SouthTrade International has announced it will begin exclusive distribution of Australian craft spirit brand Mr Black.
The deal includes representing their Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and Coffee Amaro expressions and is effective July 1, 2018.
Since Sydneysiders Tom Baker and Philip Moore launched the brand in 2012, sales have doubled each year and it’s now sold in more than a 1000 bars, restaurants and liquor shops across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the UK and New York, with distribution deals in place for Chicago and California this year.
Baker told Entrepreneur he plans to sell a half million bottles of Mr Black in the next three years.
He explained the decision to team up with SouthTrade: “We are looking forward to joining the SouthTrade family and are confident this move will allow Mr Black to develop further as the world leader in premium coffee liqueurs. We make coffee by night and distill botanicals during the day, and we’re excited to continue our mission to take Australian craft coffee into the night. With the SouthTrade team’s knowledge and expertise, we plan to expand Mr Black through a broader distribution footprint, drinks strategy and further innovation.
“We would like to thank James France and the Vanguard team for all of their passion and hard work carried out during the first phase of the Mr Black journey.”
SouthTrade International Managing Director Ray Noble added: “With the explosion of the Espresso Martini and SouthTrade’s proven success in the coffee liqueur category, we are delighted that Mr Black has made the decision to partner with SouthTrade. Mr Black is definitely the new ‘up and coming’ brand which is rapidly gaining a following with bartenders, baristas and consumers alike. We look forward to helping Mr Black reach its full potential.
“While we are very excited to welcome Mr Black to the SouthTrade portfolio we would also like to acknowledge the great work Vanguard has undertaken on the brand to date. Our vision will only continue to develop the great platform it has already established.
“With innovation and craft at the forefront of their story, we believe that Mr Black’s goals marry seamlessly with SouthTrade’s vision to drive long-term success and awareness for the Australian craft spirit category. With the likes of Starward, Adelaide Hills Distillery and now Mr Black, SouthTrade continues to build a strong reputation in the industry as supporter of local spirits and an innovator in the drinks education space.”
Mr Black is available through Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Independent retail and on-premise locations nationally.
Pictured main: SouthTrade’s Ray Noble with Mr Black’s Tom Baker.
