LOUISVILLE, Ky.–May 5, 2025-(BUSINESS WIRE)– Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BFA,BFB), one of the largest American-owned spirits companies, today announced the start of its own distribution business in Italy, marking a strategic shift to bring its portfolio directly to Italian consumers and customers for the first time. The Brown-Forman Italy headquarters office will remain in Milan, Italy.
“The creation of our own distribution business in Italy signifies Brown-Forman’s dedication to unlocking the full potential of the dynamic Italian spirits market,” said Yiannis Pafilis, EVP, President of Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Brown-Forman. “By owning our distribution, we can deepen our collaboration with Italian trade partners, accelerate growth for key super-premium brands like Diplomático Rum and Gin Mare, and further strengthen the presence of our iconic American Whiskey portfolio, led by the Jack Daniel’s family of brands.”
Italy represents a significant market for Brown-Forman, ranking among the top five spirits markets in the European Union, according to IWSR. The company currently holds the No. 1 position in the Italian premium+ spirits category by volume, with Jack Daniel’s leading the whiskey segment and Gin Mare holding the #2 spot in the rapidly expanding super-premium gin category (IWSR 2023).
“We are incredibly enthusiastic about this new chapter for Brown-Forman in Italy,” stated Agnieszka Przybylek, General Manager, Italy, Brown-Forman. “With our own distribution business, we are empowered to tailor our strategies to the unique characteristics of the Italian market, ensuring the continued success and growth of our premium+ portfolio. We look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with our Italian trade partners and introducing our brands to more consumers.”
This expansion solidifies Brown-Forman’s own distribution strategy in key European territories, joining a network that includes Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, and the UK.
Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com .
