Wild Geese Whiskey brings legal action against Jameson owner Irish Distillers in supply row
WILD Geese Whiskey has launched a legal action against Irish Distillers, the Pernod Ricard company that owns Jameson.
The case centres on claims by Wild Geese that Irish Distillers has refused to supply it with whiskey while supplying other businesses.
Wild Geese claims that this constitutes a breach of competition law.
Irish Distillers is contesting the claim. It said it had previously offered to supply the rival company but terms could not be agreed.
“Irish Distillers always welcomes the emergence of new players in the Irish whiskey category. A strong Irish whiskey category is a welcome and positive development for the overall industry as it will lead to more choice for consumers and help to grow the category.”
Meanwhile, Claire Tolan has replaced Louise Ryan as managing director of Irish Distillers.
Ms Ryan will remain part of the Irish Distillers group heading up Pernod Ricard’s global gin unit in London.
In her new role Ms Tolan will report to Conor McQuaid who was appointed chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers at the beginning of July.
Mr McQuaid said that he was delighted to be announcing “two important strategic appointments that will ensure Irish Distillers’ continued growth.”
Ms Tolan will be responsible for the distribution of the Pernod Ricard portfolio of wines and spirits within the Republic of Ireland, having worked her way to the highest ranks in Irish Distillers over a 20-year period.