Infused spirits brand acquires The London Distillery Company

Honey-infused spirits brand The British Honey Company (BHC) has acquired The London Distillery Company (TLDC) in an effort to widen its market.

The acquisition, made for a sum that is unknown, will expand BHC’s product offering and customer base and is part of the company’s growth strategy for 2020.

Michael Williams, founder and CEO of BHC, said: “The combined business will offer an enhanced range of products whilst expanding into a new customer base, which includes major supermarkets including Waitrose and leading quality stores such as Harvey Nichols and Fortnum and Mason.

“We are very excited to merge the businesses and build our expert team, as we seek new ways to expand our offering and increase sales through additional channels here in the UK and around the world.”

Known for its organic distillery drinks, TLDC’s portfolio of spirits include Dodd’s Gin, Kew Organic Spirits and LV 1767 Rye Whisky, the first whiskey distilled in London, UK in over a century. Made using botanicals grown in the UK, the distillery exports its products to over 20 markets around the world including France, Italy, China, Australia, Thailand and Canada. 

In January last year, TLDC signed two new deals to increase the availability of its spirit brands in Asia. Drinks99 was appointed the company’s exclusive distributor in Hong Kong and Macau, while Brand Connect took up similar rights for Southeast Asia.

Established in 2014 in the Cotswolds, the BHC produces fruit and honey-infused spirits which are marketed under the Keepr’s brand. The company’s range spans eight gins, four vodkas, two rums and two bourbons with a whiskey planned for launch in 2022.

“Honey is at the heart of our business and we are always keeping an eye on the wider market and the innovative use of honey in spirits,” said Williams.

He added: “It was The London Distillery Company’s sustainable approach and award-winning Dodd’s Small Batch Honey Gin that attracted our interest. We were particularly intrigued by and impressed with its approach to producing premium spirits and I am pleased to confirm that this acquisition of ongoing business will allow us to leverage both our synergies and differences.”