Blue Sky Drinks has acquired Top Shelf International Holdings assets, including local spirit brands Ned Australian Whisky and Grainshaker, as well as the ready-to-drink (RTD) company Gravity Drinks Co.
Founded in 2022 by Mick Spencer, Liam Battye, and a group of professional athletes, Gravity Drinks Co has built a strong national customer base through support from Endeavour Group, Coles Liquor, and hundreds of independent venues.
Under the new structure, Mick Spencer will become executive chair of Blue Sky, with Greg Mitchell serving as CFO and COO.
David Ward will take on the role of GM sales and marketing, and Liam Battye will be the company’s head of operations.
Ray Noble, who previously held senior leadership roles at Beam Suntory and was the MD of Sazerac Australia, will join the board as non-executive director.
“By combining Gravity with some of Australia’s strongest spirits and RTD brands, we’re building a new kind of drinks company – one that’s proudly Australian owned, Australian made, and built for a future under a blue sky,” said Spencer.
“We have stronger backing, bigger ambitions, and a renewed focus on what matters most: Our customers, our suppliers, and keeping the energy alive behind these incredible brands.”
Blue Sky Drinks will continue production with beverage manufacturer IDL, and maintain distribution through more than 5000 independent retailers, venues, and partners, including Endeavour Group and Coles Liquor.
“The Blue Sky line-up of Ned, Grainshaker, Act of Treason, Golden Bickie and Gravity all blend local craftsmanship with fresh, modern energy ready to be unlocked,” said Noble.
“The new team has the know-how, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to take these brands to the next level, and I’m stoked to be part of that journey.”
The transaction is expected to be completed in four weeks, and suppliers and customers can contact Blue Sky Drinks Co or Top Shelf International administrators, McGrathNicol, for more information.
