Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement for a significant investment in Japanese brand KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin.
The investment in the small-batch artisanal gin will be used primarily to build a new state-of-the-art distillery to meet growing demand for the brand.
Pernod Ricard Chairman & CEO Alexandre Ricard said: “We are thrilled to welcome this one-of-a-kind brand to our portfolio. KI NO BI’s unique origins and taste profile make it a perfect complement to The Gin Hub’s extensive stable of brands. I am excited for Pernod Ricard to be part of its ongoing development.”
KI NO BI, which is currently distilled at what was Japan’s first dedicated gin distillery when it opened in 2014, is made from a high-quality rice spirit with Japanese botanicals including yuzu, lemon, sansho pepper, ginger and gyokuro tea.
Pernod Ricard has joined forces with the entrepreneurs behind the brand, who will remain fully invested in the business and work with Pernod Ricard to develop worldwide distribution channels.
The Kyoto Distillery CEO David Croll said: “We are delighted that Pernod Ricard appreciates the unique qualities of Japan’s first ultra-premium gin, which we have created with the support and cooperation of Kyoto’s cultural and agricultural communities.”
The Kyoto Distillery Chairman Marcin Miller added: “Having been fortunate enough to work with Pernod Ricard in the past, I am extremely enthusiastic about the wealth of expertise and experience that will ensure this strategic partnership will deliver great success for KI NO BI.”
