The Brown-Forman Corporation has reached an agreement with Vantguard and MG Distilleries to acquire the Gin Mare brand and the variant Gin Mare Capri. Created twelve years ago as the first Mediterranean-inspired gin, the spirit will become part of the US multinational's premium offering, and will continue to be produced at the MG Distilleries plant in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona).

The Spanish brand was jointly created by the Giró family on behalf of MG Distilleries, and Alfonso Morodo and Antonio Pardo of Vantguard in 2010. It is now sold in over 70 countries, and the latest IWSR report (the leading source of data and analysis on the spirits market) ranks it as number one in the ultra-premium gin category.

Mediterranean inspiration
The recipe is what makes it stand out - it is made using a barley base and Mediterranean-inspired botanicals, such as Arbequina olives, thyme, rosemary and basil. Bergamot and Italian lemons have been added to these ingredients in the Gin Mare Capri variant, which was launched in 2021. The process uses a custom-made still located inside an 18^th century chapel.

The Brown-Forman Corporation, owner of brands such as Jack Daniel's, Herradura and El Jimador, serves a market of more than 170 countries. When the deal is closed in approximately sixty days' time, the successful Spanish gin brand will be able to start expanding into countries where it does not yet have a presence.

Significant overall growth
For Brown-Forman Corporation's President and CEO, Lawson Whiting, Gin Mare and Gin Mare Capri are "unique gin brands with impressive sales growth and strong distribution in major European markets. They are excellent complements to Brown-Forman's super-premium portfolio”, and he added, "We believe that this exciting acquisition enhances our capacity to generate significant global growth for the long term".

MG Distilleries CEO, Manu Giró, considers this company "the perfect partner to bring Gin Mare to more consumers and bartenders around the world, maintaining the brand's commitment to producing a unique, high-quality Mediterranean gin".

The founders and CEOs of Vantguard, Antonio Pardo and Alfonso Morodo, do in turn refer to their motto of "creating brands with soul, whose aim is to put a sparkle in our customers' eyes", and explained, "It has been exciting to see consumers embrace our brand, and we’re excited about the future in store for Gin Mare with the support of Brown-Forman's resources and capabilities”.

^{Photo: Vantguard}