News Briefs for December 15, 2023

•Actress Emma Watson and her brother Alex have aligned with RNDC in a new five-year distribution deal for their Renais Gin brand. Renais will join RNDC’s Regency portfolio, with the move designed to fast-track entry into multiple states starting next spring. The 40% abv brand initially debuted in the U.K. this year, with a 700ml bottle retailing at £48 ($61). Renais is cultivated in France, where the family has its Domaine Watson vineyard, and distilled in the U.K.

•Pernod Ricard veteran Nick Papanicolaou has opened a new alcohol beverage investment company for emerging brands in the U.S., No Sleep Beverage, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. No Sleep has invested in and partnered with five brands: Barr Hill Gin, Solento Tequila, Nine Banded Whiskey, Juliet Wine, and Soley Beverage. Over the next 12 months, No Sleep plans to raise capital to pursue six to eight more transactions supporting emerging brands. In addition to providing investments, the group aims to help founders navigate the beverage alcohol market to maximize growth.

•Oregon’s Union Wine Co. has named David Pratt as the company’s vice president of sales for both the U.S. and international markets. Pratt comes to Union Wine Co. from Foley Family Wines, where he spent 14 years as vice president of sales, eastern U.S. In addition to his time with Foley, Pratt worked for Southern Wine & Spirits (prior to the creation of Southern Glazer’s) in Florida. In his new role, Pratt will develop new sales initiatives for Union Wine Co.’s portfolio, which includes Underwood, Christopher Michael, Kings Ridge, Amity Vineyards, and Alchemist.

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