Pernod Ricard takes minority stake in U.S. based Sovereign Brands

Pernod Ricard is delighted to announce the signing of a minority stake investment in Sovereign Brands and its portfolio of fast-growing super premium wine and spirits brands.

Sovereign Brands is a family company founded by brothers Brett and Brian Berish, who are among the industry’s most innovative and creative builders of beverage brands, with a proven history of brand creation.

Since 2000, Sovereign Brands has built a unique portfolio of forward-thinking brands in their respective categories across the world and especially in the world’s leading market, the USA. Sovereign’s most emblematic successes include Luc Belaire, a French sparkling wine, and Bumbu, a range of rum products from the Caribbean. Brazilian gin McQueen and the Violet Fog and Villon, an exquisite French liqueur, are also part of Sovereign’s diverse portfolio.

The two groups will continue to operate independently as the agreement does not provide for changes in Sovereign’s day-to-day operations, management, or distributor network. This investment is a first step of a long term partnership aimed at creating business opportunities between Sovereign Brands and Pernod Ricard in the future, such as exploring potential common industrial and commercial projects.

“Sovereign Brands has demonstrated exceptional innovation and marketing skills. We are thrilled to partner with Brett and Brian Berish, two of the most innovative entrepreneurs of our industry” says Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard.

Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, stated : “Pernod Ricard is at the forefront of our industry for a reason: they are simply the best. We’re beyond excited to work with Alexandre Ricard and his talented team.”

Source: Pernod Ricard