A new spirits firm Quintessential Brands has been launched by Enzo Visone, former CEO of Campari Group and investment banker Warren Scott in the UK, with an aim to become a major independent business in the global spirits industry.
The first step taken by the company to realize its vision was the acquisition of G&J Greenall, a gin producer.
With this acquisition, the company looks to grow its existing gin portfolio, including Greenall's Original London Dry Gin, Bloom, and Berkeley Square, both in the UK and throughout the globe.
The new firm will also expand its spirits portfolio by launching new products, brands and strategic acquisitions.
As part of its expansion plans, Quintessential will relaunch its Toussaint Coffee Liqueur at Imbibe Live in July 2013. The Toussaint Coffee Liqueur was acquired by Quintessential in December 2012.
Visone said they are very excited to have launched Quintessential Brands and their vision is to become a major independent player in the global spirits industry.
"We have the experience and know-how to make this happen and I am delighted to be working with Warren and Mike to realise this vision," Visone added.
Quintessential has also partnered with an UK-based privately-owned brand development and distribution company - Marblehead - to extend its distribution network in the on- and off-trade markets.
Quintessential Brands international brands and marketing director Mike Salmon said the partnership with Marblehead means they are able to provide Marblehead with increased stability and some fantastic new brands.
"In return we are working with a highly respected prestige agency which has over 30 years' experience and an established distribution network, giving particularly high penetration in the premium On Trade, essential for our super premium Gin brands, including Berkeley Square London Dry Gin.
"Marblehead's seeding expertise will immediately come to bear on the two new brands Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin and Toussaint Coffee Liqueur," Salmon added.
Marblehead chairman Ricky Agnew said, "We are delighted to be working with Quintessential Brands in an exciting new partnership and see this as the meeting of two like-minded dynamic companies coming together to create a new force to be reckoned with in the UK Drinks Industry."
