In an industry where trends come and go like seasons, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited has stood the test of time, evolving from its humble beginnings on the Ontario frontier to become a powerhouse in the Canadian spirits and wine domain. At the helm of this storied company is Nicolas Krantz, President and CEO, who is steering Corby into a future that honors its rich heritage while acknowledging innovation.
Since its inception 160 years ago, when whisky was as essential to daily life as bread, Corby has been an integral part of Canada’s cultural foundation. The company’s journey mirrors the nation’s own growth, from a rugged frontier to a sophisticated, modern society with a taste for the finer things in life.
Today, Corby’s influence extends far beyond its Canadian roots. The company’s portfolio boasts many of the top 25 selling brands in the country, a testament to its keen understanding of consumer preferences and market trends. But Nicolas and his team are not content to rest on their laurels. They are constantly pushing the boundaries, creating innovative marketing campaigns and events that keep their brands at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Nicolas’ vision for Corby is clear: to create win-win, memorable experiences for customers, consumers, shareholders, and employees alike. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the company’s operations, from product development to distribution and marketing.
Under his leadership, Corby is not just selling spirits and wines; it is crafting moments that make life worth living. This approach has resonated with consumers across Canada and beyond, with Corby’s products now finding their way onto shelves in the United States, Europe, and other international markets.
In an industry often dominated by multinational conglomerates, Corby’s success story serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of one’s roots, a company can not only survive but thrive for over a century and a half. As Corby raises a glass to its rich history, it also looks forward to writing the next chapter in its spirited journey.
Let us learn more about its journey:
The History of Corby Distillery
In 1826, Henry Corby, a 26-year-old immigrant from the UK, arrived in Canada and established a modest food shop and bakery in Belleville, Ontario.
By the 1840s and 1850s, Corby had sold his bakery and invested in a St. Lawrence steamer, which led him to the grain trade. His growing interest in distilling prompted him to produce his own whisky for local consumption, a venture that soon became integral to his milling business. By 1859, the distillery was incorporated, marking its significance alongside the milling operations.
The 1880s and 90s saw a transition in leadership as Henry Corby II, Henry’s son, took over the business in 1881. Under his guidance, the company began bottling its whisky, branded as Corby, which gained popularity and opened new markets. The company also diversified by importing Scotch whisky and wines.
In the 1910s, Corby expanded its reach by establishing an office in Montréal. In October 1912, Henry Corby II was appointed to the Canadian Senate. However, the onset of war necessitated a shift in focus, as the distillery suspended normal operations to support the war effort by producing alcohol for munitions.
The 1920s brought significant changes when H. Corby Distillery was sold to the Canadian Industrial Alcohol Company Limited. This new entity acquired the assets of JP Wiser’s Distillery and relocated operations to Corbyville, Ontario.
From 1935 to 1945, Hiram Walker – Gooderham & Worts Ltd. acquired a 51% stake in Corby Distillery Limited. Yet, World War II again interrupted normal operations, as the distillery shifted to producing alcohol for munitions.
In 1952, following the war, Canadian troops returned with a taste for imported spirits. Corby responded by signing a joint venture with the United Rum Merchants of London, introducing the esteemed Lamb’s family of rums to its distillery.
In 1969, the company rebranded as Corby Distilleries Limited and was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The 1978 acquisition of Meagher’s Distillery Limited and its subsidiary, the William Mara Company, expanded Corby’s domestic liqueur market presence and introduced international brands like Beefeater gin.
In 1987, Allied Lyons PLC became Corby’s majority shareholder by acquiring 51% of Hiram Walker – Gooderham & Worts Ltd. shares. The following year, Corby acquired McGuinness Distilling Co. Ltd., adding brands such as Polar Ice vodka to its portfolio.
In 1989, after 132 years, the Corbyville distillery closed, transferring its maturing whisky inventory to the Hiram Walker facility in Windsor, Ontario.
The new millennium marked a revitalization for Corby. In 2005, Pernod Ricard S.A. became the majority shareholder, leading to long-term agreements that introduced renowned brands like Chivas Regal and Jacob’s Creek wines. Corby also acquired international rights to Lamb’s rum.
In 2008, Corby added the globally recognized vodka brand ABSOLUT to its portfolio through a partnership with Pernod Ricard.
