Distil PLC
13 August 2026
DISTIL PLC
("Distil" or the "Company")
U.S. order for Blavod
Distil Plc (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands including RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, and Blavod Black Vodka, is pleased to announce that it has received the first order through its U.S. distribution partner to bring Blavod Black Vodka back into the U.S. market.
Highlights:
· Blavod previously experienced success in the U.S. market and benefits from latent brand awareness
· Vodka is the largest spirits category by volume and value in the U.S.
o The U.S. is one of the largest spirits markets by volume and value globally (IWSR).
· Distil's new distribution partner boasts an extensive distribution network across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, with strong retail relationships
· First shipment is substantial and expected to leave the UK early in Q3 (of the current financial period ending 31 March 2027)
The Company engaged AIKO Importers, Inc. ("AIKO"), a recognised importer and brand builder of premium wine and spirits, as its U.S. distribution partner in April 2025. Progress was subsequently delayed by tariff uncertainty and by TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) label and liquid approvals, which were held up in part by government shutdowns.
Vodka represents the biggest spirit category in the U.S. by volume and value, one of the biggest spirits markets globally based on 2024 and 2025 figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Leveraging AIKO's extensive distribution network of 185 partners across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as strong retail relationships with major accounts like Costco, Total Wine, and Spec's, Blavod will benefit from immediate reach.
Production to fulfil this order will be handled through Inter-Continental Brands Ltd (the production arm of Fortitude Spirits Group, Distil's new UK distributor), and it is expected that the shipment will leave the UK early in Q3. This will represent the first production run under the new agreement with Fortitude.
Don Goulding, Executive Chairman, Distil Plc, commented: "We're delighted to have reached this stage with AIKO following a lengthy process that was beyond the control of both parties.
"Unlocking distribution for Blavod in the U.S. marks an important moment and a fresh growth opportunity for the brand which has previously enjoyed success in this market before its previous distributor pulled back during the Covid lockdowns.
"We regularly receive requests for the product from customers and consumers, demonstrating strong brand awareness and demand, and we look forward to working closely with the AIKO team to rebuild the brand in this market."
Feliks Shekhtman, Managing Partner of AIKO, commented: "We're thrilled to now be able to work directly with Blavod to rebuild the brand. It aligns closely with our mission to deliver high-quality, culturally relevant products that resonate with today's consumers, and we believe it has strong potential in the U.S. market.
"At AIKO, we pride ourselves on helping brands scale through our national infrastructure, deep market knowledge, and strong retail partnerships. We've seen tremendous success with brands like Clap Back Wine and Doc Holliday Bourbon, and we look forward to achieving similar growth and success with Blavod."
About Blavod
Blavod original black vodka is a dramatic and stylish vodka with a clean taste. For almost two decades the unique black vodka has been made to the original recipe using only natural ingredients. Black catechu, extracted from the acacia tree found in south-east Asia is subtly infused into triple distilled grain vodka to produce an elegantly black, smooth and clean tasting premium vodka.
About AIKO
AIKO Importers is a nationally recognised importer of premium alcoholic beverages with a proven track record of scaling standout brands like Doc Holliday Bourbon, Clap Back Wine, and HanJan. With distribution across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, AIKO delivers reach through 185 distributor partners and strong retail relationships with major players including Costco, Total Wine, and Spec's. Backed by decades of market expertise and a dedicated sales force, AIKO is known for bringing quality, culturally relevant brands to shelves across North America.
For further information:
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Distil Plc |
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Don Goulding, Executive Chairman |
Tel: +44 203 283 4006 |
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SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (NOMAD) |
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Neil Baldwin Mark Brady |
Tel: +44 203 368 3550 |
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Allenby Capital Ltd (Broker) |
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James Reeve/Jos Pinnington/Matt Butlin |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3328 5656 |
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