Topikos Spirit & Beverage Company has struck its first acquisition, hot on the heels of its debut brand launch with Mailroom vodka.
After rolling out Mailroom in September, Ontario, Canada-based Topikos has struck a deal for Ren Ultra Premium Vodka for an undisclosed sum.
Topikos, a distributor for Constellation Brands in Canada, said the purchase of Ren enables the company to appeal to a different range of vodka consumers, given the diversity of brands on the market.
“Mailroom Vodka and Ren Vodka have their own distinct consumer profile and purchasing behaviours. Having both brands in our portfolio allows us to capture a wider market share and enhance our overall portfolio,” co-founder and CEO Peter Kourtis told Just Drinks.
Kourtis added that both brands have distinct characteristics and consumer appeal, along with different price points to reflect that.
He said Mailroom is regarded as a “super-premium” brand, while Ren fits into the “luxury” vodka category. The former is distilled with “Canadian soft red winter wheat, while Ren Vodka is distilled using corn grain”, Kourtis explained.
Nicoletta Millis, the co-founder of Ren, said in a statement: “Ren Vodka has built a passionate local following, a result of our exceptional quality and ultra-premium experience – a true testament to Canadian-made spirits.”
Kourtis, a former Diageo and Corby Spirit and Wine executive, confirmed the Ren brand is distilled and co-packed by an undisclosed contract manufacturer in Ontario and that relationship will be maintained post-transaction.
Topikos, which is also a broker as well as an alcohol beverage distributor, will help Ren to “scale nationally”, Kourtis said.
Asked by Just Drinks to confirm how many Ren staff might be retained, he only responded that the acquired company’s head of marketing will be joining Topikos to “oversee all brands”.
Upon the Mailroom launch in September, Kourtis had said there were plans to take the brand across the border into the US market next year.
“Mailroom's plan to enter the US market is on track for 2025. Topikos is focused on launching and expanding all their brands in the US, including Ren Vodka,” he told this publication as an update.
Ren is stocked by liquor outlets in Ontario, including LCBO, Alberta and BC Liquor Stores, along with retail chains, Kourtis confirmed.
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.
Kourtis added in the statement: “Since its inception, Topikos has been keen to explore true joint ventures and acquisitions that allow it to build emerging, premium beverage alcohol brands.
“We are thrilled to introduce Ren to a broader audience, cultivate deeper connections and set new standards for quality and innovation in the ultra-premium vodka category.”