In November 2013, Corby unveiled a new brand identity and officially changed its name to Corby Spirit and Wine Limited.
The company continued to grow, acquiring the spirits assets of Domaines Pinnacle Inc. in 2016, which included the unique Ungava® Premium Canadian gin and a range of maple-based liqueurs.
In 2017, Corby expanded its portfolio further by acquiring The Foreign Affair Winery, a VQA wine producer based in Niagara, Ontario.
Corby Today
Most recently, in 2023, Corby acquired Ace Beverage Group, a leading better-for-you beverage alcohol company in Canada, which includes brands such as Cottage Springs and Ace Hill.
Through its rich history, Corby has continuously evolved, adapting to market demands while maintaining a passion for quality and innovation.
Corby is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. The company is affiliated with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine sector. This partnership has significantly enhanced Corby’s portfolio, bolstered its operations and purchasing power, and enabled the company to leverage international expertise and best practices for the benefit of all its stakeholders.
Corby collaborates closely with Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd., also affiliated with Pernod Ricard, which further strengthens the brands and performance of both entities. Most of the brands owned by Corby are blended and bottled at the Hiram Walker facility in Windsor, Ontario. In recent years, Corby has expanded its reach by acquiring three rapidly growing Canadian businesses: Ungava Spirits Co., Foreign Affair Winery, and Ace Beverage Group.
The company’s vow to quality, ingenuity, and service has allowed Corby brands to become integral to celebrations and traditions across Canada. This dedication has fostered workforce growth in every region of the country and delivered consistent returns to shareholders for decades.
Corby’s portfolio includes some of Canada’s most esteemed brands, such as J.P. Wiser’s®, Lot No. 40®, Pike Creek®, and Gooderham & Worts® Canadian whiskies, along with Lamb’s® rum, Polar Ice® vodka, McGuinness® liqueurs, and Ungava® gin. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., Corby also represents renowned international brands, including ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal® and The Glenlivet® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and a selection of wines such as Jacob’s Creek®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, and Kenwood®.
With a distinctive portfolio that encompasses both unique Canadian brands and international premium offerings across all major categories of wines and spirits, Corby boasts the most comprehensive selection in the market. This diverse array cultivates a strong and vibrant portfolio that meets consumers’ desires for choice and variety in taste.
Exciting Innovations in the Beverage World
- Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey presents a delightful fusion of sweet and savory, perfect for embracing life’s quirky moments. This distinctive spirit is bound to surprise and please even the most doubtful guests at any gathering.
- Código 1530 Blanco Tequila: Crafted from 100% fully matured, hand-selected Blue Weber agave, Código 1530 Blanco Tequila adheres to the highest quality standards. It boasts an earthy, mineral essence balanced with a bright citrus sweetness. This award-winning tequila contains no additives, sweeteners, or flavorings.
- Ace Beverage Group: Corby Spirit and Wine Limited has integrated Ace Beverage Group into its portfolio, enhancing its array of renowned spirits and wine brands. This acquisition provides Canadians with a broader selection of accessible and convenient ready-to-drink (RTD) options.
- Nude Beverages: With Ace Beverage Group’s acquisition of Nude Beverages, both Corby and ABG are advancing their shared goal of becoming leaders in Canada’s RTD market by expanding in Western Canada.
Art of Creating Unforgettable Experiences
Driven by passion and versatile energy, Corby creates unforgettable experiences that enhance everyday life. Their goal is to bring people together—whether on sunlit patios, in cozy dining rooms, or in lively pubs and restaurants. Across the country, tables are beautifully set with selections from their exceptional range of premium products.
As enthusiastic hosts, Corby represents a remarkable family of individuals committed to responsible consumption and promoting a more harmonious way of living and collaborating. They fulfill their role as considerate guests, valuing their business partners, local communities, and the environment.
Corby firmly believes that true magic unfolds when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share and collaborate. This passion for inclusivity enhances their strength, creativity, and agility.
With years of experience in the industry, Corby understands that although many aspects have evolved, the fundamental wish to take a moment and appreciate life endures. Every day, their team is dedicated to crafting memorable experiences that benefit consumers, customers, and each other. This philosophy not only guides their actions but also fuels their continued success.
