The French liquor giant Pernod Ricard, which manufactures some of the world’s most popular liquor brands such as such as Absolut Vodka, Chivas, and Jameson, has acquired a majority stake in South African distillery Inverroche, founded by the pioneering entrepreneur Lorna Scott.

Inverroche, which was founded in 2011, is based in the rural community of Still Bay in the Western Cape, where it pioneered the use of indigenous fynbos in gin production.

Founder Lorna Scott will maintain a shareholding in the business, and continue as CEO. Speaking about the deal, she said it was a vote of confidence in South Africa's economic prospects. She added: “Pernod Ricard’s vast distribution network will enable Inverroche Gins to reach new consumers. We will be taking a luxury African brand to a large audience and sharing the story of our common heritage.”

Lorna started Inverroche as an attempt to protect fynbos in the Western Cape, which is under threat from agricultural development and invasive alien species. It grows nowhere else int he world. Fynbos, which has long been used medicinal and culinary purposes, gives Inverroche its unique taste and flavour. The company produces three gins, Gin Classic, Gin Verdant and Gin Amber, which are now sold in 18 countries on four continents. Its portfolio also includes two rums and three liqueurs. 70% of the distillery’s workforce are women from the surrounding area.

Read the Inverroche startup story below.

Lorna Scott, a South African entrepreneur building a gin brand that is exciting the world's tastebuds
There is something special about passionate people who create products that celebrate the natural indigenous ingredients that come from one place, making them truly unique. Lorna Scott, the entreprenurial inspirational behind the fabulous Inverroche gin brand, is one such passionate creator and br