Titanic Distillers Secures £5m Investment to Fuel International Expansion
Belfast-based whisky maker Titanic Distillers has secured a £5 million equity investment from Whiterock as it embarks on an ambitious expansion strategy.
The funding package, provided by Whiterock’s Growth Capital Fund, builds upon the debt financing Titanic Distillers received from Whiterock in 2022, which was instrumental in the fitout and launch of the distillery. This latest investment is set to strengthen the company’s foothold in existing markets while propelling it into new international territories.
A portion of the funds has already been utilised to bring on board two seasoned industry executives, Colin Green and JC Rice. Green, formerly the commercial director of Diageo Ireland, has been appointed to implement Titanic’s international sales strategy.
Meanwhile, Rice, who previously led sales for Tennent’s NI, will oversee sales operations across Britain and Ireland. Their appointments mark a strategic move by Titanic Distillers to bolster its leadership team as it eyes new opportunities.
Looking ahead, Titanic Distillers plans to use the investment to expand its reach across the UK and Europe while making its first foray into the United States and Asian markets. A key milestone in this expansion will be the establishment of a US-based team in the coming months, including the appointment of a chief revenue officer.
The initial focus will be on states with a strong Irish heritage, such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where the brand aims to build strong customer engagement.
Titanic Distillers’ CEO expressed enthusiasm for this next phase of growth, highlighting how the investment has already facilitated the recruitment of top-tier talent in Colin and JC. They emphasised that craftsmanship remains at the core of the brand, producing whisky that the people of Belfast can take pride in.
Furthermore, with a unique brand identity, the company is now eager to introduce its premium products to a global audience in a fresh and contemporary way. They also praised Whiterock as a valuable partner in bringing this vision to life.
Whiterock’s director echoed this sentiment, commending Titanic Distillers for its remarkable growth in both the drinks and tourism sectors. They acknowledged the brand’s achievements in establishing itself within Belfast and noted the promising trajectory of its expansion.
What’s more, Whiterock reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Titanic Distillers as it navigates new markets and scales its operations.
Rooted in Belfast’s rich maritime heritage, Titanic Distillers is based at Thompson Dock, a site that first opened in 1911 to service the legendary White Star transatlantic liners, including the RMS Titanic. The company invested £8 million in transforming The Pumphouse into a fully operational distillery, preserving the historical significance of the location while crafting premium spirits.
Production of its single malt whisky commenced in August 2023, complementing an already diverse portfolio that includes blended Irish whisky, Pot Still Irish whisky, and Irish vodka distilled from sugar beet. The production process is overseen by head distiller Damien Rafferty, who meticulously selects ingredients to ensure exceptional flavour and quality.
To conclude, as Titanic Distillers charts its course towards global recognition, this latest investment signals a bold step forward in its journey. With a strong leadership team, a commitment to craftsmanship, and a strategic growth plan in place, the brand is well-positioned to elevate Belfast’s whisky legacy onto the world stage.
Backed by Whiterock’s support and a passion for innovation, Titanic Distillers is set to make waves in the global spirits market, one bottle at a time.
News Credits: Belfast distillery secures £5m investment
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