Top Shelf portfolio acquired by Blue Sky Drinks

Blue Sky Drinks Co. has entered the Australian beverage market by acquiring several well-known brands, bringing together established spirits and RTD products.

The company has agreed to purchase the assets of Top Shelf International, including NED Australian Whisky, Grainshaker Vodka, and Act of Treason (under exclusive license).

The move follows the recent news that Top Shelf International had been placed into voluntary administration, with McGrath Nicol partners taking control of the group in August, after CEO Trent Fraser stepped down in May. The transaction is expected to fully complete within the next four weeks.

In addition, Blue Sky Drinks has also acquired Gravity Drinks Co – the fast-growing better-for-you RTD brand founded in 2022 by Mick Spencer, Liam Battye and a group of professional athletes.

The Gravity Drinks team will take a leading role in Blue Sky’s development, with Spencer assuming the role of executive chair and Battye becoming head of operations. Gravity’s CEO Greg Mitchell will also move across as CFO, while sales director David Ward will become GM – sales and marketing.

Spencer stated: “This is day one of something big. I’m incredibly proud of what Gravity has achieved in just three years, and even more excited for what’s ahead. By combining Gravity with some of Australia’s strongest spirits and RTD brands, we’re building a new kind of drinks company – one that’s proudly Australian owned, Australian made, and built for a future under a blue sky.

“We have stronger backing, bigger ambitions, and a renewed focus on what matters most: our customers, our suppliers, and keeping the energy alive behind these incredible brands.”

Drinks industry veteran Ray Noble joins the Blue Sky board, bringing 30 years’ experience having previously served as Sazerac Australia’s managing director and held senior leadership roles at Beam Suntory.

Noble commented: “This is a fantastic result for the Aussie drinks industry. The Blue Sky lineup of NED, Grainshaker, Act of Treason, Golden Bickie and Gravity all blend local craftmanship with fresh, modern energy ready to be unlocked. The new team has the know-how, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to take these brands to the next level, and I’m stoked to be part of that journey.”

The combined business will continue production in partnership with IDL, and maintain strong national distribution across key on- and off-premise partners.