Date: May 17, 2016
Publication: GMA News
Link: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/566649/money/companies/emperador-to-start-selling-brandy-in-us-this-year

Emperador Inc. on Tuesday announced it has inked a deal to market products in the United States starting later this year.

"We have signed an agreement to make Emperador brandy available in North America. So hopefully, by the latter part of this year, when you go to the US, you will be able to see Emperador brandy there," Emperador Inc. President Winston Co said in a disclosure to the local bourse.

Emperador, now the world's largest brandy company, also said it is also signing distribution agreements with 10 countries in Europe.

“By 2020, Emperador will be a global brand, alongside our other newly-acquired brands, Fundador and Whyte and Mackay,” Co said.

Aside from these, Co added that the company is also "excited" over the potentials of expanded distribution in Asia, especially in China.

Earlier this year, Emperador completed its P13.8-billion takeover of the Bodegas Fundador from Beam Suntory, Inc., allowing the company access to the liquor markets of around 100 countries across the globe.

“This acquisition has further strengthened Emperador’s position as the world’s largest company and has made the Philippines one of the largest foreign investors in Spain,” Emperador Chairman Andrew L. Tan said.

The company also acquired Scotch whisky company Whyte and Mackay Group Limited — owner of the brands Whyte and Mackay, Jura and The Dalmore — for 430 million pounds or approximately P31-billion in 2014.

According to Tan, overseas sales are expected to increase over time, even possibly posting as much as domestic sales.

"Eventually, the 50-50 (share is) very possible but we can’t say when. It can be 2020, it can be 2019. I really don’t know but we are pushing that very hard,” he said. — JST, GMA News