The Rise of North American Distillers in the Spirits Industry

Fast Facts About North American Distillers:

New Global Brand Company: Pernod Ricard has established North American Distillers (NADL) to reinforce its commitment and ambition for its American Whiskey portfolio, with Richard Black as CEO overseeing the entire portfolio and operations.
Operational Excellence: NADL will focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, including overseeing the construction of Jefferson’s distillery in Kentucky, aiming to set industry standards.
Strategic Alignment: The formation of NADL aligns Pernod Ricard’s American Whiskey operations with its global operations structure, leveraging its extensive global network to drive growth and enhance its premium American Whiskey brands.

NEW YORK, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pernod Ricard, a global leader in spirits and wine, has reinforced its commitment to American Whiskey by launching a new Global Brand Company in the USA, North American Distillers (NADL).

Richard Black, a seasoned Pernod Ricard executive with 23 years of leadership in whiskey and cognac, including roles at Chivas Brothers and Martell in Paris, will serve as CEO of North American Distillers. In this role, Black will oversee the company’s entire American Whiskey portfolio and North American operations sites.

This move marks the next phase of Pernod Ricard’s American Whiskey commitment, transitioning from an independent unit within Pernod Ricard USA to a global brand company. NADL aims to align with Pernod Ricard’s growth ambitions, supported by substantial investments in the burgeoning American Whiskey category.

NADL will prioritize operational excellence, focusing on safety, quality, and sustainability. The company will oversee the highly anticipated Jefferson’s distillery in Kentucky, set to establish new industry standards.

Black stated, “American whiskey is a dynamic spirits category, and our portfolio shows immense potential for future growth. Our investments in Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Skrewball, and TX underscore our ambitious commitment. My mission is to harness this potential, driving a singular focus on these brands and our operations. We aim to create a top-tier marketing and sustainable operations team based on our people’s deep-rooted expertise.”

This strategic move aligns Pernod Ricard’s American Whiskey operations with its successful global operations structure, similar to Irish Distillers and Chivas Brothers. The new company will handle global marketing strategy and production of its premium American Whiskey brands, leveraging Pernod Ricard’s extensive global network to stimulate growth.

Supporting Black is a seasoned team of operations and American Whiskey specialists at North American Distillers. Pierre Joncourt, current SVP of Operations for Pernod Ricard North America, will lead the operational charge. Additionally, Bourbon Hall of Famer and Rabbit Hole Whiskey founder Kaveh Zamanian will take on a new role, guiding the liquid strategy for the entire North American whiskey portfolio.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA, headquartered in New York, New York, is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S. and the largest subsidiary of Paris-based Pernod Ricard SA, the world’s second-largest spirits and wine company. Employing approximately 19,000 people worldwide, Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Pernod Ricard USA’s leading spirits brands include Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod, and Ricard. The company’s wine portfolio includes Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate, and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé, along with exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines such as Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, and Mumm Napa.

As “creators of conviviality,” Pernod Ricard USA is committed to sustainable and responsible business practices, promoting responsible drinking through active programs. For more information, visit www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

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