OHD appoints Cask International as new UK distributor
Norwegian Craft distillery, Oslo Handverksdestilleri (OHD) has appointed Cask International to manage its UK distribution.
The OHD distillery is known for producing award winning spirits using only botanicals native to Norway. The range includes Vidda Torr Gin, Akevitt Blank, Marka Bitter and Norwegian Wood Birch Vodka which is new to the UK market.
Since OHD was established in 2015, the company has worked with the Cask group in Norway and Sweden, so the appointment of Cask International as its UK Distributor is a natural progression that further develops that relationship. It also sees Cask International expanding its operation from craft beer into spirits.
To launch the brand, Cask International is offering a limited number of free 5cl sample packs to venues interested in stocking the OHD range. To request a sample pack, potential stockists should email spirits@caskinternational.com.
Frederik Dahl, sales and marketing manager for OHD, says: “The story of OHD has been interwoven with the Cask group since day one. We see them as family and have known them for years. Having this type of relationship is valuable, especially as we look to re-establish the brand in the UK market. Cask International have an impressive track record of growing Norwegian beer brands in the UK so have a good understanding of how to build drinks brands in the market; Through our meetings with them, we’ve been impressed by how much this knowledge spreads to the spirits category. Some of our brands have already been introduced to the UK and we are excited for Cask International to be able to launch new products such as our Norwegian Wood Birch Vodka into the market. We firmly believe this is going to be an exciting and successful partnership which will allow us to make the UK one of our focus markets.”
Simon Kent, Cask International co-founder and managing director, says: “We are delighted to bring our first spirts brand into the Cask International portfolio. This is a natural development in the business after many years working with high quality Scandinavian beer producers. OHD gives us the opportunity to work with great people who are dedicated to making high quality Norwegian products, the way they see it. I am particularly interested in seeing how Aquavit develops as the industry continues to explore new and creative products.”
Marius Vestnes, the Norwegian founder of Cask Norway, Sweden and Cask International, had the following comment: “OHD is a distillery close to my heart producing some of the finest spirits products. I am thrilled that I now, together with my partner in Cask International, get the chance to build distribution of these fine spirits in the UK market as well.
“OHD has won several awards over the years in different categories which has given me the confidence that they are producing the right quality and packaging, and at the same time are focusing on innovation.”
