Edinburgh-based independent blender Woven has announced four new international distribution partnerships across France, Italy, Spain and New Zealand. The expansion follows a strong start to 2026 for the brand, which saw its WXC collaborative spirit drink named World’s Best Flavoured Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.
The new partnerships mark a significant step in Woven’s global growth strategy, driven by what the company describes as rising demand for flavor-driven, accessible whisky.
Nick Ravenhall, managing director of Woven, said: “We’re new into these markets, but the drinker we’re built for is already there. They get it instantly, and right now they’re hugely underserved by the category. That’s the opportunity.”
Each market was selected based on indicators of consumer openness to new whisky propositions and a broader shift toward flavor and value.
“The whisky industry has traditionally been led by heritage and prestige,” Ravenhall added. “That still matters in the right context, but it’s no longer enough on its own. Propositions that stack up on flavor and value are finding their audience. Those that don’t are sitting on shelves.”
Recent figures from the Scotch Whisky Association lend weight to this trend. While single malt exports fell 6% to $2.01bn (£1.6bn) in 2025, blended Scotch remained stable.
Woven’s core range spans four categories: blended Scotch, world blends, blended malt and flavored whisky. The portfolio is designed to allow drinkers to move freely across styles.
Pete Allison, co-founder and whisky maker, said: “At one of our recent events, someone told me they loved our premium whisky Superblend, but couldn’t have it as their go-to because of the price. From that conversation, we spent three months sourcing components from around the world to meet that drinker exactly where they are. That was the moment our new house pour, Woven Whisky, was born.”
In France, L’Explorateur du Goût will handle distribution. Woven has spent two years building awareness through La Maison du Whisky before expanding into the premium on-trade and independent retail. Compagnia dei Caraibi will represent the brand in Italy, Wkyregal in Spain and Highland Fern in New Zealand.
Spain is one of the few European markets currently in growth, with Scotch export values up 6% in 2025. New Zealand is home to whisky consumers open to challenging the traditional view of the spirit.
France and Italy represent large, established markets where the brand is now scaling beyond early specialist listings.
Read the full article at Woven Whisky Expands Into France, Italy, Spain & New Zealand
