Illva Saronno to establish Disaronno subsidiary in the UK

Italian spirits company Illva Saronno, the owner of the Disaronno and Tia Maria brands, has announced plans to establish a new UK subsidiary called Disaronno International UK.

Illva Saronno claims that the new subsidiary will be fully responsible for the distribution, sales and marketing of Illva Saronno brands in the UK from January 2021.

Neil Jardine, the current UK country director at Illva Saronno, has been appointed as the managing director of the new unit, and the company has stated that the launch of Disaronno International UK will pave the way for the launch of several new innovations, which will reportedly be introduced to the UK market in 2020 and 2021.

The launch of the new subsidiary will see the ‘mutual end’ of the 20-year UK distribution partnership between Illva Saronno and William Grant & Sons UK, which will end in December 2020. However, the two companies will continue their partnership agreements in other international markets.

Neil Jardine, managing director of Disaronno International UK, said: “We’ve been in partnership with William Grant & Sons UK for over 20 years. Our relationship is extensive and deep, and as two family-run businesses we share many of the same values and principles.

“Together we have built a truly successful business in the UK, which is testament to the professionalism and dedication that the team at William Grant & Sons UK has continually shown.

“On behalf of the board of Illva Saronno and the UK team, I would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the pride and passion William Grant & Sons UK has shown managing our brands over the years.”

Neil Barker, managing director UK&I at William Grant & Sons, added: “After two decades of successfully distributing Illva Saronno brands in the UK, we are extremely proud to have developed and grown the brands to such a position which has enabled Disaronno International UK to become a reality.

“Following another successful year in the UK, it is a pleasure to pass these incredible brands back to Illva Saronno in such a great position.”