Altia has agreed to transfer its Denmark business to spirit company Conaxess Trade Beverages.

Set to start from 20 May this year, the partnership gives Conaxess Trade Beverages exclusive rights to distribute and market Altia brands in the country.

Altia Scandinavia senior vice-president Janne Halttunen said: “We are very much looking forward to entering in this strategic partnership with Conaxess Trade Beverages.

“They have shown strategic and operational strength in Denmark and we are looking forward to continuing the positive development of the Altia brands. We strongly believe that this new setup gives possibilities to further grow Altia brands in Denmark.”

Altia intends to further support the growth of its Nordic brands in Denmark through the partnership by focusing on off-trade and on-trade markets. The company noted that it will continue to operate key border trades between Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Conaxess Trade Beverages is engaged in sales, marketing and distribution of international alcohol brands. The addition of Altia brands to its portfolio will allow the company to strengthen its position in the spirits market in Denmark.

Some of the key Altia brands in the country are Koskenkorva Vodka, OP Andersson aquavit, Brøndums aquavit and 1-Enkelt Bitter.

Conaxess Trade Beverages managing director Jan Rose said: “We are excited to represent Altia’s iconic brands in our premium spirits portfolio.

“With our strong market position and our expertise at the Danish market, we see good possibilities to strengthen distribution and sales of Altia brands, such as O.P. Andersson and Koskenkorva Vodka as well as the locally well-established brands 1-enkelt and Brøndums.”

Under the deal, 12 of Altia’s employees in Denmark will be moved to Conaxess Trade Beverages while the others will continue to work with Altia.

In November 2017, Altia partnered with US-based Frederick Wildman and Sons to introduce aquavit OP Anderson to the US market.