Lucas Bols has won Just Drinks’ first SME of the year award in a busy 2021 for the liqueurs and spirits producer.
The Amsterdam-based company, which in December last year closed its acquisition of Passoã from Remy Cointreau, took the top spot on a shortlist that also included US brewer DG Yuengling & Son and Scotch whisky group Ian MacLeod Distillers. Rounding out the five-strong shortlist were Staten Island’s Coffee Holding Co and Mighty Leaf Tea Co, a speciality tea producer based in California.
Just Drinks said Lucas Bols proves that size isn’t everything when it comes to shaking up the cocktail market, which during COVID lockdowns saw a boom in at-home consumption.
“Lucas Bols continues to shape mixology trends with its portfolio of brands essential to any bartender who has ever picked up a cocktail shaker,” added Just Drinks managing editor Olly Wehring. “Its purchase of full control of Passoã from Remy Cointreau has allowed the company to keep innovating, and bring even more excitement to the spirits category.”
This week, Lucas Bols lined up the addition of another brand to its portfolio. The group confirmed its intention to purchase high-end Tequila brand Tequila Partida for US$10m from the Shansby Trust and Edrington USA.
Just Drinks announced its first annual Excellence Awards this week. To read the full list of nominations and winners, click here.
