Our history

Global Brands is the leading drinks brand development business that markets and sells an enviable collection of beverages across the spirits, soft drinks, ready-to-drink and beer categories. Founded in 1997, our company grew rapidly following the launch of ready-to-drink brand, VK, and this success has continued through strategic vision, insight-led product development and an ambition to become the UK’s No.1 drinks company.

We now export to over 30 countries worldwide and employ hundreds of people who pride themselves on understanding how our brands fit within the market place and relate to consumers, ensuring that both our company and product range grow organically.

In 2010, our existing portfolio was boosted following the acquisition of premium spirits agency, Inspirit Brands. Our portfolio now includes core brands such as VK, Corky’s, Amigos beer and Kick Energy, and premium spirits Goldschläger, Myers’s rum, Four Roses Bourbon, St Germain Elderflower liqueur, Teichenné schnapps and Crystal Head vodka.

Above all, we are committed to promoting responsible drinking and aspire to enhance people’s leisure time with a range of quality, versatile drinks brands for every occasion.

Our evolution

• May 1997 – GBL International is founded by Steve Garcia Perez who spots a gap in the market for a more affordable RTD. GBL International is later re-launched as Global Brands Ltd.
• July 1999 – The first Global Brands product is launched – VK Vodka Kick
• January 2001 – VK Blue is launched and quickly becomes Global Brands’ best selling product
• May 2001 – Following an announcement that VK case sales have hit five million, Chairman Steve Perez is named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’
• November 2002 – The Corky’s range of flavoured vodkas is added to the Global Brands portfolio
• From 2005 – VK Sales reach 20 million, the Corky’s range takes off and sales reach 2.5 million bottles
• June 2007 – Global Brands acquires beer brands and also becomes the official distributor of Sobieski vodka in the UK
• September 2007 – Global Brands adds Ypióca Cachaça to its expanding portfolio
• February 2008 – Global Brands signs an agreement with Diageo GB to distribute Goldschläger cinnamon schnapps and Myers’s Rum
• March 2008 – Another market first is launched to tap into the resurgence of cocktail culture. VK Mojito, the ‘cocktail in a bottle’ is designed to invigorate the sector and attract a new generation of RTD drinkers
• June 2008 – Global Brands launches its first soft drink – Kick Energy
• June 2009 – Adding to its beer portfolio, Global Brands launches Amigos - a rival to the leading sunshine beers. This tequila-flavoured beer is the strongest on the market, with an ABV of six per cent
• June 2009 – Global Brands unveils VK LO – the first ever low calorie, low alcohol RTD, which the Morning Advertiser names as a ‘Top Product Launch’ of 2009
• April 2010 – Global Brands acquires premium spirits agency, Inspirit Brands, in a move that more than doubles its drinks portfolio and opens the company up to new markets
• November 2010 - Global Brands moves to its new HQ - the 4-star Casa hotel in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, which is also owned by Steve Perez