Paragon Brands CEO, Chris Jones with the Spirit Distributor of the Year Award awarded by the Spirits Business in 2026.
Paragon Brands has been awarded Spirits Distributor of the Year at The Spirits Business Awards 2026, giving real recognition of what Paragon’s team has built, the brands represented as a UK alcohol distributor, and the partnerships developed across the drinks industry. The Spirits Distributor of the Year award comes at a pivotal time for the Manchester-based firm, with 2027 marking 10 years of Paragon Brands.
The UK’s number one spirit distributor according to ISWR data, Paragon now acts as a distributor for 30 brands, from global icons to homegrown innovators. Part of Maison Villevert, a B-Corp founded by Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, renowned for innovative creations including Cîroc Vodka. Within the last month, Paragon Brands has entered a new partnership with Irish Whisky liqueur brand, Shanky’s Whip and has taken full distribution across all ten products in the Flor de Caña rum range.
Earlier this year, Paragon Brands has also been appointed UK spirits distributor for Dutch drinks company, Lucas Bols. A partnership with what is widely regarded as the world’s first cocktail brand, has seen the Bols and Galliano liqueur ranges enter Paragon’s portfolio, with the goal of deepening the connection with the bartending community.
The alcohol distributor also assumed exclusive UK distribution for the full Goslings rum range in 2026, including the flagship Black Seal Rum, Overproof Black Seal 151, Spirited Seas Ocean Aged Rum and Family Reserve Old Rum.
From global icons to homegrown innovators, Paragon have more products recognised by the People’s Choice Awards than anyone else. The spirits distributor has some of the finest examples in their category, including the likes of Excellia, named World’s Best Tequila to the World’s No.1 Polish Vodka Zubrowka.
Paragon strives to offer an importer platform for Premium drink brands to enter the UK market and help brand owners grow with confidence in one of the most competitive spirits markets in the world. Whether it’s gaining 6,500 new UK venue stockists secured for Licor 43 or growing the portfolio by 220% between 2023 and 2025, Paragon aim to be more than a spirts distributor acting as a growth partner; from building strategy and a route to market, to driving activation, visibility, and rate of sale.
Founded by Chris Jones, known for launching the Aperol Spritz, through to senior roles with Jack Daniels and Bacardi, the distributor boasts 170 years of combined industry experience and is one of the UK’s fastest growing drinks businesses.
