Speciality Brands Expands Rum Portfolio With Takamaka from the Seychelles

Most people aren't aware that the Seychelles produces rum. But it's the job of Speciality Blends to challenge this lack of knowledge. 

Tags: Rum

Because premium spirits distributor Specialty Brands is adding Seychelles' Takamaka to its already highly impressive stellar rum portfolio. 

Taking over from Highball Brands, the company will be exclusively responsible for all UK commercial and marketing activities for the rum starting form next month, 1st March 2024, to be precise.

Founded over two decades ago by brothers Bernard and Richard d'Offay, Takamaka aims to put Seychelles on the UK rum map. 

Joining the likes of iconic brands including Hampden, Black Tot, Clairin and Renegade, Takamaka will expand Speciality Brands' portfolio with its two award-winning ranges. 

The Seychelles Series offers easy-drinking,approachable rums, ideal for use in cocktails, whilst the St André Series blends Takamaka's creole soul with innovative rum-making technique and is aimed at seasoned and experienced rum aficionados.

Remarks Bernard d'Offay, Co-founder and Export Director: “We're really incredibly excited about this next stage in our development and we can't thank Highball enough for everything they have done in terms of building the brand. Fabrice and the team have allowed us to achieve great presence at some of the UK's greatest bars and restaurants and we wish them every future success.

"As we join Speciality Brands, their category expertise, market reach and the scale of opportunities  they present to Takamaka will be key in the next step of our journey. We're looking forward to driving Seychelles rum and achieving our full potential in the UK with their knowledgeable and passionate team.”

Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, says: “The breadth of our rum portfolio is unique in the UK and we are thrilled to be strengthening it with the addition of Takamaka. 

"We are extremely passionate about high-quality spirits with compelling stories. Takamaka's fresh approach to rum presents an exciting new challenge for our team. We can't wait to get stuck in and spread the word about Seychelles rum in the UK”. 

Fabrice Limon, Founder of Highball Brands commented: “We wish Chris and the Speciality Brands team all the best in continuing and building on the success Highball Brands has had over the last six years with Takamaka. 

"Launching the brand here in the UK and growing it into one of the most recognised brands, loved and used up and down the country and in some of the UK's and worlds best bars, we couldn't be prouder of what we achieved. It's been a genuine pleasure working with the brothers Ben and Richard D'Offay and I personally wish them all the success and happiness.“

To discover the Takamaka range and for any trade queries, please contact the Speciality Brands sales team: sales@specialitybrands.com or visit specialitybrands.com

Speciality Brands Takes Exclusive UK Distribution deal for Chopin Vodka

Chopin Vodka is a proudly family-owned company based in Eastern Poland which has been pioneering the super-premium vodka category for in excess of three decades. 

Founded by Tad Dorda, the range is a true celebration of Polish craft and culture and is one of the few vodka producers in the world to oversee 100% of its production process from the farm field right to the bottle.

Speciality Brands' strategy will look at expanding and increasing Chopin Vodka's presence in both on- and off-trade channels, supported by a marketing and PR programme that will bring to life the brand's story, generate excitement and conversations around the vodka category, and ensure both professionals and consumers across the country experience it in a fresh and immersive way.

Chris Seale who is the MD of Speciality Brands, told That's Food and Drink: “When we first met with Chopin Vodka we were immediately impressed with the team's passion and expertise in making luxury vodkas showing terroir, texture, and taste. 

"As a family-owned business focused on producing the highest quality spirits, they share many of our values and they fit really well within our portfolio of premium drinks. We've got great plans for the Chopin brand, which include taking full advantage of the growing popularity of the martini cocktail in the UK.”  

Tad Dorda, Chopin Vodka founder and CEO, told us: “We're really thrilled to be unveiling this new UK partnership. We were looking for a distributor that would bring passion, expertise, and a flair for building luxury brands in a market that needs nurturing in a very specific way. Speciality Brands has all the right credentials and we're looking forward to taking Chopin on the next steps of its journey.”

Starting from the middle of this month, October, Speciality Brands is bringing the three single ingredient vodkas to the UK market, including the flagship Potato vodka, alongside the limited-edition luxury Vera Wang bottle, blended editions, and super-premium Family Reserve.

To learn more about Chopin luxury vodka and about Speciality Brands please visit https://specialitybrands.com

That's Food and Drink is delighted to be able to add our voice to promoting what looks to be a new and exciting offering in the UKs luxury spirits range. 

Seems like they'd be excellent components in Christmas cocktails.