Emma Watson’s Renais Gin Secures £5 Million in Funding to Redefine the Premium Spirits Market
Emma Watson, renowned for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, has ventured into the premium spirits industry with the launch of Renais Gin. Founded in 2023 alongside her brother, Alex Watson, Renais Gin has recently secured nearly £5 million in funding to support its global expansion.
Founding and Vision
Renais Gin was established with the vision of creating a premium gin that emphasizes sustainability and quality. The Watson siblings drew inspiration from their family’s background in the vineyard business; their father, Chris Watson, founded Domaine Watson, a vineyard in the Chablis region of France in the 1990s.
Forbes This heritage influenced their approach to gin-making, incorporating grape skins from their family vineyard into the distillation process. Emma Watson serves as the creative director, overseeing the brand’s artistic direction and special projects, while Alex Watson, with a background in the drinks industry, serves as CEO.
Product and Sustainability
Renais Gin is crafted in Dorset, England, using grapes grown in Burgundy, France. The brand places a strong emphasis on sustainability, utilizing grape skins discarded in the wine-making process, including some from their family vineyard, Domaine Watson. Additionally, Renais employs biodegradable mushroom-based packaging and operates solar-powered distilleries, aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences. The gin is priced at £48 per bottle, reflecting its premium quality and sustainable production methods.
Funding and Expansion
The recent £5 million funding round was led by US-based private equity firm InvestBev and Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, founder of Maison Villevert, a French spirits group. This investment aims to support Renais Gin’s expansion into new markets, including Dubai and Canada, and to strengthen its presence in the United States, despite potential import tariffs. The brand is already available in 11 countries and has distribution agreements in place in 22.
Market Position and Future Plans
Renais Gin positions itself in the premium segment of the spirits market, catering to consumers who value quality and sustainability. The brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and high-quality production aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable luxury products. Looking ahead, Renais Gin plans to launch in France, Spain, Dubai, and Canada by 2025, aiming to establish a strong global presence.
Through strategic funding and a clear commitment to sustainability and quality, Renais Gin is poised to redefine the premium spirits market, offering consumers a product that aligns with both luxury and environmental responsibility.
