fast track at Stoli Group with innovative line extensions and strategic portfolio expansion. KAH Tequila is an inventive product line and provides a springboard into a category that is rising quickly in popularity with consumers. Our whole team is toasting to this new opportunity.”

Stephen Ballard, senior vice president of sales for North America, adds: “Stoli Group USA relishes the chance to develop the KAH brand and expects to see it thrive on- and off-premise with the support of our strong network of distributor partners across America.”  

In September, it was announced that Stoli’s fellow SPI Group subsidiary, Amber Beverage Group, acquired a significant equity stake in Fabrica de Tequilas Finos.

17 January 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editorial assistant