US – American multinational alcoholic beverage company, Beam Suntory has agreed to sell 100% ownership of Leroux and Kamora to US spirits company Phillips Distilling.
Leroux produces 19 varieties of liqueurs and eight flavoured brandies while Kamora manufactures coffee liqueur in the US and Canada using savoury coffee beans infused with vanilla, chocolate and caramel.
The Leroux family started producing cordials in Brussels more than four generations ago.
The brand’s flagship product, Polish Blackberry Brandy, is described as one of the top-selling brandies in the States.
“Beam Suntory has entered into an agreement to sell the Leroux and Kamora brands to Phillips Distributing Company, which we believe is the right home to support these brands in the future,” Beam Suntory’s president for North America, Greg Hughes, said in a statement.
“We remain committed to supporting the growth of our portfolio of iconic brands that are loved by consumers around the world.”
Phillips Distilling Co expects the acquisition to complement its portfolio and solidify its position as the market leader in the cordials and liqueurs categories.
The company has a long history in liqueurs and cordials, having introduced Peppermint Schnapps in the 1930s and Root Beer Schnapps in 1984 to the US.
It also owns the Sour Puss and Butter Ripple brands, which are described as some of Canada’s best-selling liqueurs.
“The consumption of cordials and liqueurs in the United States continues to grow steadily and Phillips Distilling has always been at the forefront of innovation in this category,” said Andy England, CEO of Phillips Distilling Company.
“Acquiring Leroux and Kamora is a natural fit for what we do best. We’re exceptional at differentiating flavour profiles and running small batches and changeovers that are critical to being successful in cordials and liqueurs. “
The transaction is expected to close on 1 December. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
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