US drinks company Foley Family Wines & Spirits has appointed Jay Gifford to head up its international business.
Gifford will be based in Kent, UK, and will be responsible for growing sales of Foley’s wine and spirits in all markets outside the US.
He joins the supplier from WX Brands/Grupo Peñaflor, where he was head of UK & Nordics and helped growth of the company’s brands including Bread & Butter and Trapiche.
Bread & Butter is the fourth-largest US wine brand in the UK, while Trapiche is the second-largest Argentinian brand [NIQ 52 w/e 19 April 2025].
“I am delighted to join the Foley Family Wines & Spirits team and looking forward to showcasing the breadth of outstanding wineries, winemakers and wine and spirits brands in our portfolio,” said Gifford. “I also want to show our proven capability to deliver high-quality own label and customer own-brand wines at great prices.”
He added: “International markets have an appetite for US wines at a variety of price points – particularly in the UK in the premium $15/£12-plus per bottle price range, which is Foley’s sweet spot.”
There was “significant potential” for Californian wines to take advantage of the premiumisation trend, said Foley Family Wines and Spirits preside Shawn Schiffer.
“Exports are expected to continue their upward trend, driven by a commitment to quality with a focus on premium wines and sustainable practices,” he said. “We are excited for Jay to grow Foley’s presence in the UK and other key international markets.”
Foley Family Wines & Spirits was established by Bill Foley in 1996 and now comprises a portfolio of wines and spirits made at 24 wineries and a distillery.
Its roster includes brands such as Ferrari‑Carano, Banshee, Chalk Hill, Minden Mill Whiskeys and High Ground Estate Vodka.
It also distributes spirits from Loch Lomond Group in the US.
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