Import business Monarq is to add handle the distribution of Asahi Group Holdings whisky brand Nikka in the Caribbean.
Amsterdam-headquartered Monarq has distributed the Japanese whisky in Mexico since 2022. The new deal sees the brand formally enter the Caribbean for the first time.
Monarq international marketing manager Garrett Koolman told Just Drinks the distributor will be eyeing “high-end” on-premise accounts, as well as “specialty stores and whisky lounges” across the region.
Asahi’s Nikka Coffey vodka and gin products are also part of the tie-up.
Monarq handles other Japanese whiskies from Hombo Shuzo, Matsui Shuzo and Akashi from Eigashima Distillery. The company also distributes other Scottish, US and Irish whiskies.
In a statement, Monarq managing director Robert de Monchy added: “Nikka Japanese Whisky aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering our customers the finest selection of spirits from around the world.”
Earlier this month, Asahi Group Holdings appointed Kirsch Import to handle the distribution of Nikka whisky in Germany.
Kirsch Import, which distributes whiskies including Ballantine’s Scotch and Black Velvet Canadian whisky, took over the rights to Nikka from Stock Spirits’ Borco.
The importer, based in Stuhr in northern Germany, already distributes Japanese whiskies Kanosuke and Akkeshi.
Naoki Tomoyoshi, who works on the global marketing sales for Nikka, told Just Drinks the largest overseas market for Nikka when measuring sales volumes is the US, followed by France. “Germany ranks third, hence is an important market for us,” Tomoyoshi said.
