Moose bottle

Among the new investors. Moose received funds from former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh

Botanical spirit maker Moose has closed its first “major” funding round, raising €2.5m from a group of strategic investors including former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh.

Other investors in the round, completed for an undisclosed equity amount, included cognac business Camus Holdings president Cyril Camus, Be at One bars founder Rhys Oldfield, Loungers founders Jake Bishop and Alex Reilley and Morrisons chairman Andrew Higginson.

Moose will use the investment to expand its team and marketing activities to secure further customers, founder and ex-Diageo marketer Harry Meakin told The Grocer.

The company, established in 2016, was launched with the aim of disrupting the “dusty” liqueur category, Meakin said. It manufactures an all-natural botanical spirit in the Alps available in three flavours: maple syrup, chilli and mint.

Its range is currently available in the UK, France, Austria and Ibiza.

“I am absolutely delighted that such an experienced group of investors have chosen to join our exciting journey with Moose,” said Meakin.

“With this fundraising round closed, I am confident that we can deliver our plan to triple Moose sales each year and pursue a positive plan for international expansion.”

Five months into the financial year, Meakin added that Moose was “tracking ahead” of its ambitious target to more than triple revenues.