Emma Watson’s gin brand Renais valued in the millions
Renais Gin, co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson and her brother Alex Watson, has seen its valuation surge following a significant funding round. The premium spirits brand, inspired by the Watson family’s Burgundy vineyard, is rapidly becoming an international name.
Renais Spirits Ltd has experienced a sharp rise in shareholder funds after securing fresh investment in late 2024. According to newly filed accounts at Companies House, shareholder funds climbed from £437,538 to £3.1 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025.
The funding round was led by InvestBev, a US beverage-focused private equity firm, alongside Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder of Maison Villevert. As per the company’s statement, the capital will support Renais’s international expansion, hiring, and marketing efforts, with a particular focus on the United States.
Alex Watson, CEO of Renais, described the investment as a “key milestone” that will support expansion in the US following successful launches in California and New York.
Expanding global footprint
From the outset, Renais has positioned itself as an international brand. The gin is currently available in 11 countries, with distribution agreements covering 22 territories worldwide.
The company launched in the US in 2024, targeting California and New York, and intends to enter France, Spain, Dubai and Canada in 2025, according to FoodBev. This expansion strategy has been made possible by the recent investment, which will also strengthen marketing activity in North America.
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Renais has added experienced drinks industry figures to its board, including former leaders from Diageo and Lathwaites, to help navigate this rapid growth.
Heritage and sustainable craftsmanship
Renais’s production draws on the Watson family’s winemaking roots in Burgundy. The gin is distilled from upcycled Grand Cru grapes from Chablis, salvaged from the winemaking process. This approach creates a distinctive mineral profile while reducing waste.
Emma Watson said in a statement that Renais is “a family project” and spoke of her pride in upcycling grapes from vineyards, including her father’s Domaine Watson in Chablis, to “reduce waste and create something new,” as reported by Vanity Fair.
The brand’s packaging reflects an eco-conscious design ethos, with Emma personally overseeing elements of bottle design to ensure it aligns with the company’s values.
Emma Watson’s role in the business
Emma Watson co-founded Renais but is not a director of the company. She is a shareholder and plays an active role in creative direction and brand development. Her brother Alex Watson runs the day-to-day operations as CEO.
Now 35, Emma Watson has used her profile and personal interests to help build Renais into a premium international gin brand rooted in family heritage and sustainability. The sharp rise in valuation reflects investor confidence in the brand’s potential and its growing presence on the global spirits stage.
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