Rémy Cointreau has hired Italy-based spirits business Gruppo Montenegro to distribute its products in the country.
The deal, which starts next month, covers brands including Rémy Martin Cognac and Bruichladdich Scotch whisky.
The French group had been working in Italy with another local spirits company, Molinari.
In a statement, Ian McLernon, the CEO of Rémy Cointreau’s business in the EMEA markets, said Gruppo Montenegro’s “extensive knowledge of the high-end Italian spirits market will effectively accelerate growth opportunities for our portfolio”.
Gruppo Montenegro, home to brands including Vecchia Romagna brandy, is taking on the distribution of 12 Rémy Cointreau brands in Italy.
In the statement announcing the deal, the company said it would “oversee the strategic repositioning” of a stable of brands including Rémy Martin, Bruichladdich and Mount Gay rum.
Gruppo Montenegro described the contract as a “strategic and valuable achievement” that will help the company “further strengthen its market presence, consolidating its position in the high-end, on-trade channel”.
“This agreement represents a key milestone in the expansion of our company and in strengthening our portfolio across other essential categories such as whisky, Cognac and Champagne, thanks to the synergy between the premium products of our respective ranges,” Gruppo Montenegro CEO Sergio Fava added.
Asked for further details on Gruppo Montenegro’s plans for the Rémy Cointreau brands in Italy, a spokesperson pointed Just Drinks to the statement announcing the deal.
