Highlights
- Cobblestone Brands has acquired Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish whiskey brands from Irish Distillers
- The acquisition marks a major milestone for Cobblestone as they deepen their commitment to Irish whiskey
- Irish Distillers aims to focus on their core Irish whiskey portfolio and accelerate growth in key areas
Cobblestone Brands has announced the acquisition of Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish whiskey brands from Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company.
Cobblestone said the acquisition marks a major milestone for it, as the company deepens its commitment to Irish whiskey and invests in the long-term growth of two brands with rich heritage and global potential.
“We believe deeply in the future of the Irish whiskey category,” said Brian Fagan, chief executive of Cobblestone Brands.
“Despite near-term industry challenges, this is a time to invest in quality, authenticity, and long-term brand building. Knappogue Castle and Clontarf have a strong foundation, and we see enormous opportunity to re-energise and grow them in both established and emerging markets.
Clontarf Irish whiskey
Nodjame Fouad, chief executive of Irish Distillers, said: “This divestment aligns with our business strategy to focus on our core Irish whiskey portfolio and accelerate growth in key areas. We are confident that Cobblestone Brands will further develop and expand their market presence, and we extend our best wishes for their future success.”
One of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits, Irish Distillers boasts the world's best-selling Irish whiskey, Jameson Irish whiskey, in its portfolio, which also includes Powers, Redbreast, and the ultra-premium Midleton Very Rare series.
The deal follows Pernod Ricard’s announcement earlier this month to sell its Imperial Blue business division in India to Tilaknagar Industries Ltd, a leading player in the spirits market in the country.
Commenting on Cobblestone’s future plans, Barry Gallagher, COO, said: “We plan to invest significantly in marketing, innovation, and route-to-market expansion for both brands, with further announcements to follow in the coming months.
“This acquisition represents the next step in our broader growth strategy across our spirits brands. Over the next 12 months, we plan to introduce another three new-to-world brands as we continue to build a diverse and globally relevant premium spirits portfolio.”