Pernod Ricard partners up with Kyoto Distillery

Pernod Ricard has yet again expanded its gin portfolio with a considerable investment in the Kyoto Distillery and its KI NO BI Dry Gin.

This marks a significant accomplishment for both Pernod Ricard and the distillery: for the former, this partnership is demonstrative of their successful portfolio management, in line with their “Transform and Accelerate” plan; and for the latter, it draws attention to the growing demand for their ultra-premium gin.

The ultra-premium gin category more broadly has also seen great success, thanks in part to the rise of mixology, and it is no surprise that Pernod Ricard are keen to make the most of this. The company’s ‘Gin Hub’ currently includes Beefeater, Plymouth, Malfy and Monkey 47, and looks to be strengthened by the addition of the growing Kyoto Distillery. The distillery’s partnership with Pernod Ricard will largely be used to create a brand new, state-of-the-art distillery, such is the growth in demand for their small-batch, artisanal product.

Despite the Kyoto Distillery’s imminent expansion, its KI NO BI gin is the product of a fundamentally hand-crafted approach, and the distillery sees no reason why this substantial growth cannot coexist with its artisanal values. David Croll, the Kyoto Distillery’s CEO, stated: “We are delighted that Pernod Ricard appreciates the unique qualities of Japan’s first ultra-premium gin which we have created with the support and cooperation of Kyoto’s cultural and agricultural communities.”

KI NO BI incorporates a range of Japanese botanicals, including yuzu, lemon, sansho pepper, ginger and gyokuro tea. However, this enticing combination of flavours is only part of the reason behind its success: the Kyoto Distillery prides itself on its meticulous approach to gin distillation, with the balance of these flavours as important as each distinctive note on its own. As a company with a portfolio of small, specialty and prestige brands – sales of which have seen double-digit growth, well above the industry average – Pernod Ricard’s support will no doubt be of great benefit to Kyoto.