Lion has announced it has moved to 100% ownership of Four Pillars, Australia’s number one craft spirit brand.
The announcement comes a little over four years since Lion purchased 50% of the Yarra Valley-based gin business.
The acquisition includes ownership of the distillery in Healesville and all domestic and international sales and marketing of the brand.
Four Pillars Co-Founders – Chief Distiller, Cameron Mackenzie and Brand and Strategy Director, Matt Jones – will remain in the business in their current capacities while Co-Founder and Trade Director, Stuart Gregor, will remain in the short-term before taking an extended sabbatical.
“We look forward to supporting the continued growth of this remarkable brand, working with Cam and Matt to help drive our future plans,” says Lion CEO, Sam Fischer.
“Alongside continued investment behind our core business, we see premium spirits as a real opportunity for future growth.”
Four Pillars joins the Lion-owned Vanguard Luxury Spirits business and will operate as a stand-alone spirits division within Lion Australia, called Four Corners Global Spirits.
Lion NZ will distribute Four Pillars in the New Zealand market from 4 September.
Lion NZ Managing Director Craig Baldie says they look forward to working together to expand the presence of the brand across New Zealand.
“Premium gin has experienced strong growth in recent years and Four Pillars is at the forefront of that trend,” he says.
The Four Pillars range includes the original Rare Dry Gin, alongside Fresh Yuzu Gin, Olive Leaf Gin, Spiced Negroni Gin, the cult favourite Bloody Shiraz Gin and the world’s most-awarded Navy Strength Gin.
Four Pillars’ home remains Healesville in the Yarra Valley in Australia.
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