Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of two British craft gin brands — Cotswolds Distillery and Isle of Harris Distillers — in a combined deal valued at approximately £85 million. The acquisitions, announced simultaneously on Monday, represent the French drinks giant's latest move to strengthen its premium gin portfolio alongside existing brands Beefeater, Plymouth, and Monkey 47.
The Acquisitions
Cotswolds Distillery, based in the village of Stourton-on-the-Stour in the Cotswolds, was founded in 2014 by Dan Szor and has established itself as one of England's most respected craft gin producers. Its flagship Cotswolds Dry Gin, which uses lavender from the surrounding fields, has won multiple awards and is distributed in over twenty countries. The distillery also produces whisky, which is understood to have been a significant factor in Pernod Ricard's interest.
Isle of Harris Distillers, located in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, produces Harris Gin — a distinctively maritime gin that uses sugar kelp hand-harvested from local waters. The brand has developed a cult following and a waiting list that at times has stretched to several months. The distillery's primary focus is its forthcoming Harris single malt whisky, which is currently maturing and is expected to launch in 2027.
Terms and Structure
Pernod Ricard has not disclosed the individual valuations of the two acquisitions, stating only the combined figure. Both brands will continue to operate independently, retaining their existing management teams, production facilities, and brand identities. The company described the approach as "portfolio enrichment through authentic brand partnerships" — language designed to reassure craft consumers that the artisanal character of both brands will be preserved.
"Cotswolds and Harris represent the very best of British craft distilling," said Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard. "Their commitment to quality, provenance, and community aligns perfectly with our convivialité philosophy. We will invest in their growth while respecting the independence and authenticity that make them special."
Industry Context
The acquisitions continue a pattern of consolidation in the craft gin sector that has accelerated since 2023. Diageo's acquisition of Chase Distillery, William Grant's purchase of Hendrick's expansion capacity, and Campari Group's investment in several Mediterranean gin brands have all signalled that major spirits companies view premium craft gin as a strategic growth category.
For craft distillers, the acquisitions present a familiar tension. On one hand, access to Pernod Ricard's global distribution network could dramatically accelerate growth for both brands. On the other, history suggests that the "craft" character of acquired brands can be difficult to maintain under corporate ownership, particularly as production scales to meet increased demand.
"The question is always the same," said one independent Scottish distiller. "Can a big company preserve what made a small brand special? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Monkey 47 under Pernod Ricard has done well. Other acquisitions have not."
What This Means for Consumers
In the short term, consumers are unlikely to notice significant changes. Both gins will continue to be produced at their existing distilleries using their existing recipes. Wider availability — particularly in international markets where neither brand currently has strong distribution — is the most likely near-term impact. Whether the character and exclusivity that defined both brands can survive accelerated growth remains to be seen.
