Edrington will now assume full ownership of WEBB’s travel retail business in the Americas, effectively dissolving the terms of the former joint venture agreement between the two companies.

 

Edrington Webb Travel Retail Americas (EWTRA) was launched in 2015 as a partnership between Edrington and World Equity Brand Builders (WEBB).

 

EWTRA distributed and marketed Edrington brands The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Brugal rum. The company’s portfolio also featured Disaronno, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Licor 43, Tia Maria, Luc Belaire and Mionetto, and was further complemented by Sazerac brands: Southern Comfort, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace.

 

The Edrington WEBB joint venture ends on 1 June at which time the business is fully integrated into Edrington and takes over existing distribution contracts.

 

‘UNIFIED GLOBAL PRESENCE’

Wine brands, including Cupcake Vineyards, Excelsior, Ramon Bilbao, Luc Belaire and Mionetto distributed through EWTRA, return to WEBB under a new company following the buy-out between the two parties.

 

 

Edrington Americas Juan Gentile, Senior Vice President for Latin America and Travel Retail, said: “The joint venture with WEBB, led by Andy Consuegra as Chief Executive Officer, proved exceptionally successful, delivering high double digit growth.

 

“Edrington is now ready to fully integrate this business within our global travel retail structure, with full ownership of operations in the Americas. We already directly manage Asia, Europe and the Middle East through wholly owned distribution companies. The EWTRA buy-out is consistent with our strategy to offer a unified global presence in a channel which has seen increased consolidation by key retailers.

 

“Moving forward, we will continue to focus our efforts in building the equity of our core brands, especially The Macallan. Distribution brand partners will continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining the strength and scale of our presence with duty free operators in the Americas.”

 

CONSUEGRA CONTINUES WITH WEBB BANKS

WEBB Founder and EWTRA CEO Andy Consuegra added: “I’m honoured that we had the opportunity to assume such an essential position in further driving the success of Edrington as well as our other brand partners, within travel retail in the Americas.”

 

While 1 June marks the end of the joint venture in the travel retail market, Consuegra will continue to serve as distributor of the Edrington spirits portfolio in the Caribbean domestic market through WEBB Banks; a company recently formed in January, 2017, through the merger of WEBB and Banks Channel of North Carolina.

 

Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director of Edrington Global Travel Retail also added his comments: “The acquisition of Edrington Webb Travel Retail Americas marks the opening of a new era for Edrington, establishing a fully owned and integrated Global Travel Retail business unit.

 

 

“More importantly, we’re delighted to welcome into our family a great team of people that will add great value and local expertise to our business, as well as an exciting portfolio of distribution brands.

 

“Last but not least, I would like to personally thank Andy for his achievements and for building great momentum behind our brands in the Americas over the last few years.”