Quintessential Brands forms independent entity in North America

Quintessential Brands has reorganised its North American operations to form an independent business entity, called Quintessential Brands North America.

From 1 May, Quintessential Brands North America will manage and import its portfolio of spirits, including gin, Irish whiskey and Irish Cream.

Serving markets of US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, this entity will provide spirits solutions services such as bottling, packaging and new product development to retailers, distributors and brand owners.

Quintessential Brands North America is the first project for the company outside of Europe and will be led by Steve Ward as CEO.

Ward started his journey with Quintessential Brands as a business development vice-president for US and Canada last year. He has 23 years of experience in the industry and worked with firms such as Heineken and Edrington.

Bill Spann has been appointed as the chairman while Philippe Roederer will continue to serve as commercial director for North America. Chris Song will be vice-president for Quintessential Brands Spirit Solutions.

The reorganisation of the US business comes following the unveiling of Quintessential Brands’ new distillery, called Dublin Liberties Distillery, at Dublin in February.

Dublin Liberties Distillery is an Irish whiskey distillery led by Darryl McNally.

Quintessential Brands Group co-founder and executive chairman Enzo Visone said: “Since we established Quintessential Brands in 2011, we have enjoyed great success in the UK, thanks to our clear dual focus on providing unrivalled innovation and quality, but as a company with global ambitions, we’ve always had great aspirations for North America when the time was right.

“We believe that time is now, so by taking ownership of our route to market in North America, we can now become the masters of our destiny in the continent. The team we’ve assembled to drive the success we aspire to in North America are highly capable and ambitious to achieve our goals, so I’m confident this is the start of a new exciting chapter for Quintessential Brands as we begin to unlock our true potential in the Americas.”

Quintessential Brands North America CEO Steve Ward said: “The scope of brands, products and services we bring to the market is second to none so as we now take control of our importing business in the US, we are determined to deliver a superior service to the distributors and retailers of our brands across America and drive improved awareness and resonance amongst consumers through a programme of engaging marketing activity.”