Grand Marnier Quashes Sale Rumors, Confirms Global Distribution Review

Société des Produits Marnier Lapostolle, owner of the Grand Marnier liqueur brand among others, has denied rumors circulating in recent weeks that it’s exploring a sale of its business, but has confirmed to SND that it’s undertaking a review of its global distribution platform.

The company’s brief statement reads: “Following rumours in the press, the Société des Produits Marnier Lapostolle confirms there are no plans to sell the control of the company. The Group also states it is currently reviewing the worldwide distribution strategy of its spirits.”

Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, president of Marnier Lapostolle Inc. and vice chair of the supervisory board of Grand Marnier, further clarified to SND that “the strategic review of worldwide distribution only concerns our spirits and not our wines Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre.” Valued around $400 million, the group’s spirits portfolio includes Marnier Cognac, in addition to the Grand Marnier range of products.

With Grand Marnier currently handled by multiple distributors around the globe—including Moët Hennessy in the U.S., Diageo in Europe and the Moët Hennessy Diageo joint distribution unit in China, among others—Marnier Lapostolle added that the company may look to consolidate its spirits brands with one global partner looking ahead. “It could be one option,” she said.

Marnier Lapostolle extended its U.S. distribution agreement with Moët Hennessy on Grand Marnier—which dates back to 1995—in early 2013. According to Impact Databank, the brand was up 0.5% to 490,000 cases in the U.S. last year. Terlato Wines handles Marnier Cognac in the U.S.

Tagged : Grand Marnier, liqueur, Marnier Lapostolle, spirits

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