Topikos Spirit & Beverage Company, which distributes for Constellation Brands in Canada, has launched its first brand and suggested more will follow.
The Ontario-based broker and distributor has launched a vodka distilled in its home province.
Topikos is selling the vodka – marketed under the Mailroom brand – in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. The company plans to take the vodka south of the border into the US next year.
Asked why Topikos decided to launch a brand, co-founder and CEO Peter Kourtis said: “As a key component of Topikos’ unique business model, owning brands is a fundamental pillar. By representing and owning brands, we achieve significant synergies for our business and our partners.”
Kourtis, a former Diageo and Corby Spirit and Wine executive, indicated more launches could be in the offing, although he refused to be drawn on the types of product or timetable.
“Topikos’ unique business model, which includes representation, ownership and joint-venture brands, enables us to participate across all categories,” he told Just Drinks. “Yes, you can expect more developments from the owned-brands desk at Topikos in the near future.”
The group is looking to grow the distribution of Mailroom vodka in Canada’s retail sector and in what Kourtis called “strategic on-premise accounts”.
The Topikos chief said Canada’s vodka category “needed a premium liquid option for consumers”.
“Vodka continues to be one of the largest categories in spirits, and it’s a category where we want to participate and succeed. We saw an opportunity to disrupt the category by crafting a brand that would truly connect with their world,” Kourtis said.
“That’s why we distil Mailroom Vodka using soft red winter wheat, resulting in a perfectly balanced texture that is both smooth and crisp.”
Asked if Topikos has listings confirmed in the US, he added: “We are currently working through the US plan and will announce when ready.”
Topikos’ deal with Constellation Brands was announced in June and covered five brands: Casa Noble Tequila, Tequila Mi Campo, Svedka vodka, High West whiskey and Nelson Brothers whiskey.
