Heavensake, the sake brand created by renowned French cellar master and winemaker Régis Camus in collaboration with Japan’s most respected sake breweries, has entered partnership with leading distributor Monarq Group.
The collaboration will see Heavensake’s products available in US travel retail and in the Caribbean and Latin America. Heavensake is currrently available in the Bahamas and St Barth and its range will progressively expand within Monarq’s network.
Heavensake marks the first Franco-Japanese sake collaboration. Camus – who spent nearly three decades crafting the Champagnes of Charles Heidsieck – has been working with the Tojis sake brewing masters to produce Junmai 12 with Konishi Brewery; Junmai Ginjo with Urakasumi, and Junmai Daiginjo with Dassai.
Heavensake CEO Laurent Cutier said: “Heavensake has been accelerating its presence in the US market at a triple-digit pace. We are seeing a pent-up demand for travel from American tourists which promises synergies in the Caribbean and Latin America zones.
“Monarq Group has a strong network of distributors in this geography, successfully managing leading brands. We are delighted to be partnering with them.”
Monarq Group CEO Robert de Monchy commented: “High-end Sake is a growing category for which we are receiving an increasing number of requests from our distribution partners, high-end resorts, bars and restaurants.
“We are delighted to add Heavensake to our portfolio, a brand that has the potential to transform a century old category, create excitement and open new doors to sake.”
According to Cutier, Heavensake is “the first lifestyle sake brand”. “The interest amongst consumers for healthier food and drink alternatives positions Heavensake to follow the same trajectory taken by super-premium rosé wine.”
He pointed out that Junmai means pure in Japanese. Junmai sake contains no added alcohol, is naturally gluten-free, sulphite-free and less acidic than wine.
