Spirits business William Grant & Sons is to launch a wholly owned drinks distribution business in Germany.
The distiller has appointed Markus Kramer as managing director of the business which will go live in 2021 as part of a drive to increase penetration of the company's brands including Glenfiddich, Tullamore DEW, Grant’s and Hendrick’s in the German market.
Kramer, who will run the German business from Hamburg, has a wealth of experience in the spirits industry having held senior management roles in Diageo, Hamburg-based spirits business BORCO and Bacardi.
For the past seven years Campari Deutschland has acted as exclusive distributor for the William Grant & Sons portfolio in Germany and as part of this process the two companies have jointly agreed not to renew their distribution agreement, which is due to end in December 2020.
Grant's regional president EMEA Rita Greenwood said: “By taking full control of our distribution arrangements, we are investing in our own capabilities to further develop our business in Germany and the exciting opportunities this dynamic market offers.
“We welcome Markus to the business and look forward to benefiting from his extensive experience as we enter into a new phase of growth.
“Over the last seven years we have enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Campari Deutschland, and I would like to thank the team for their dedication and professionalism over this period.”
Kramer said: “I am delighted to join William Grant & Sons at this exciting time in its 132-year history. I have admired the business for many years, as well as its brilliant portfolio of brands. I am looking forward to working with a talented and growing team to establish William Grant & Sons as a leading premium spirits company and employer of choice within the German market.”
William Grant & Sons said it would work closely with Campari throughout 2020 to ensure a smooth transition for its customers and consumers.
