Top Shelf International (TSI), producer of NED whisky, and Grainshaker vodka, has been acquired by Blue Sky Drinks Co, with it also buying the exclusive licence for Age of Treason agave spirit. TSI went into voluntary administration in August.
Blue Sky Drinks also incorporates Gravity Drinks Co, a ready-to-drink (RTD) company founded by Mick Spencer, Liam Battye and others.
Blue Sky executive chair, and co-found founder of Gravity Drinks, Mick Spencer, said he was proud of what Gravity Drinks had achieved so far and was excited for what was ahead.
“By combining Gravity with some of Australia’s strongest spirits and RTD brands, we’re building a new kind of drinks company, one that’s proudly Australian owned, Australian made and built for a future under a blue sky.
“We have stronger backing, bigger ambitions, and a renewed focus on what matters most: our customers, our suppliers, and keeping the energy alive behind these incredible brands,” Spencer said.
Gravity, with its signature “Over Sugar?” trademark, is distributed through Endeavour Group, Coles Liquor, and hundreds of independent venues.
With the TSI acquisition, Spencer has been appointed executive chair of Blue Sky; Greg Mitchell CFO/COO; David Ward, GM sales & marketing; and Liam Battye, head of Operations.
Joining the Blue Sky board will be Ray Noble, a 30-year drinks industry veteran. Ray has previously served as managing director of Sazerac Australia and previously held senior leadership roles at Beam Suntory.
Noble said it was a fantastic result for the Aussie drinks industry.
“The Blue Sky line-up of NED, Grainshaker, Act of Treason, Golden Bickie and Gravity all blend local craftsmanship with fresh, modern energy ready to be unlocked. The new team has the know-how, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to take these brands to the next level, and I’m stoked to be part of that journey,” Nobel said.
The combined business will continue production in partnership with IDL and will maintain national distribution with more than 5000 independent liquor retailers, as well as on premise partners, Endeavour Group, and Coles Liquor.
The transaction is expected to complete within the next four weeks. Any customers or suppliers with queries are encouraged to contact the Blue Sky Drinks Co. or Top Shelf International administrators, McGrathNicol.
