Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) has appointed premium wines & spirits distribution business, Distribution Spirits Company (DISC), as its exclusive distribution partner for Americas Travel Retail.
This appointment comes as IMD expands its Global Travel Retail presence beyond EMEA and Asia Pacific, where it is already well established.
Juan Gentile, DISC founder
In line with IMD’s domestic presence, DISC will initially focus on the U.S. Travel Retail market, in particular key airport hubs and cruise ships.
Over the past six years, IMD has focused on building a strong presence in EMEA and Asia Travel Retail with its award-winning brands, including Edinburgh Gin, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt, Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt, Rosebank Lowland Single Malt, King Robert II, the number one value whisky in Global Travel Retail and IMD’s Speciality Malt Collection. The company has a particularly strong franchise in UK Travel Retail with Edinburgh Gin.
“We have had a great deal of interest in our brands from key operators in the region and we are now ready to step into Americas Travel Retail via our partnership with DISC,” says Ian Macleod Distillers’ Global Travel Retail Director, William Ovens. “This is a hugely exciting new chapter for IMD and the development of our Global Travel Retail business. We see great potential for our brands in this market; there is a lot of experience within the DISC team and we look forward to building the business together.”
William Ovens, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Global Travel Retail Director
Based in Miami, DISC was established in 2021 by Juan Gentile (formerly SVP Americas Travel Retail with Edrington) in partnership with regional distribution company, Promo International Inc.
DISC operates in both the Caribbean domestic markets and the Travel Retail channel, where the business leverages Juan Gentile’s extensive knowledge, proven track record in building premium brands and excellent industry relationships.
“We are delighted to partner with IMD,” says Juan Gentile. “There is strong synergy between our companies and we look forward to bringing its exceptional portfolio of premium brands to Americas Travel Retail and to building a great partnership in the future.”
