News
Brockmans Gin switches UK distributor
Proof Drinks has been appointed as Brockmans Gin new UK distributor, with the organisation to take over UK trade and wholesale for grocery this August, with online and Northern Ireland to follow in February 2025.
The ending of its partnership with Proximo UK was said to be a mutual decision and both sides have wished the other well on their future endeavours.
“We would like to thank Proximo UK for their commitment during our agreement. Proximo has helped firmly establish Brockmans Gin across the UK as a market leader in the super premium gin category and they have developed solid foundations for future brand growth. We wish them every success with their amazing brand portfolio,” Jean-Dominique Andreu, managing director for Brockmans Gin.
“We are delighted to appoint Proof Drinks as our UK distributor for Brockmans Original, Orange Kiss and the ground-breaking Agave Cut in the UK. This is a very exciting time for Brockmans Gin globally, with several brand unveils to be announced later this year.”
Commenting on the new contract, John Vider, managing director of Proof Drinks, said the company is thrilled to welcome Brockmans to its portfolio.
“Their unique and disruptive ‘Properly Improper' platform perfectly aligns with our innovative approach and we are excited to bring it to life in new and dynamic ways,” Vider said, as he applauded the brand’s successful efforts in carving out a niche.
“Brockmans has already established significant credibility and success in the market, and their commitment to sustainability, evidenced by their B Corp status, makes them the perfect addition to our line-up.”
This announcement also follows the appointment of Herni Brunel as Brockmans commercial director and is hot on the heels of Jean-Dominique Andreu taking on the role of MD.
Born in Belgium and having grown up in France, Brunel holds qualifications from revered establishments in both Paris and San Francisco. His roles have included a position at a premium boutique Cognac house in California, where he established a range of premium French spirits in the USA’s West Coast market.
In 2008, he joined Cognac A. de Fussigny, a premium boutique Cognac house, as sales director. Then, in 2013, he took on the position of director travel retail and duty free at leading premium wine producer Baron Philippe de Rothschild.
In five years, he grew the company’s brands – Mouton Cadet and Escudo Rojo – in the duty-free channel, making Mouton Cadet the leading Bordeaux wine brand sold in this channel. He was later appointed regional director for the central and eastern European market.
“These are exciting times for the notorious, properly improper brand, as it leads the renaissance of premium gin in the UK and further afield,” said newly appointed Brockmans MD, Andreu.
“Henri’s has considerable expertise in global commercial spirit markets and his appointment further cements Brockmans’ in its position at the forefront, of the premium gin market, and will enable more people to discover and experience its distinctive flavour.”
In other news, Hotel Chocolat has announced a major investment to expand its manufacturing plant in Royston.
