Sep 5, 2023

The Spirits Business 05 September 2023 By Nicola Carruthers Poland-based Stock Spirits has completed its purchases of French distributor Dugas, blended Scotch whisky Clan Campbell, and vodka maker Polmos Bielsko-Biała. Clan Campbell is a leader in the blended 12-year-old Scotch segment in France In June this year, Stock Spirits agreed to buy Clan Campbell from French group Pernod Ricard. Clan Campbell is a leader in the blended 12-year-old Scotch segment in France, the firm said. It is also available in markets such as Spain, Luxembourg and Italy. Simultaneously, the group also entered into negotiations to buy French spirits distributor Dugas, subject to regulatory approval in France. The company said the completed acquisitions mark an ‘important step’ in its growth strategy in Europe. It also allows the firm to enter new markets in Western Europe and the ‘fast-growing’ whisky category. Stock Spirits plans to further develop the Dugas portfolio with Clan Campbell whisky and selected brands from its portfolio, with the aim of ‘strengthening’ the distributor’s position and reach in France. Dugas will continue to build on its ‘strong expertise in building’ rum and whisky brands, the company said. Stock Spirits CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures said the acquisitions would be “strong drivers” for the group’s Western Europe expansion. Furthermore, Stock Spirits has acquired Polish spirits producer Polmos Bielsko-Biala to expand its vodka portfolio. The group said the company would be a ‘significant driver’ of premium vodka exports across Europe. The acquisition has also provided the firm with additional production capacity. In July, the Polish group agreed to acquire German producer Borco , owner of Sierra Tequila, for an undisclosed sum.