Warner’s Distillery joins forces with La Martiniquaise-Bardinet

Warner’s Distillery, the pioneers of farm-grown spirits and trailblazers of the flavoured gin movement, are proud to announce a transformational partnership with leading family-owned French spirits group, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, who have acquired a majority shareholding in the business for an undisclosed sum.

The partnership represents a powerful alignment of purpose and passion. With the backing of one of the world’s most respected spirits houses, Warner’s will maximise the potential of their award-winning portfolio in UK and global trade, whilst supercharging their mission to save the world from mediocre drinks and help save the planet – one sip at a time

Tom Warner, co-founder of Warner’s Distillery, said: “This partnership allows us to stay true to our roots, creating incredible drinks with real purpose, while giving us the strength to scale that mission globally.”

Warner founded the brand with his wife, Tina Warner-Keogh, in 2012. The pair and their team produce a range of gins from their distillery in Northamptonshire – plus a multi-category brand called Trash & Treasure that uses ‘rescued’ ingredients from local food producers.

Much of the ingredients they use are grown at their Fall Farm site across 16 acres of botanical gardens. In October 2022, they became the 10th distillery in the UK to achieve B Corp certification.

Warner-Keogh added:

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet shares our unique ‘united in spirit’ values driven by a commitment to quality, authenticity, people and planet. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us take Warner’s to the next level.”

The Warners will remain at the helm of the business following the acquisition.

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet’s spirits portfolio includes gin brands including Generous Gin and Gibson’s Gin.

Warner’s Distillery has an impressive track record as one of the spirits industry’s boldest innovators:

• The first distillery in the world to produce a rhubarb gin made exclusively with fresh farm-grown fruit, kickstarting a trend that reshaped the gin market;
• A commitment to using 100 per cent natural ingredients, a large proportion of which are grown on-site at Falls Farm across 16 acres of botanical gardens;
• A pioneer of non-alcoholic spirits alternatives with the addition of the Warner’s 0% range to the company’s award-winning portfolio, driving innovation in responsible drinking.
• A champion of biodiversity through nature-positive farming practices, bee conservation efforts and a global first – the Warner’s Nature Marque initiative which creates space for nature in hospitality sites.

Christophe Pichambert, international director for La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, said:

We are very proud to see Warner’s Distillery join the LMB [La Martiniquaise-Bardinet] group of companies alongside our portfolio of internationally renowned brands.

He continued “Warner’s Gin is a true gem of the English craft gin landscape with its farm-grown and distilled botanicals. Our goal will be to help Tom and Tina bring their wonderful spirit to the world, with respect for their pioneering spirit and exceptional passion.”

Warner’s Distillery products are currently available in more than 25 countries.

About La Martiniquaise-Bardinet
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet is a leading player in the global spirits market and features in the world’s top 10 spirits companies (source IMPACT). Fully independent and family-owned, the French group founded in 1934 by Jean Cayard has a turnover of 1.6 billion euros and employs 3,600 people. It ranks among the top international players in scotch whiskies, rums and liqueurs with brands such as Cutty Sark, Label 5, Glen Moray, Saint James, Cacique, Negrita, Marie Brizard and Lejay.

Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 150 countries with 50 production sites, 20 distilleries and fully-owned distribution companies in 12 countries. Full control of the elaboration process and a strong commitment to promoting sustainable development are at the heart of the group culture and identity.