French spirits giant Pernod Ricard has announced plans to sell Clan Campbell, its popular Scotch whisky brand, to Stock Spirits Group as part of its portfolio management strategy. The move is aimed at adapting to the changing needs of consumers and creating more opportunities for premiumization.
The proposed sale of Clan Campbell is subject to consultation with relevant employee representative bodies. If completed, it will see Stock Spirits Group, a spirits company based in Central Europe, acquire the leading brand in the blend-12-year-old Scotch whisky category in France. Clan Campbell also has a presence in other European markets such as Spain, Luxembourg, and Italy.
Pernod Ricard’s current portfolio of Scotch whiskies in France includes well-known names such as Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, as well as single malts like The Glenlivet and Aberlour. The company has also expanded its offerings in recent years with the addition of Clan Caribbean, a rum-based spirit drink.
Stock Spirits Group, with operations in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Italy, owns more than 70 brands. These include popular products like Zoladkowa Vodka, Stock 84 brandy, Limonce limoncello, and Bozkov rum. With over 1,200 employees, Stock Spirits exports its products to more than 50 countries worldwide.
This planned divestment by Pernod Ricard follows its minority stake acquisition in ecoSPIRITS, a circular economy technology startup that focuses on low carbon distribution systems for the drinks industry. The sale of Clan Campbell is seen as a strategic move to optimize the company’s portfolio and align with changing consumer preferences.
By streamlining its offerings, Pernod Ricard aims to focus on brands that have significant growth potential and cater to the evolving needs of its discerning consumers. This decision also presents Stock Spirits Group with an opportunity to expand its presence in the competitive spirits market.
The acquisition of Clan Campbell by Stock Spirits Group is expected to bring exciting possibilities for both companies. As Pernod Ricard continues to adapt to the changing landscape of the spirits industry, consumers can look forward to more innovative and premium offerings in the future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the press release by Pernod Ricard. The proposed transaction is subject to consultation with relevant employee representative bodies and may be subject to further changes or conditions.
