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London Distillers: Environmentally friendly production in East Africa

London Distillers has 125 years of experience in manufacturing spirits and today is undisputedly the most modern distillery in East Africa, based in Nairobi. Its founding and strong growth are in accordance with the increasing demand for high-quality spirits. The production facilities span 300 hectares of land at the Athi River, whereby large areas are dedicated to eco-friendly wastewater treatment through a purification plant.

Since its foundation, the company has felt obliged to act with social responsibility. This is supported by a more labour-intensive approach rather than machine-operated, in order to promote employment at the sites. A well-qualified workforce is employed at eight regional branches (Nairobi, Machakos, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Nakuru and Thika). Importance is also accorded to efficient, timely delivery, in order to strengthen the distribution network and widen the selection. From its modest beginnings in 1985, there has been remarkable growth through to today. Over 25 brands comprise a wide selection of whisky, gin, brandy, vodka, rum, as well as the flagship brands Safari Cane and Old Monk Rum.

In line with the responsibility of selling high-quality products, they concentrate on workmanship, a holistic corporate culture and eco-friendly processes. The aim is to become the market leader in Central and East Africa, to grow as an organisation and to be a preferred employer, because people are the most valuable asset.

At the World Spirits Award, gold was awarded to Top Secret, White Pearl and Safari Rare Whisky, and silver to Kenya King, General Meakins and Napoleon Gold Brandy.

United Spirits Limited – A market leader in India

Whisky, brandy, rum, gin and vodka are the flagship products of USL, the largest spirits company in the world. Its history dates back to the 19th century and the country’s British-influenced history. In addition to its 100% subsidiaries Whyte & Mackay and Bouvet Ladubay, brands such as McDowell’s, Bagpiper, Dalmore, Jura, Black Dog, Signature, Antiquity, Royal Challenge, DSP Black, Director Special, Old Tavern, Haywards, No.1 Brandy, Honey Bee, McDowell VSOP Brandy, No.1 Celebration Rum, Old Cask Rum, Pinky Vodka, Romanov Vodka, White Mischief Vodka, Vladivar Vodka and Four Seasons are also part of the comprehensive portfolio. More than a million cases from 22 of the approximately 140 brands in total are sold each year.

Over 165 awards in international competitions emphasise the high quality of the products: Mondial, International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), International Spirits Challenge (ISC), World Beverage Competition (WBC), Monde Selections, Mundusvini, International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI), Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI), The Scotch Masters, Vodka Masters England, etc.

USL is a true innovator, as in the case of the first ‘pre-mixed gin’. It was also a pioneer of spirits sold in cardboard cartons in India and produced the first Single Malt in Asia to be based on the Scottish tradition and the first ‘diet versions’ of whisky and vodka in India. The company’s products are exported to 37 countries across the world, and in India itself, distilleries and sales offices are distributed across the country, encompassing a team of over 7,500 people. A well-equipped Technical Centre was established in 1989 where scientists from different fields work on quality assurance and innovation – chemists, microbiologists, biotechnicians and nutritional experts. Top quality standards for the numerous production sites are also developed here.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for the White Mischief Ultra Pure Vodka.

Berentzen Group: 260 years of cultured distilled spirits

Berentzen Group is an innovative beverage company that boasts a wide portfolio and develops, produces and markets varied and fashionable drinks concepts. The portfolio includes spirits, alcohol-free beverages and fresh juices. With over 260 years of experience, they are one of the oldest national manufacturers of spirits and have a market presence in over 60 countries to date, with brands such as Berentzen and Puschkin as well as reasonably priced private label products.

In April 2023, Norden Sea Salt Gin was launched on the German market under the Doornkaat brand. It is a speciality on the gin shelf, as selected North Sea botanicals create an extraordinary and intense taste experience: juniper provides the spice, sea buckthorn and rosehip the fruity tartness. Norden Sea Salt Gin is rounded off with a pinch of sea salt. This spirit spreads the genuine nature and authenticity of the North Sea coast throughout Germany. It is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on ice or mixed as a long drink or cocktail.

Tres Países Premium Rum combines distillates from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. After being stored for up to eight years in American white oak bourbon casks, they come to Europe for refinement by the master blender. The characteristics of the countries provide the taste profile: vanilla and butterscotch, elegant fruit, banana and chocolate. It is also available in a port cask finish, which is refined in aged casks for another six months.

At the World Spirits Award 2026, there was Gold for Tres Países Premium Rum and Silver for Doornkaat Norden Sea Salt Gin.

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.