Disaronno owner breaks into whiskey

Illva Saronno Group, the Italian drinks company which owns Disaronno and Tia Maria, has bought a majority stake in US whiskey distillery Sagamore Spirit.

Italian drinks company Illva Saronno Group has bought a majority stake in Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey brand and distillery, based in the US state of Baltimore.

The deal marks the Italian group’s first venture into the American rye whiskey category, and is designed to strengthen Illva Saronno’s position in the US.

“We are thrilled to announce this transaction, which supports our portfolio strategy to acquire high growth, attractive margin brands, and in this case, broaden our offering into the premium American whiskey segment,” said Aldino Marzorati, CEO of Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A.

“We have always held the US market and this operation allows us to strengthen our portfolio with a company and products that we fully believe in.”

Marzorati added that the deal demonstrates Illva Saronno’s commitment to continuing to grow “as a global leader in the spirits industry” and stated that through the acquisition Illva Saronno is able to enter “the attractive Bourbon whiskey category and exploit its growth potential around 160 countries where we already have a presence with Disaronno.”

A spokesperson from Sagamore Spirit said that Illva Saronno will continue to use the same whiskey distilling process currently in place at the distillery, which involves rye, corn and water.

Sagamore Spirit prides itself on its local grain and water sourcing, state-of-the-art distilling, and ageing, which all takes place in Maryland.

As well as its flagship Rye Whiskey, Cask Strength Rye Whiskey and Double Oak Rye Whiskey, Sagamore also produces a range of canned whisky cocktails including the Pineapple Ryegarita, Ginger & Rye and Black & Rye.

Illva Saronno Holding, an Italian-based multinational, is best-known for its Italian liqueur Disaronno, but also produces and sells wines including Duca di Salaparuta, Corvo and Florio.