NEW Co Down-based whiskey and gin company Hinch has signed a distribution deal for its products south of the border.
The drinks firms, set up by business figure Terry Cross, has secured the exclusive arrangement with Cork-based Barry and Fitzwilliam. Hinch is currently constructing a new £15m distillery near Ballynahinch.
The project, backed been backed by Invest NI to the tune of £1.9m, is expected to create 42 jobs. It’s due to open in early 2010.
But the company has already brought a series of whiskeys and its Ninth Wave Gin to the market.
The new distribution deal will give Hinch a bigger presence in the drinks market in the south.
“Our products have secured listings in 25 countries globally but Ireland is our homeland and we are delighted to have Barry and Fitzpatrick as our distributors here,” said Dr Cross.
“We know they have a track record of looking after some of the world’s biggest wine and spirits brands and as a relatively new brand we feel confident that Hinch can make its mark in Ireland with their help.”
Hinch is the latest business venture by the Belfast entrepreneur. In 2016 he sold Delta Print and Packaging Limited to Finnish packaging giant Huhtamaki for around £80m.
He has also invested significantly in the French vineyard, Château de La Ligne, in Bordeaux.
Commenting on the deal, Michael Barry, the managing director of Barry and Fitzwilliam said: “The Craft Hinch Irish Whiskey brands and Ninth Wave Gin are already firm favourites on the international stage and we are excited to be at the forefront with them in Ireland.”
