Distil Announces Distribution Partnership To Relaunch Blavod Vodka In To The U.S Market

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

agreed a new partnership with a U.S. distributor to bring Blavod Black Vodka back into

the U.S. market.

The partnership with AIKO Importers, Inc. – a nationally recognised importer and brand

builder of premium wine and spirits – marks a significant step in the North American

relaunch of Blavod. 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

national reach.

Vodka represents the biggest spirit category in the U.S. by volume, one of the biggest

spirits markets globally based on 2024 figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Don Goulding, Executive Chairman, Distil, commented: “We’re delighted to announce

the new partnership with Aiko Importers.

Unlocking distribution for Blavod in the U.S. marks an important moment and growth

opportunity for the brand which has enjoyed success in this market in the past, until the

previous distributor pulled back during Covid lockdowns.

Since then, we’ve been inundated with requests for the product from customers and

consumers, demonstrating strong awareness and demand, and have been working hard

to find the right partner to reestablish the brand in market.

Shipments are planned to commence by the end of June this year. From a planning

point of view, we are assuming tariffs will remain in place for the foreseeable

future. Current levels are manageable, with a benefit across the supply chain should

they be lifted.

We believe this to be good time to drive forward, and we’re excited to working closely

with the Aiko team to build back this distribution.”

Feliks Shekhtman, Managing Partner of AIKO Importers, Inc., commented: “We’re thrilled

to welcome Blavod into the AIKO portfolio. It aligns directly with our mission to deliver

high-quality, culturally relevant products that resonate with today’s consumers. At AIKO,

we pride ourselves on identifying brands with strong potential and helping them 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’re looking forward to the growth and success we can achieve

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 a distribution network spanning all 50 states and Canada, AIKO

delivers nationwide 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.

Distil PLC

Don Goulding, Executive Chairman Tel: +44 203 405 0475

SPARK Advisory Partners Limited

(NOMAD)

Neil Baldwin

Mark Brady

Tel: +44 203 368 3550

Allenby Capital Ltd

(Broker)

James Reeve / Piers Shimwell

Jos Pinnington / Guy McDougall

+44 203 328 5656

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER

THE UK VERSION OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO 596/2014 WHICH IS

PART OF ENGLISH LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018,

AS AMENDED. ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY

INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE

PUBLIC DOMAIN.