Seychelles rum brand Takamaka has been taken on by UK premium spirits distributor, Speciality Brands, effective from 1st March 2024.
Previously marketed in the UK by Highball Brands, Takamaka now joins a wider rum portfolio that includes brands such as Hampden, Black Tot, Clairin and Renegade.
Founded 22 years ago by brothers Bernard and Richard d’Offay, Takamaka produces two distinctively different rum ranges. The Seychelles Series is said to offer ‘easy-drinking and approachable’ rums, ideal in cocktails – whilst the St André Series is described as blending Takamaka’s ‘creole soul with innovative rum-making technique’ to appeal to more seasoned drinkers.
Having made market in-roads via Highball, the company’s stated aim through its new relationship with Speciality Brands is to really ‘put the Seychelles on the rum map in the UK’.
Bernard d’Offay commented: “We are incredibly excited about this next stage in our development and we can’t thank Highball enough for everything they have done in terms of building the brand.
“As we join Speciality Brands, their category expertise, market reach and the scale of opportunities they present to Takamaka will be key in the next step of our journey. We’re looking forward to driving Seychelles rum and achieving our full potential in the UK with their knowledgeable and passionate team.”
Managing director of Speciality Brands, Chris Seale, said: “The breadth of our rum portfolio is unique in the UK and we are thrilled to be strengthening it with the addition of Takamaka. We are extremely passionate about high-quality spirits with compelling stories.
“Takamaka’s fresh approach to rum presents an exciting new challenge for our team. We can’t wait to get stuck in and spread the word about Seychelles rum in the UK.”
Founder of Highball Brands, Fabrice Limon, added: “We wish Chris and the Speciality Brands team all the best in continuing and building on the success Highball Brands has had over the last six years with Takamaka.
“Launching the brand here in the UK and growing it into one of the most recognised brands, loved and used up and down the country and in some of the UK’s and worlds best bars, we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved.”
