Major drinks wholesalers expands into Longford

One of the largest independent drinks wholesalers in the country is expanding into Longford and the North West. 

JJ Mahon & Sons has agreed the acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks, a wholesale supplier based in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Following the acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks by Kildare-based JJ Mahon & Sons a new entity called Connacht Bottlers will be established.

Connacht Bottlers will be based at the existing Drino Drinks distribution centre at Grange, Carrick-on-Shannon.

All staff employed by Drino Drinks on the date of the takeover will transfer to Connacht Bottlers, which will be the largest independent drinks wholesaler in the region.

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The business will continue to supply customers with spirits, kegs, bottled beers, craft beers, soft drinks, snacks and barware, as well as the exclusive wine brands from many of the world’s top vineyards already available from JJ Mahon & Sons.

Established in 1949, JJ Mahon & Sons currently employ over 40 fulltime staff at its Kildare Town base, servicing the hospitality industry in the greater Dublin area, Leinster and the Midlands.

Drino Drinks was founded 65 years ago and is a wholesale supplier to the hospitality industry in Co Longford, the North West, West and Midlands.

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Kevin Mahon, Chief Executive of JJ Mahon & Sons, described the establishment of Connacht Bottlers as a significant achievement for the company established over 70 years ago by his late father.

He added: “Assuming Drino Drinks into JJ Mahon & Sons will allow us to bring the customer service ethos which we are famous for and which is at the core of our business offering to the North Midlands and West region. I look forward to working with the staff who have transferred from Drino Drinks, as we continue to service and support existing customers in the region and also attract new business. I believe that our focus on delivering for our customers is exactly the same as that of the late Pat McGovern, who established Drino in 1957 (1968) and developed the company into a thriving business.”

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Cian McGovern, Managing Director of Drino Drinks, thanked the company’s customers and staff for their loyalty and support over many decades. He said: “Connacht Bottlers will ensure it is business as usual for the existing Drino Drinks customers and staff, while JJ Mahon & Sons’ long history and experience servicing the hospitality industry mean customers will have access to a wider range of products. I wish Connacht Bottlers and the excellent staff who are transferring every success.”

The acquisition of the business of Drino Drinks by JJ Mahon & Sons and the establishment of Connacht Bottlers took place on the February 6, 2023.