The fast-growing North American drinks production and distribution company, Mark Anthony Brands has invested €3.5m to take a significant but undisclosed stake in Glendalough Distillery, the spirits company in which former rugby international, Brian O’Driscoll and C&C chief financial officer Kenny Neison are investors.
Founded five years ago by five friends including two former stockbroking drinks analysts, Barry Gallagher and Brian Fagan, Glendalough Distillery markets a range of whiskey, poitin and gin brands and is currently building a distillery in Co Wicklow.
Mark Anthony Brands, is one of North America’s most diversified private beer, wine spirits and soft drinks companies.
Mark Anthony set up a European HQ in Dublin at the beginning of this year headed up by the experienced drinks marketer, Davin Nugent.
The group deals with 450 distributors in the US - Glendalough products are already available across the Atlantic.
The US market accounts for most of its turnover. Accounts filed in 2014 showed that the company had a net worth of €608,000.
Foreign investors have taken an interest in Irish brands as the 'craft spirit revolution' gains momentum and drinkers expand their palates.
British firm Quintessential Brands bought the Dublin Whiskey Company for €10m earlier in this year - while Scottish firm William Grant opened a €35m distillery in Tullamore Co Offaly, in 2014.
