SOUTH AFRICAN BORN INVERROCHE BOUGHT BY FRENCH ICON PERNOD RICARD

French drinks giant, Pernod Ricard has acquired a majority stake in the South African craft spirit, Inverroche, the pioneers of South African craft gin. The deal was made through Pernod Ricard’s subsidiary Pernod Ricard South Africa.

The Inverroche range includes Gin Classic, Gin Verdant, Gin Amber, and a limited edition released annually. Two rums and three liqueurs are also part of this maverick distillery’s portfolio.

Based in Still Bay, in the Western Cape, Inverroche gins are crafted using only a handful of more than 9,000 Fynbos botanicals that grow in and around the province. The indigenous aromatic botanicals are responsible for the gin’s signature, full-bodied flavour profile, and contribute to its success in a niche market.

The company has committed to having local women make up 70% of its workforce to uplift and develop the community and create sustainability.

Lorna Scott, founder and CEO of Inverroche Gins resumes her stewardship of the South African liquor brand, both as shareholder and CEO of Inverroche. “I am thrilled to partner with Pernod Ricard. The Group’s vast distribution network will enable Inverroche Gins to reach new consumers. We will be taking a luxury African brand to a large audience and sharing the story of our common heritage,” says Scott.

This accession will be the growth of Pernod Ricard’s presence in the dynamic sub-Saharan Africa spirits market – where gin growth is burgeoning – and follows the Group’s investment in Jumia, the leading e-commerce player in Africa, by just a few months.

Inverroche notes that the deal is of great importance for the local economy as it relays a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economic prospects and brings to light the capability of local female entrepreneurs in creating world-class, luxury brands.

The managing director of Pernod Ricard sub-Saharan Africa, Paul-Robert Bouhier, acknowledges Inverroche Gins as a great complement to their portfolio.

They are excitedly waiting to announce the closing of the deal shortly.

– Issued by Wesgro