KENYA – Kensington Distillers & Vintners (KDV) the London-based beverage producer has entered the Kenyan Market introducing global alcohol drink brands such as its Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whisky.

Following this development, Sazerac, the leading US spirits company, has granted Monument Distillers the distribution rights for its portfolio in Kenya leading to the creation of a new Subsidiary, Momentum Distillers Kenya.

Momentum Distillers will distribute brands like Popov Vodka, Southern Comfort, Myers Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Firewater, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon, reports by Businesstoday

Monument will be distributing these products through their distribution partner Maxam Limited, a local liquor distributor in Kenya and East Africa. 

Commenting on the announcement, Ellis Muhimbise, Managing Director, Monument Distillers Kenya said, “It’s a great time for us to take on this heritage brand, Popov Vodka: the vodka category is showing favourable growth as Kenya’s strong economic climate continues.’’

“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to continue to grow the brand and for us to use our newly-formed Monument Distillers Kenya business to accelerate the growth of the international brands we have in our portfolio.” He added.

The company plans to launch several new and exciting international brands in Kenya under the leadership of Ellis Muhimbise, which will be announced in due course.

Muhimbise has extensive regional experience having spent 12 years at SABMiller and then some time at AB InBev before joining Monument Distillers. His prior experience is set to propel Monument Distillers Kenya forward.

The entry of Kensington Distillers into the Kenyan market follows the successful launch of Monument Distillers Nigeria. 

Growing its footprints in Africa, the London-based beverage producer acquired the 1960 Rootz flavored spirits brand from AB InBev’s Monument Distillers Nigeria early this year. The acquisition included the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant used to produce 1960 Rootz.

Monument Distillers has also moved to acquire exclusive distribution rights of South Africa’s  bestselling wine, Four Cousins Wine in Nigeria.

KDV produces international brands such as Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whiskey, Grace du Roi Fine Wine and Mazzatti Italian Beer. Its Africa distribution businesses are Monument Distillers Nigeria and Monument Distillers Kenya.