Pernod Ricard, the French wine and spirits multinational, has acquired the remaining shares in aperitif brand Italicus following its initial investment in March 2020.
Launched in 2016 by mixologist Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus is a 20% abv super-premium bergamot-infused aperitif made with botanicals such as Sicilian citrus and Calabrian bergamot oranges. It is distilled with lavender, gentian and yellow rose at a family-owned distillery near Turin. Under the 2020 agreement, Pernod Ricard and Mr Gallo reportedly held 50% each, with the latter serving as chief executive officer until now.
As the brand prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, having sold over three million bottles across 47 countries, Giuseppe Gallo has stepped down to allow full integration into Pernod Ricard. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Francesco Ottaviano, vice-president of apéritifs and gins at Pernod Ricard, stated: “Now that Italicus is fully part of the Pernod Ricard family, we’re excited to continue to share its story with even more people […] Italicus will continue to play an important role in this evolution”.
Source: The Spirits Business
