Pernod Ricard has invested in Italian premium bergamot-infused aperitivo brand Italicus, as the spirits company continues to strengthen its portfolio. The announcement coincides with the news that Dutch alcohol company De Kuyper Royal Distiller has sold its shares in the Italian brand. De Kuyper has held shares in Italicus since its establishment and reportedly funded its first phase of the brand up to the present day.

Launched in 2016 in Turin, Italicus was created by mixologist and Italian spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, who will remain the active CEO in the brand’s ongoing development. “Since its launch the brand - said Gallo -  has experienced success with both the on-trade and consumers, and it is now time to consolidate with this heavyweight strategic partner in order to accelerate our global distribution. We have an ambitious plan to build Italicus into one of the world’s most successful aperitivo brands”.

“Italicus has experienced a remarkable start, resonating with mixologists and consumers. We are thrilled to add Italicus to the Pernod Ricard portfolio and for the group to help drive its future development”, said Gilles Bogaert, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard EMEA-LatAm.

Following the investment, in which the size was not disclosed, Italicus will benefit from Pernod Ricard’s global distribution network for its future expansion, according to the statement.