French ultra-premium vodka brand La Banquise Pack Ice is setting ambitious international growth targets, bringing an haute gastronomy-led approach to the category.
With exports expected to account for 90% of revenue, the brand is built for international growth. Its collaboration with triple-Michelin-starred chef Christopher Coutanceau and Nicolas Brossard, who co-lead the acclaimed Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle, brings a strong French gastronomic influence to the brand.
La Banquise Pack Ice Chairman and Founder Erick Antony Skora said, “With the expectations of the market and the most discerning consumers in mind, we have brought together everything France is internationally recognised for: a refined art of blending the world’s finest flavours, uncompromising quality and timeless elegance.”
La Banquise Pack Ice is crafted and bottled in France’s Cognac region and is targeting rapid international expansion.
The brand aims to reach 50 markets by 2027, 70 by 2028 and 100 across five continents in the longer term. Skora brings nearly four decades of experience in the international spirits & wine industry.
The brand has built a multichannel distribution strategy in France covering mass retail, the on-trade and foodservice, wine merchants, Michelin-starred restaurants, Relais & Châteaux properties and Palace hotels.
Beyond France, La Banquise is targeting international growth through importers, global travel retail and airlines, with a focus on First and Business Class.
The brand has started its international roll-out in Poland, with a Luxembourg listing now in preparation.
France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK are also considered as priority European markets, alongside the USA and Canada in North America, as well as Asian markets such as Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The brand is also building on its Monaco launch in March, held at the Michelin Guide ceremony after-party, expanding its presence among industry professionals in France and overseas.
Six expressions mark La Banquise Pack Ice market debut
La Banquise Pack Ice is launching with six vodka expressions, each in a 70cl bottle at 40% ABV. The range includes its first expression, Rye, alongside five other creations.
Rye features citrus notes including grapefruit, bitter orange, green mandarin and candied lemon, followed by floral notes and a peppery finish.
The range is made from rye vodka, which is fermented, column-distilled, rectified to 96% ABV and filtered before being reduced to 40% ABV with Gensac spring water, followed by aromatic blending, resting and bottling.
Four further expressions are planned, while all expressions will also be offered in 10cl.
Bringing Michelin-starred expertise to the vodka category
La Banquise Pack Ice has appointed Christopher Coutanceau and Nicolas Brossard as Brand Ambassadors to support its roll-out.
The pair have worked together for 20 years at the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle.
Coutanceau is known for his seafood-focused cuisine, while Brossard, Maître de Maison, brings expertise in hospitality, wines, spirits and pairings. Their La Rochelle portfolio also includes La Yole de Chris and Villa Grand Voile, a Relais & Châteaux hotel.
The ambassadors will support the brand among Michelin-starred restaurants, hotels and Palace hotels, as well as bar, sommellerie and hospitality professionals in France and international markets. ✈
