Kensington Distillers & Vintners (KDV) London has announced that it has entered the Kenyan market and it will trade as Monument Distillers Kenya.
In the back of this, Sazerac, a leading US spirits company, has granted Monument Distillers the distribution rights for its portfolio in Kenya. Sazerac most prominent brands include; Popov Vodka, Southern Comfort, Myers Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Firewater, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon. The entry of Kensington Distillers into the Kenyan market follows the successful launch of Monument Distillers Nigeria last year.
As part of this new development, Monument will be distributing their alcoholic products through their distribution partner Maxam Limited, a local liquor distributor in Kenya and East Africa.
Commenting on the announcement, Ellis Muhimbise, Managing Director Monument Distillers Kenya said, “It’s a great time for us to take on this heritage brand, Popov Vodka: the vodka category is showing favourable growth as Kenya’s strong economic climate continues. According to the 2019 International Wine and Spirits Report, the vodka category in Kenya grew 22% annually from 2013 to 2018. Our consumers and stakeholders can rest assured that Popov Vodka remains a trusted brand that will continue to contribute sustainably to the growth of the Kenyan economy.”
In addition to representing Sazerac and KDV brands such as Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whisky, Monument Distillers will be launching a number of new brands in Kenya soon under the guidance of MD, Ellis Muhimbise. Mr. Muhimbise has extensive regional experience having spent 12 years at SABMiller and then some time at AB InBev before joining Monument Distillers.
Kensington Distillers & Vintners (KDV) is an alcoholic drinks company with a strong footprint in Southern Africa. The business is run by experienced drinks professionals, Rowan Leibbrandt, Mark Bowman, Robert Hill and Owen Gibbs. KDV’s Africa distribution businesses are Monument Distillers Nigeria and Monument Distillers Kenya. In Nigeria, the company represents the fast-growing 1960 Rootz brand, Bannerman’s Finest Scotch Whisky, and will shortly be launching Sazerac’s portfolio in the market. In Kenya, Monument Distillers has launched with Popov Vodka, Southern Comfort, Myers Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whisky, Firewater and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.