Marblehead Brand Development has been appointed to distribute the premium tequila range AquaRiva in the UK. Owned and created by TV star Cleo Rocos, (Kenny Everett’s glamorous sidekick) Aqua Riva was introduced to the UK in 2012. Marblehead has been tasked with increasing distribution for the brand in both the on and off trade. This multi-award winning brand has already been awarded “Best of the Best” in the USA and Double Gold Medals in the UK. It is a premium high quality tequila brand, made with the finest natural ingredients: 100% Blue Weber agave and pure spring water from the volcanic highlands of Jalisco in Mexico. Cleo personally spent 10 months working with Master Blender, Carlos Perez, in Mexico to create this outstanding tequila range.
Marblehead will distribute two expressions, both of which were specifically created for the bar trade to be used in cocktails: Aqua Riva Blanco and AquaRiva Premium Reposado which is aged for between 3-6 months in American Oak whiskey barrels. Cleo, a recognised Spirits Judge and award-winning Tequilera, set up The Tequila Society in 2008 to inform the UK public about tequila and how to drink it properly. Emma Wykes, Commercial Director at Marblehead says, “We are delighted to be including such a high quality tequila as AquaRiva into our Marblehead portfolio of luxury brands. We are really looking forward to working with Cleo to raise awareness and increase distribution of this quality spirit across the UK and have already had positive discussions with key players in the on trade.”
Cleo Rocos adds, “Emma Wykes has always been someone I have turned to for advice and guidance in the drinks business. I am thrilled to be working with Emma and Marblehead Brand Development as I have long admired their amazing achievements in the industry.”
Meanwhile Marblehead will relinquish Kraken Rum at the end of June when the rum moves back to brand owner Proximo Spirits. The move comes following the opening of a new London office for the American company, and the news that is set to distribute Jose Cuervo Tequila in the UK and Ireland from July. Marblehead’s former Business Development Director, Dave Steward, is General Manager of the new operation.