Top American liquor brands land in local market
Faith Kinel
Kensington Distillers and Vintners (KDV) London, a premium drinks business with a growing foot-print in Africa, has entered the Kenyan market as Monument Distillers Kenya.
Following this development, Sazerac, a US alcoholic beverages company, has granted Monument distribution rights for its local portfolio. Monument will distribute the brands through a regional liquor distributor, Maxam.
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The American brands include Popov Vodka, Southern Comfort, Myers Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Firewater and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
The entry of KDV into the Kenyan market follows the successful launch of Monument Distillers Nigeria last year.
Kenya’s Monument managing director Ellis Muhimbise said the deal indicates a favourable growth as Kenya continues to grow economically.
“According to the 2019 International Wines and Spirits Report, the vodka category in Kenya grew 22 per cent annually from 2013 to last year,” he added.
In addition to representing Sazerac and KDV brands such as Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whisky, Monument will launch more exciting international brands locally.
Muhimbise has extensive regional experience having spent 12 years at SABMiller and then at AB InBev before joining Monument Distillers. His prior experience is set to propel Monument Distillers Kenya forward.
In Kenya, Monument has launched Popov Vodka, Southern Comfort, Myers Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Firewater and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. The company plans to introduce more global brands soon.
