New partnership brings renowned Rémy Cointreau brands under the wing of the nation’s leading alcohol distributor in the largest U.S. market.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s leading distributor of beverage alcohol, has announced a landmark partnership with Rémy Cointreau, Inc., signing an exclusive distribution agreement for the state of California. This strategic collaboration, effective September 1, 2025, will see Southern Glazer’s assume responsibility for distributing Rémy Cointreau’s full portfolio across California—the largest and most dynamic beverage alcohol market in the United States.
The agreement encompasses Rémy Cointreau’s renowned collection of premium and ultra-premium brands, including the prestigious Rémy Martin Cognac, the revered LOUIS XIII, Cointreau liqueur, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Champagne Telmont, and other high-end spirits known for their craftsmanship, heritage, and global appeal.
A Partnership Aligned for Growth
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy for the U.S. market,” said Nicolas Beckers, Chief Executive Officer, Rémy Cointreau Americas. “At Rémy Cointreau, we prioritize building strong, long-term partnerships that reflect our shared values and ambition for sustainable, premium growth. California remains a critical market for our brands, and we are excited to welcome Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as our exclusive distribution partner in this pivotal region.”
Beckers emphasized Southern Glazer’s proven track record in executing on national accounts and its focused commitment to the on-premise sector—two essential pillars of Rémy Cointreau’s commercial strategy. “Their ability to drive performance in both these arenas will be instrumental in helping us deepen relationships with trade partners and better serve our customers in California,” he added.
A Legacy of Market Leadership
Southern Glazer’s has been operating in California since 1969, making it the longest-tenured distributor in the state. Over the past 55 years, the company has built a robust, multi-tiered distribution network tailored to the unique demands of the California market. Today, Southern Glazer’s of California employs more than 1,200 sales professionals, including a highly specialized team that caters to the state’s thriving hospitality industry.
This dedicated hotel and resort team is uniquely structured to support a wide range of service categories—from restaurant wine lists and in-room beverage menus to poolside bar programs and event catering. Their deep product knowledge and industry training ensure a premium customer experience, aligning with the level of excellence expected from Rémy Cointreau’s luxury offerings.
Beyond hotels, Southern Glazer’s services more than 100 multi-unit buyers through a focused regional on- and off-premise account team. This includes local independent retailers as well as national grocery and liquor chains. Their market approach balances local autonomy with national alignment, allowing them to swiftly respond to shifting consumer preferences and retail trends.
Strength Through Expertise and Innovation
Southern Glazer’s distinguishes itself through its deep commitment to education and expertise. Across the California team, nearly 1,700 individuals hold advanced certifications in wine and spirits—from Certified Specialists of Wine (CSW) and Spirits (CSS) to WSET and Master Sommelier levels. This depth of knowledge ensures that Rémy Cointreau’s artisanal products are represented with the authenticity, storytelling, and finesse they deserve.
In addition to its robust salesforce, Southern Glazer’s offers extensive marketing and merchandising support. Over 1,000 dedicated merchandisers work throughout California to maintain product visibility, execute in-store programming, and support retailer promotions. The company’s national headquarters also provides centralized resources, offering analytics, category insights, and digital marketing assets to support off-premise chains and key accounts.
Further enhancing its value proposition, Southern Glazer’s offers clients access to its proprietary Proof® e-commerce platform, which streamlines ordering, inventory management, and promotional visibility for trade partners. Combined with the distributor’s broad network of retailer and restaurant relationships, this technology-forward approach positions Rémy Cointreau to capitalize on evolving market dynamics with speed and precision.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded relationship with Rémy Cointreau. “We are incredibly proud to be entrusted with the stewardship of such an iconic and innovative portfolio in California,” said Chaplin. “Our team is passionate about spirits, and we bring the most comprehensive and highly trained salesforce in the country to this important partnership. We’re confident this collaboration will drive long-term growth and brand equity for Rémy Cointreau across the state.”
The alignment between the two companies is underpinned by shared priorities: a focus on premiumization, a commitment to trade education, and a mutual dedication to sustainability and responsible drinking. Both companies are also deeply invested in strengthening their on-premise relationships, recognizing the critical role that bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues play in building brand experiences and cultivating customer loyalty.
About Rémy Cointreau
Rémy Cointreau is a global leader in the premium spirits sector, headquartered in France and steeped in centuries-old heritage. The company’s portfolio includes some of the most storied brands in the world, known for their authenticity, craftsmanship, and deep regional roots. From the legacy of Rémy Martin Cognac to the innovation of The Botanist gin and the organic renaissance of Champagne Telmont, Rémy Cointreau continues to shape the future of spirits with a firm focus on terroir, time, and people.
About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol in North America, operating in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as Canada. With an unmatched portfolio, best-in-class logistics, and a deep commitment to education and diversity, Southern Glazer’s partners with thousands of suppliers to deliver excellence across the industry. The company is family-owned and operated, with more than 23,000 employees dedicated to bringing value and expertise to every facet of the beverage alcohol marketplace.
