The London Distillery Company signs distribution deals in Asia

The London Distillery Company (TLDC) has signed two new deals to increase the availability of its spirit brands in Asia.

Drinks99 has been appointed the company’s exclusive distributor in Hong Kong and Macau, while Brand Connect has taken up similar rights for Southeast Asia.

TLDC said it is experiencing “significant growth” for its craft spirit brands in China, particularly in markets such as Shanghai and Beijing, where younger consumers have a strong pull towards premium imported spirits.

The company has also branched into duty-free for the first time with the recent launch of Kew Hong Kong Edition Gin, in partnership with Lagadere, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Killian O’Sullivan, CEO of The London Distillery Company.

Last October, TLDC released Rye Whiskey LV-1767 Edition, which it claims is the first whiskey distilled in London in over a century. The beverage sold out in less than a month.

The distillery’s expansion has created a requirement for it to move to a larger London site, to meet a demand for an increase in capacity of up to 100,000 nine-litre cases of white spirits, while providing more space to recommence laying down whisky. Plans for the new site include an enhanced visitor experience, facilities to allow whisky maturation and finishing, as well as research and development space.

It is planning to bring in ten more members of staff into the business, based in the UK and in key overseas markets, and a number of non-executive directors have also been appointed to assist in driving plans.

Going forward, TLDC said it has identified opportunities for growth in both India and the US.