UK-based Ellers Farm Distillery is launching Dutch Barn vodka, its largest brand, into the US.
The Yorkshire-based business, which counts actor and comedian Ricky Gervais as an investor, has signed a deal with US importer Opici Wine & Spirits.
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Ellers Farm Distillery is aiming to see Dutch Barn vodka on sale in at least ten US states, plus Washington D.C., by the end of the year.
“Our goal is to make Dutch Barn one of the biggest vodka brands in the world. Due to the size and importance of the US premium vodka market, we have always planned to launch in the US,” Ellers Farm Distillery founder Chris Fraser said.
According to the most recent figures published by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, vodka sales fell 2.8% in volume and value terms in the 12 months to the end of January.
“Vodka is a very resilient, versatile and endlessly creative spirit that remains the number one selling spirit in the US. While market volumes appear to be softening, we are also seeing consumers choose higher quality spirits, with understood provenance and sustainability credentials,” Fraser told Just Drinks.
He said the “handcrafted, premium vodka”, made with apples, “provides a unique and truly delicious vodka which meets the changing demands of US vodka consumers”. It has a recommended price in the US of $30.
The largest market for Dutch Barn vodka is the UK, with the brand on sale in four markets in continental Europe.
“We will be launching in Canada very soon and we expect to launch into a number of new European markets later this year,” Fraser added.
Dutch Barn vodka is the distillery’s best-selling brand by case sales.
Fraser, the largest single shareholder in Ellers Farm Distillery, declined to comment on the company’s finances, including on its net sales in 2024 and whether it is currently profitable.
“Ellers Farm is investing heavily and growing rapidly year-on-year,” he said.
Fraser said the company’s “main focus for the foreseeable future” is to grow the “awareness and sales” of Dutch Barn vodka, as well as its range of Dutch Barn flavoured vodkas.
The distillery also makes gins under the Y Gin brand and is due to release an English single malt whisky at the end of the year.
Gervais, who Fraser described as having “a significant shareholding” in the company, invested in 2023.
