Campari America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano, is set to assume the distribution and marketing of the Appleton Rum portfolio of brands in the US from wines and spirits producer Kobrand starting from 1 March 2013.
Appleton, in addition to the Wray & Nephew and Coruba Rum brands, was acquired by Milan-based Gruppo Campari in December 2012 as part of the company's purchase of a controlling stake in Jamaican company Lascelles deMercado.
The business acquired by Gruppo Campari includes the portfolio of premium and overproof rums, including Appleton Estate (super premium aged rum designed for sipping), Appleton Special and White (blend specially designed for mixing), Wray & Nephew White Overproof, Coruba and a strong portfolio of local brands.
Campari America US/Caribbean/Puerto Rico managing director Roy Danis said: "Kobrand has done an exceptional job building these brands, particularly among the very important bartender community, and we are driven to expand on their hard work so Appleton, Wray & Nephew, and Coruba can realize their full potential in the US market."
In fiscal year ended 30 September 2011, this rum and spirits portfolio achieved total sales volume of 3.5 million nine liter cases.