Passion to Environmental and Social Responsibility
As a prominent Canadian producer and marketer of spirits and wines, Corby is dedicated to environmental stewardship and responsible hosting. The unique character of its product portfolio is deeply rooted in the Canadian landscape, utilizing the country’s abundant natural resources, including pristine water, fertile soil, and sustainable energy for production.
Corby prioritizes environmental responsibility by addressing both the direct and indirect effects of its operations. Its products are blended and bottled at Hiram Walker & Sons Limited in Windsor, Ontario, a facility that complies with ISO 14000 standards and has achieved “GreenSTAR” recognition for its efforts in minimizing carbon emissions.
The company is committed to preserving diverse terroirs and their ecosystems while tackling climate change to guarantee high-quality ingredients for future generations. Additionally, Corby is dedicated to combating alcohol misuse by adapting its business and marketing strategies, addressing harmful drinking, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive meaningful change.
In 2012, Corby’s parent company, Pernod Ricard, joined 11 leading beer, wine, and spirits companies and two industry trade associations in agreeing to a five-year program built around five commitments dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm. These commitments include reducing under-age drinking, strengthening and expanding marketing codes of practice, providing consumer information and responsible product innovation, reducing drinking and driving, and enlisting the support of retailers to reduce harmful drinking.
Corby is committed to making a positive impact on these five commitments through various internal and external initiatives, ensuring that consumers are aware of the benefits of drinking responsibly and the risks associated with excess alcohol consumption.
Responsible Marketing and Inclusive Culture
Corby is dedicated to responsible marketing practices and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The company’s Code of Commercial Communications ensures that all employees involved in product promotion are certified in responsible liquor service training, and all marketing and advertising activities adhere to strict guidelines, including the message “Please enjoy our products responsibly.”
Corby’s devotion to valuing individuals shines through in its approach to treating employees, customers, and suppliers like family. The company understands that diverse perspectives are crucial for fostering creativity, innovation, and business expansion. To support this, Corby has formed a Balance & Inclusivity Committee, composed of members from all its offices, to cultivate a culture that embraces varied viewpoints and experiences.
To encourage genuine social connections, Corby collaborates with GenWell, a Canadian non-profit focused on face-to-face interactions. Corby hosts GenWell Convivial Lunches in its offices and factories, offering phone-free occasions for employees to gather, share meals and drinks, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Furthermore, Corby is driving change externally through brand affiliations that inspire acceptance, inclusion, and support for industry diversification. By prioritizing responsible marketing and fostering an inclusive culture, Corby aims to bring people together and serve a valuable role in society.
Vow to Responsible Consumption
As a leading spirits and wine company in Canada, Corby takes its responsibility to promote safe and responsible consumption seriously. Through its Corby Safe Rides initiative, the company has partnered with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) since 2013 to provide free, safe rides for Torontonians on New Year’s Eve, ensuring no one drinks and drives.
The partnership has expanded over the years, with Jameson Irish Whiskey sponsoring the King and Queen streetcar lines on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018 and 2019, and Polar Ice Vodka offering complimentary streetcar rides to Blue Jays fans in 2022. To date, Corby Safe Rides has provided over 1.8 million free rides, with a 18% increase in transit ridership on New Year’s Eve.
Corby’s passion for local communities extends beyond its Safe Rides initiative. Through its annual Responsib’All Day, employees at Corby and Hiram Walker, along with 18,500 global employees of Pernod Ricard, unite to build a more sustainable and responsible world.
In 2022, employees built and donated 66 beehives to local beneficiaries, recognizing the importance of bees for pollination and biodiversity. As a company that relies on well-functioning ecosystems to produce its iconic brands, Corby is dedicated to promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.
The Accomplished Leadership of Mr. Nicolas Krantz
Mr. Nicolas Krantz serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Corby. From 2017 to 2020, he held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Pernod Ricard Winemakers in Spain. Prior to that, he was the Chief Financial Officer for Pernod Ricard in the EMEA and LATAM regions from 2012 to 2017, and he also served as the CFO and COO of the global wine division of Pernod Ricard in Sydney from 2005 to 2011.
His career at Pernod Ricard began at their Headquarters in Paris in Business Development and M&A. Over the years, Nicolas has held various executive positions within several Pernod Ricard affiliates and predecessor companies, amassing over 25 years of industry and financial expertise. He holds a Master of Finance and a Bachelor of Economics from Sorbonne University in Paris.
