Proximo Spirits

Proximo Spirits
Company typeSubsidiary of public company Becle, S.A.B. de C.V.
IndustryDistilled beverage
Founded2007
FounderBeckmann family
HeadquartersJersey City, NJ, USA
Area served
International
Key people
Luis Felix
(president and CEO)
Number of employees
100+
SubsidiariesProximo Spirits UK
Websitewww.proximospirits.com

Proximo Spirits, Inc., is an American multinational alcoholic beverage company, with its headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey. It is a major distributor of tequila and other spirits, it is best known for Jose Cuervo, the world's largest-selling tequila brand.[1]

Proximo owns over a dozen spirits brands, including Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, Three Olives Vodka, Kraken Black Spiced Rum and Boodles British Gin, as well as craft spirits such as Hangar 1 Vodka and Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey.[2]

History

Proximo Spirits was founded in 2007 by the Beckmann family, who also owned and operated Jose Cuervo.[2] In a deal announced in March 2013, Proximo took over the Jose Cuervo distribution rights from Diageo on July 1, 2013. The deal also give Proximo Spirits control over Old Bushmills Distillery.[1][3] London-based Proximo Spirits UK was launched in July 2013.[4] Both Proximo and Cuervo are controlled by the Beckmann family,[3] descendants of Jose María Guadalupe de Cuervo.[5]

As of 2013, Proximo distributes approximately 6 million total cases per year.[6]

Proximo announced the release of TINCUP whiskey, a partnership with Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey founder Jess Graber, in 2014.[7]

In 2021, Proximo bought a majority stake in Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey, in a deal worth up to $600 million.[8] Proximo acquired Spanish distribution firm Icon Spirits in October 2023, ending its joint venture with Maison Villevert.[9]

Brands

Tequila

  • Jose Cuervo (all varieties, 35-40% abv)
  • 1800 Tequila (all varieties, 35-50% abv)
  • Gran Centenario (premium small batch 100% blue agave tequila, 38% abv)
  • Maestro Dobel Tequila (a clear 100% blue agave blend of extra añejo, añejo and reposado tequilas, 40% abv)
  • Zarco (in silver and gold varieties, 40% abv)

Vodka

Rum

  • Kraken Black Spiced Rum (Caribbean rum, 47% abv)
  • Lola Belle Cherry Rum (Caribbean rum infused with maraschino cherries, 40% abv)
  • Ron Matusalem Rum (Cuban rum produced in the Dominican Republic using the Solera aging process, 40% abv)

Whiskey

American Whiskey

Canadian Whisky

  • Pendleton Canadian Whisky

Irish Whiskey

Gin

Liqueur

  • Agavero (tequila liqueur made with 100% blue agave blended with various flavors, 32% abv)

Margaritas

  • Jose Cuervo margarita mixes (all varieties, 0%-12.7% abv)

Marketing

Proximo signed marketing agreements with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and the New York Knicks in 2010, to promote 1800 Tequila at their respective stadiums.[13] Proximo's ad campaigns have featured actor Kiefer Sutherland for Jose Cuervo;[14] actor Ray Liotta, actor Michael Imperioli and rapper Rick Ross for 1800 Tequila;[13][15][16] actor Clive Owen and rapper Lil' Kim for Three Olives Vodka;[17][18] and musician Perry Farrell for Maestro Dobel Tequila.[19]

Awards

  • 2023: American Whiskey Masters, Gold Medal - Single Malt - Super Premium[20]

References

  1. ^ a b Noreen O'Leary, “Jose Cuervo Shifts U.S. Agencies,” Ad Week, July 1, 2013.
  2. ^ a b David Lincoln Ross, “Tequila All Around,” Archived 2014-02-23 at archive.today Beverage Dynamics, May 2013.
  3. ^ a b E.J. Schultz, “McCann Wins Cuervo as Tequila Leaves Diageo in U.S.,” Advertising Age, July 1, 2003.
  4. ^ Felicity Murray, “Rob Curteis joins Proximo Spirits UK,” The Drinks Report, August 29, 2013.
  5. ^ Dana Cimilluca, Paul Sonne and Simon Zekaria, “Diageo Ends Its Attempt to Buy Jose Cuervo Tequila,” Wall Street Journal, December 11, 2012.
  6. ^ Andy Young, “Proximo to Take Over Cuervo’s US Distribution,” The Drinks Business, March 4, 2013.
  7. ^ Hopkins, Amy (2014-01-20). "Proximo targets Bourbon lovers with Tincup". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  8. ^ Smith, Christian (2021-04-28). "Conor McGregor sells majority of Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits". The Drinks Business. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  9. ^ Carruthers, Nicola (2023-10-19). "Proximo Spirits takes control of Spanish distributor". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  10. ^ Jeffries Blackerby, “Blithe Spirits,” New York Times Magazine, November 11, 2011.
  11. ^ Amy Hopkins, “Proximo Targets Bourbon Lovers With Tincup,” The Spirits Business, January 20, 2014.
  12. ^ Seáneen Sullivan, “Conor McGregor’s new whiskey: A taste test,” The Irish Times, September 20, 2018.
  13. ^ a b Ken Belson, “Knicks Add Tequila to Roster of Sponsors,” New York Times, October 25, 2010.
  14. ^ Sam Thielman, “Ad of the Day: Kiefer Sutherland Sells It In Noir for Jose Cuervo,” Ad Week, August 7, 2013.
  15. ^ Tim Nudd, “Ad of the Day: Ray Liotta Says It All by Saying Nothing for 1800 Tequila,” Ad Week, October 30, 2013.
  16. ^ Allison Shafir, “Rapper Rick Ross Backs 1800 Tequila,” Ad Week, June 10, 2009.
  17. ^ Becky Paskin, “Clive Owen Stars in $20M Three Olives Vodka Adverts,” The Spirits Business, January 29, 2013.
  18. ^ Rose Lilah, “Lil’ Kim Signs a Deal with Three Olives Vodka,” Archived 2014-03-01 at the Wayback Machine Hot New Hip Hop, August 11, 2010.
  19. ^ Deidre Woollard, “Summer Recipes Featuring Maestro Dobel Tequila,” The Pursuitist. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  20. ^ Kiely, Melita (2 August 2023). "The American Whiskey Masters 2023 results". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2 February 2024.