Renais Gin shared on Monday that the brand founded by Emma Watson and her brother, Alex, raised £4.95 million ($6.19 million) to focus on global expansion. The investors include the company InvestBev and the founding president of Maison Villevert, Jean-Sebastien Robicquet.
“The raise will support expansion in the US off the back of our successful California and New York launch, as well as our continued focus on content and community engagement,” Alex Watson said in a news release. “As consumers’ preference for premiumization and a desire to drink less, but better, continues to grow, we are in a unique position in the gin category to capture their attention and tell our story of heritage, craftsmanship and provenance. I am also excited to have some of the foremost drinks experts on board as investors, their experience will be invaluable to Renais to reach its full potential.”
The funds will be allocated to continuous expansion in the U.S. and entering countries like France, Canada and Dubai.
Renais Gin launched in 2023 and hit American markets in the Spring of 2024.
The gin is inspired by the Chablis vineyards where the Watsons have been producing wine for over three decades. The gin is derived from a mixture of distinctive botanicals, which include linden flowers, Kimmeridgian stone, acacia honey and rock salt.
Kimmeridgian stone is a distinctive component of the terroir of Chablis, and critically acclaimed importers like Kermit Lynch claim that this specific soil holds fossils of shells. The grapes that grow in this mineral-driven soil have a bracing, razor-sharp acidity, making it a calling card for the racy white Chardonnay wines from Chablis.
As far as Renais’ production process is concerned, the base spirit is crafted from grape skins from Chablis, and the brand claims that it is Carbon Neutral Certified.
“We are thrilled to support Renais Gin in its journey to become a globally recognized brand,” InvestBev General Partner Brian Rosen said. “The premium gin category continues to demonstrate remarkable potential, and Renais Gin’s quality and sustainability credentials align perfectly with our strategic investment focus. We believe our capital — coupled with our deep industry expertise and network — will amplify Renais Gin’s ability to reach new consumers and markets.”
