Brown-Forman is all set to build a new distribution facility in France to drive the growth of Jack Daniel’s trademark and support the development of its broader premium brand portfolio.

According to the company, sales of its products in France have gone down gradually at double-digit annual rate since 2005, forcing to come up with own sales and marketing team in the country.

The company’s current distribution deal with Bacardi Martini France will end in December 2013.

Brown-Forman president Mark McCallum said they had a successful partnership with Bacardi Martini France.

"France is the world’s third largest whiskey market and our Jack Daniel’s trademark has been enjoying significant growth as French consumers evolve their whiskey preference from scotch to American whiskey. We believe that establishing our own distribution company in France will further the growth of the Jack Daniel’s trademark and, additionally, support the development of our broader premium brand portfolio in this important market," McCallum added.

"In addition, this move will contribute to our strategic goal of continuously improving our brand-building capabilities and in-market knowledge and influence across the globe."

From 1 January 2014, France will join Germany, Australia, Poland, Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Taiwan and the US to have a fully-owned sales and marketing facility of Brown-Forman.

Brown-Forman’s portfolio of alcoholic beverage brands include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Canadian Mist, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, New Mix, Tuaca and Woodford Reserve.