The Dutch spirits group will take control of the distribution of Bols Liqueurs under subsidiary Lucas Bols USA from 30 June 2013.
The range, which features the world’s first yoghurt liqueur launched last year, will join other Lucas Bols brands Damrak Gin, Galliano L’Autentico and Ristretto, Vaccari Sambuca and Bols Genever under Lucas Bols USA, giving the company full control over all its brands in the States.
Huub van Doorne, CEO of Lucas Bols, said the contract termination was a strategic move to improve upon the brand’s position as no. 3 liqueur range in the US.
“With the addition of Bols Liqueurs, we will be able to expand our relationship with our distributor network and strengthen our position as one of the leading cocktail spirits in the world,” he said.
“We would like to thank William Grant & Sons for their support and dedication in building the Bols Liqueurs range in the USA during many years.”
Simon Hunt, president and managing director for North America at William Grant, said: “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Lucas Bols and the fine BOLS liqueurs and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
The move comes just weeks after SPI Group, which owns Stolichnaya vodka, chose not to renew its US distribution contract for the brand with William Grant when it expired on 31 December 2013.
At the time, Val Mendeleev, CEO of the SPI Group, said: “As a Company with strong entrepreneurial spirit, the time has come for us to make our path forward on our own in the US.”