Member Article

Harrogate craft distiller secures deal with premium UK drinks distributor

Harrogate Tipple, the distiller of Harrogate Gin and Rum along with the Downton Abbey gin and whisky range, has agreed terms with Boutique Bar Brands (BBB) to act as its exclusive distributor for the UK.

The North Yorkshire company’s range of spirits is currently available in Booths, Fenwicks and in a number of independent outlets, but it will be able to extend its reach in on-trade, off-trade and online, particularly in premium outlets, as part of BBB’s select portfolio of spirits, beers, ciders and non-alcoholic drinks. BBB works with over 45 wholesalers nationwide and currently represents three UK distilleries – The London Distillery Company, Greensand Ridge and Gleann Morr - and the multi award winning Manly Spirits from Sydney.

Established four years ago by Steven and Sally Green, supported by internationally renowned distiller Tom Nichol, Harrogate Tipple has already established a loyal following. Housed in a converted barn close to the Ripley Castle Estate near Harrogate, it has an ethos of local provenance with many of its botanicals grown in the estate’s kitchen gardens and Victorian hothouse as well as using the spa town’s famous spring water.

Co-founder of Harrogate Tipple, Steven Green, said: “This partnership is our first distribution deal and marks another important step in our development. BBB has a fantastic reputation in the industry; it only represents the very best brands that have a story to tell. We will be able to benefit from this leading drinks agency’s extensive knowledge and contacts, particularly in on-trade premium outlets, enabling us to extend our reach.”

Sally Green adds: “BBB is very selective and it’s great news that they have chosen to add Harrogate Tipple to their portfolio – they appreciate the high quality of our products and loved our local provenance.”

Philip Harding, co-founder of BBB, said: “BBB have more recently been moving into providing a distribution service to drinks brands which have already built a certain level of business within the UK, as opposed to our traditional agency retainer model. When Harrogate Tipple approached us, they impressed the team with their growth over the past few years and their ambition to push onto the next level.

“We believe that the match of Harrogate Tipple’s unique offering, supported by BBB’s network, sales team and reach, will be a great combination, enabling it to become a nationally recognised brand. The Downton Abbey range of spirits is also a very interesting addition to our portfolio, and we are excited to see how far we can take this.”

Harrogate Tipple’s current range includes Premium Harrogate Gin, Gooseberry Harrogate Gin and Blueberry Harrogate Gin; Premium Harrogate Rum; Downton Abbey Premium Gin and Downton Abbey Finest Blended Whisky.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .