Brown-Forman to establish own distribution company in Spain

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jul. 21, 2016) — Brown-Forman Corporation announced today that it will establish its own distribution organization in Spain, effective July 1, 2017. Spain will join Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the U.K. as markets in which Brown-Forman owns or directly manages its own distribution.

Brown-Forman’s current distribution arrangement in Spain with Importaciones y Exportaciones Varma S.A. will conclude June 30, 2017. “Brown-Forman has had a long and successful relationship with Varma, one of the leading distribution companies in Spain, and we thank them for their careful stewardship of our brands. We look forward to working closely together during the remainder of our partnership to ensure a smooth business transition,” said Ramón Valdelomar, General Manager of Brown-Forman South West Europe.

“Spain is the world’s ninth largest whiskey market and the third largest whiskey market in Europe. We believe there is significant potential for Jack Daniel’s and our other whiskey brands in Spain. Establishing our own distribution organization in Spain will support the development of the Jack Daniel’s trademark as well as our broader portfolio in this dynamic market where premium spirits are growing,” said Thomas Hinrichs, Brown-Forman President, Europe and Asia.

In connection with its move to owned distribution, Brown-Forman Spain expects to add approximately 40 employees to its organization. Brown-Forman’s brands have been available in Spain since the early 1980s; the portfolio today is led by the company’s flagship brand, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Other brands include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Finlandia Vodka, Jack & Cola RTDs, and super premium and special editions for the Jack Daniel’s trademark.

For more than 145 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, and Chambord. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,600 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.