Renais, luxury gin brand from Alex and Emma Watson, has partnered with British distributor Proof Drinks as it expands its on-trade presence. The deal follows Renais’ launch in the UK, Italy, Germany, and Australia, and the announcement of the brand’s forthcoming US launch.

 

The gin brand was founded in 2023 when CEO Alex Watson was inspired to create spirit from the by-product wine grapes salvaged from the Watson family’s vineyard in France. With a decade’s experience in the luxury spirits industry and his sister’s support, Watson decided to establish his own brand. Distilled in the UK from French product, Renais aims to capture the heritage of French winemaking in a craft gin. 

 

Alex Watson commented: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Proof Drinks. In just under a year, we have established exceptional organic demand for Renais, building our impressive portfolio of accounts from the ground up. Now, with Proof’s fantastic wealth of experience and established relationships, we look forward to building on our momentum and further accelerating Renais’ growth across London and the UK.”

 

John Vider, managing director of Proof Drinks, added: “Renais Gin joining our portfolio marks an exciting chapter for Proof Drinks, presenting a compelling growth opportunity within the super-premium gin market. With the visionary leadership of Emma and Alex Watson, their reach and influence add a unique dynamic that will undoubtedly amplify Renais’ presence here in the UK. Alongside the craftsmanship and dedication of the team behind the brand, we are thrilled to grow our gin portfolio to support customers at all levels as the landscape evolves.”

 

Renais is available at www.renais.co.uk.