Sazerac completes BuzzBallz acquistion

Sazerac, which counts Buffalo Trace and Southern Comfort in its portfolio, has completed the acquisition of ready-to-drink cocktail brand BuzzBallz for an undisclosed amount. 

BuzzBallz, which was founded in 2009 by Merrilee Kick, creates RTD cocktails in a variety of flavours, including Chili Mango and the Strawberry ‘Rita. According to BuzzBallz, the idea came to Kick when she was sat by the pool one afternoon, grading papers, and wondered whether it would be better to drink from a plastic vessel rather than a glass one.

While the brand is known for its small, single servings, which come in spherical-shaped cans, supposedly inspired by a snow globe she bought in Sweden, it also has BuzzBallz Biggies, which are 1.75 litre bottles of pre-mixed cocktail.

The acquisition was first reported in March, with Kick commenting: “As a trailblazer in the RTD space, we have received many inquiries to acquire the company, however, Sazerac matched our innovative culture and spirit best.”

“They are a partner we can continue to grow with internationally, as well as expand our existing distribution footprint in the US. We are excited about our future growth opportunities from the synergies we will create together,” she added.

Sazerac CEO and president Jake Wenz praised Kick for her “creativity”, “commitment to quality”, and “drive”, and said: “BuzzBallz is truly one-of-a-kind, and we can’t wait to help spread the products to more consumers all over the world.”

The deal was finalised yesterday (1 May), and it was confirmed that Kick would remain in post as BuzzBallz CEO, however, a press release from Sazerac stated that “other terms of the deal will not be disclosed”.

Sazerac’s addition of BuzzBallz to its portfolio, which is perhaps better known for its whiskey, begs the question: are we truly in the age of the RTD?