Maison Ferrand establishes UK distribution arm

Planteray Rum-owner Maison Ferrand has announced the acquisition of UK distributor Identity Drinks in a bid to double down on one of its key markets.

French spirits maker Maison Ferrand has completed the acquisition of UK distributor Identity Drinks after acquiring a 60% stake in the company in 2017.

Maison Ferrand’s brands include Ferrand Cognac and Citadelle Gin as well as Planteray Rum, which changed its name from Plantation Rum in 2023 following backlash due to the word plantation’s association with colonialism. The spirits producer announced that it would be changing the name of Plantation Rum in 2020, following the death of George Floyd.

The acquisition announcement marks the creation of Maison Ferrand UK, which the family-owned business has said signifies its commitment to one of its key markets.

Matthieu Gouze, managing director of Maison Ferrand UK, said of the news: “Acquiring Identity Drinks is a significant step for Maison Ferrand. Our priority is to invest in our brand’s growth, our distribution brand portfolio, and our people. This development reinforces our commitment to the UK market and allows us to expand our portfolio while maintaining our tradition of creativity and quality, staying close to the people who have supported us in this market for the past 15 years.”

Maison Ferrand was founded in 1989 and launched in the UK market in 2010. The French company established operations in the US, another key market, in 2022.

Its UK division will focus on partnering with independent spirits companies, according to a press release put out by the company this week.