Former bartender Leanne Davidson (pictured) has been appointed as brand manager for premium Russian vodka Beluga, The King’s Ginger liqueur and The Pink Pigeon rum.
She has taken on the new role at premium spirits specialist Mangrove where The King’s Ginger and The Pink Pigeon are the latest additions to its growing portfolio.
Leanne has worked in the drinks and hospitality industry for a decade, leading the training team at Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands and then working as the company’s brand activation manager.
Previously, she worked as a bartender at London bars such as Lab, Townhouse and The Living Room as well as bars in Leeds and Manchester.
In the new role, her aim is to increase the presence of the three brands across a range of on- and off-trade outlets.
Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove, said: “We are delighted to have Leanne on board. Her experience speaks for itself and her passion for brands really shone through in the recruitment process.
“The quality and potential of these brands require an experienced brand manager, to help them achieve their potential. I believe Leanne is exactly the right person at the right time and I look forward to the impact she will have from the start.”
Leanne said: “I am excited to be working with an exceptional portfolio of brands and a team that is equally passionate about spirits and cocktails and the people that make, sell and drink them.
“As Beluga, The King’s Ginger and The Pink Pigeon continue to be the connoisseur’s choice in their respective categories, the ambition is to increase the awareness of each brand, its ability to suit a variety of drinking repertoires and to showcase its versatility. I am excited for the challenges ahead!”
Other additions to the Mangrove portfolio over the past few months include Chinese spirit Kweichow Maotaizhen, Old Forester Bourbon and the Chilean Pisco Pórton.
The King’s Ginger and Pink Pigeon, which are owned by Berry Bros & Rudd, were previously handled by leading spirits and beer specialist Cask Liquid Marketing.
Stuart Ekins, director of Cask Liquid Marketing, said: “It was a pleasure to have worked with Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits in building the profile of these super-premium brands in the London on-trade and beyond.
“We are justifiably proud of the impact our efforts have had on the visibility and sales of both The King’s Ginger and Pink Pigeon.”
Peter Davie, sales director of Berry Bros, said: “We would like to thank the Cask Liquid Marketing team for their support over the past two years. I have enjoyed working with Cask but the time has come to conclude our arrangements. We now look forward to a long-term and successful partnership with Mangrove.”
Nick at Mangrove added: “We are delighted to welcome The King’s Ginger and Pink Pigeon into the Mangrove portfolio and look forward to working with the oldest and most prestigious wine and spirit merchant in the world.
“These two products complement Mangrove’s portfolio perfectly, being of the highest quality and showing authenticity, innovation and commercial viability.”
The King’s Ginger is a ginger liqueur that was specifically formulated by Berry Bros in 1903 for King Edward VII.
The Pink Pigeon Rum is a single-estate Mauritian rum infused with hand-picked natural bourbon vanilla from the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Madagascar.
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