Shaw-Ross International Importers, importers of wine and spirits, has become the new nationwide distribution partner for Gekkeikan sake.

The nearly 400-year-old manufacturer of premium sake and plum wine, Gekkeikan, is based in Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan, with a brewery in Folsom, California as well.

“Approximately 500,000 cases of Gekkeikan are currently sold nationwide each year, and we look forward to further expanding Gekkeikan’s brand presence during the next chapter of their centuries-old story,” said Bruce Hunter, managing director for Shaw-Ross, in a press release.

Gekkeikan was previously distributed by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., which will work with Shaw-Ross on the transition for Gekkeikan customers and the Gekkeikan/Shaw-Ross team, the company said.

The change is effective January 1, 2016.

The transition includes the appointment of Yoshi Yumoto as vice president, national brand manager for Gekkeikan at Shaw-Ross. Yumoto previously served in the same role at Sidney Frank Importing for 27 years. In addition, Satoru Ito will join Shaw-Ross as the west coast ambassador for the brand. Ito brings 16 years of experience in the same role for Gekkeikan at Sidney Frank Importing.

Both will start at Shaw-Ross on Jan. 1, 2016.