Italian spirits company Illva Saronno, best known for its Disaronno and Tia Maria drink brands, has announced the launch of its own UK subsidiary, Disaronno International UK.
Neil Jardine, who is currently Country Director, has been promoted to Managing Director of the new subsidiary. He will head up a series of innovations which the company is planning to bring to the UK market over the next two years.
The launch of Disaronno International UK will see the mutual end of a 20-year partnership between Illva Saronno and William Grant & Sons UK in December 2020. The two companies will continue their working relationships across other international markets.
From January 2021 Disaronno International UK will be fully responsible for the distribution, sales and marketing of Illva Saronno brands in the UK.
Jardine commented: “On behalf of the board of Illva Saronno and the UK team, I would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the pride and passion William Grant & Sons UK has shown managing our brands over the years.”
Neil Barker, Managing Director UK&I at William Grant & Sons, added: “After two decades of successfully distributing Illva Saronno brands in the UK, we are extremely proud to have developed and grown the brands to such a position which has enabled Disaronno International UK to become a reality. Following another successful year in the UK, it is a pleasure to pass these incredible brands back to Illva Saronno in such a great position.”
Looking ahead, Jardine said: “The next chapter for Illva Saronno is hugely exciting. We are bringing innovation to the core of our company with the aim of shaking up the category and reinvigorating our already much loved brands. We’ll soon be announcing two new innovations which we will be bringing to the UK market in the coming months and we will continue to work closely with William Grant & Sons UK to do so.
“Our portfolio of premium Sicilian Wine Brands (Florio, Duca Di Salaparuta and Corvo) provides a huge opportunity for us at a time when the UK trade is focussing on Italy and Sicily in particular. In addition, we have significantly invested in our Irish whiskey business, creating a totally unique blend of products with a distinctly Irish look and feel. We will be starting Disaronno International UK’s journey during an exciting year for the company as we bring this wonderful concept to the market in 2021.”
