Constellation Brands has announced a minority investment in Durham Distillery, makers of Conniption Gin.
The deal is part of Constellation’s Focus on Female Founders program, which makes investments in female-founded and female-led businesses doing “disruptive and innovative work” across beverage alcohol, the company says. Durham Distillery was cofounded in 2013 by Melissa and Lee Katrincic.
“We view this investment by Constellation as recognition that we have what it takes to lead in our category, and as the critical next step towards Conniption Gin’s growth,” says Melissa Katrincic, CEO.
The investment allows Durham Distillery to rapidly increase production, streamline efficiencies, hire more employees locally under their Certified Living Wage designation, and gain access to new markets across the U.S.
“With Constellation’s support, I’m now able to devote my full attention to the distillery’s strategic goals and to the Conniption Gin brand and also, our burgeoning leadership in the premium ready-to-drink cocktail category,” says Lee Katrincic, Durham Distillery’s head distiller. A careered pharmaceutical chemist, Katrincic transitioned to full time at the Durham, NC, distillery earlier this month.