Innovation Beverage Group Expands U.S. Distribution of its Award-Winning Bitters Through One of the Nation's Largest Beverage Alcohol Distributors

Rhea-AI Summary

Innovation Beverage Group (IBG) has signed a distribution agreement with Republic National Distribution Company (RNDC) to expand its award-winning bitters distribution across six U.S. states: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, and Michigan.

RNDC, ranked #46 on Forbes's Top Private Companies with $11 billion in revenues, operates in 39 states and DC. The partnership will distribute IBG's Australian Bitters Company and BITTERTALES brands. IBG currently holds a 45% market share in cocktail bitters in Australia.

The company's products have received multiple accolades: Australian Bitters Company won Gold at the 2018 Los Angeles Spirits Awards, while BITTERTALES secured Best in Show, Platinum Medal (2020), and Gold Medals (2018, 2021) at the LA Spirits Awards. IBG manufactures its products at an FDA and GMP certified facility in Australia.

Positive

• Major distribution expansion into six U.S. states including California
• Partnership with RNDC, an $11B revenue distributor with presence in 39 states
• Strong 45% market share in Australian cocktail bitters market
• Multiple industry awards for product quality

Negative

• None.

Insights

Beverage Industry Analyst

IBG's distribution agreement with RNDC represents a strategic expansion into six key U.S. markets through one of the industry's most established wholesale networks. RNDC's $11 billion in annual revenue and presence across 39 states provides IBG with immediate access to sophisticated distribution infrastructure in the competitive U.S. spirits market.

The inclusion of California is particularly significant as it represents approximately 12% of the total U.S. alcoholic beverage market by volume. This state alone could become a substantial revenue driver if IBG can replicate even a fraction of its Australian success.

IBG's claim of 45% market share in Australian cocktail bitters demonstrates product-market fit in at least one developed market. The multiple international awards (Gold and Platinum medals from LA Spirits Awards) provide third-party validation of product quality, which should help overcome initial market resistance when entering new territories.

The craft cocktail movement continues to drive demand for premium bitters, with bartenders seeking authentic, high-quality ingredients. IBG's production at an FDA and GMP certified facility addresses regulatory compliance requirements for import products, removing potential barriers to U.S. market entry.

Market Expansion Strategist

This distribution agreement provides IBG with accelerated market access to six strategically important states. RNDC's established relationships with on-premise accounts (bars, restaurants) and off-premise retailers (liquor stores) drastically reduces the time and resources IBG would otherwise need to develop these channels independently.

The selected states represent varied market characteristics: California and Washington feature mature craft cocktail scenes; Oregon has strong artisanal product preferences; Hawaii offers tourism-driven consumption; Arizona provides growing population centers; and Michigan represents established Midwest distribution networks.

Importantly, this partnership suggests IBG has overcome the typical hurdles that challenge beverage companies seeking U.S. expansion: regulatory approvals, logistics coordination, and securing a respected distribution partner. The multi-state approach allows for regional concentration of marketing efforts rather than a scattered national strategy that often dilutes impact.

While the U.S. bitters market is more fragmented than Australia's, featuring established brands like Angostura and Peychaud's alongside craft producers, IBG's award-winning status provides differentiation that RNDC can leverage. The Australian origin story offers marketing distinctiveness in a category where heritage and authenticity significantly influence purchasing decisions.

Republic National Distribution Company opens new distribution channels in six states including California, one of the largest markets in the U.S.

SEVEN HILLS, AU / ACCESS Newswire / April 2, 2025 / Innovation Beverage Group Ltd ("IBG" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:IBG), an innovative developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, announced today it has signed a distribution agreement with Republic National Distribution Company ("RNDC"). IBG's Australian Bitters Company and BITTERTALES brands will be distributed by RNDC in six states: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, and Michigan.

"We are very pleased to partner with RNDC, one of the top distributors in the U.S. in our category. Their distribution reach is vast and their product expertise and executional excellence are ideal to promote the expansion of our award-winning bitters brands in the U.S.," stated IBG's Chairman and Interim CEO Sahil Beri. "Having recently achieved 45% market share in cocktail bitters in Australia, we are eager to gain similar momentum in the U.S."

With roots extending before Prohibition, RNDC is one of the U.S.'s leading wholesale beverage alcohol distributors specializing in wine and spirits. Operating in 39 states across the U.S. and the District of Columbia, RNDC is ranked #46 on Forbes's list of America's Top Private Companies, with $11 billion in revenues.

IBG's flagship product, Australian Bitters Company, hand crafted in small batches in Australia from the finest natural botanical herbs and spices, won the Gold Medal at the Los Angeles Spirts Awards in 2018. BITTERTALES, the Company's premium cocktail brand, won Best in Show and a Platinum Medal at the 2020 LA Spirits Awards, and a Gold Medal at the 2018 and 2021 LA Spirits Awards. IBG's bitters brands are produced at its state-of-the-art U.S. FDA and GMP certified facility in Australia and shipped worldwide.

About Innovation Beverage Group

Innovation Beverage Group is a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter, and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands for which it owns exclusive manufacturing rights. Focused on premium and super premium brands and market categories where it can disrupt age old brands, IBG's brands include Australian Bitters, BITTERTALES, Drummerboy Spirits, Twisted Shaker, and more. IBG's most successful brand to date is Australian Bitters, which disrupted a 200-year-old market leader, giving the Company a market dominating position in several territories including a partnership in Australia with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Established in 2018, IBG's headquarters, distillery, innovation, and manufacturing facility are located in Sydney, Australia with a U.S. sales office is located in New Jersey. For more information visit: https://www.innovationbev.com/

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information." This information and these statements, which can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, are made as of the date of this press release or as of the date of the effective date of information described in this press release, as applicable.

The forward-looking statements herein relate to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "estimates," "envisages," "assumes," "intends," "strategy," "goals," "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain action events or results "may," "can," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) and include, without limitation, statements with respect to projected financial targets that the Company is looking to achieve.

All forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company's management team. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution any person reviewing this press release not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as several important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur.

The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Company or on behalf of the Company except as may be required by law.

Contact:

TraDigital IR
John McNamara
917-658-2602
John@tradigitalir.com

SOURCE: Innovation Beverage Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What states will IBG's bitters be distributed in through the RNDC partnership?

IBG's bitters will be distributed in six states: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, and Michigan through RNDC.

What is IBG's current market share in the Australian cocktail bitters market?

IBG holds a 45% market share in the Australian cocktail bitters market.

What awards has IBG's BITTERTALES brand won?

BITTERTALES won Best in Show and Platinum Medal at the 2020 LA Spirits Awards, plus Gold Medals at the 2018 and 2021 LA Spirits Awards.

How large is RNDC's distribution network for IBG's products?

RNDC operates in 39 states and DC, with $11 billion in revenues and ranks #46 on Forbes's Top Private Companies.