KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two powerhouses in Jamaica’s beverage and spirits industry have struck a transformative deal that is set to reshape production and distribution both locally and abroad.
Wisynco Group Limited has finalized the acquisition of the assets of Ringtail Bottlers Limited and entered a long-term co-packing agreement to produce the celebrated Stone’s Ginger Wine, a brand with deep roots in Jamaica and strong demand internationally.
As part of the deal, Wisynco will oversee the manufacturing of Stone’s for Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and the United States. This move also brings under Wisynco’s production umbrella a portfolio of Ringtail’s brands such as Irie Moss, Prestige Liqueurs, Bandolero, and Privateer.
Select Brands Limited, Jamaica’s premier distributor of premium wines and spirits, will continue its role as marketer and distributor of Stone’s Ginger Wine along with the additional brands locally—ensuring that consumer-facing brand equity remains in the hands of one of the country’s most trusted names in spirits.
In a parallel move, Wisynco has also taken a 30% equity stake in Ringtail Holdings Limited, the parent company of Select Brands. This minority stake signals a deeper alignment between the two entities, cementing a long-term partnership that combines Wisynco’s unmatched production and distribution muscle with Select Brands’ expertise in brand building and premium positioning.
“This collaboration underscores Wisynco’s commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s beverage portfolio at home while pushing into global markets,” said Andrew Mahfood, CEO of Wisynco Group Limited. “Stone’s Ginger Wine is a brand woven into Jamaica’s cultural fabric. By assuming production, we ensure it thrives across borders while maintaining authenticity.”
David McConnell, co-managing director of Select Brands Limited, emphasized the strategic balance of the agreement: “Our expertise lies in cultivating brands and deepening consumer trust. Wisynco’s production capacity complements this perfectly, allowing us to scale while retaining the premium standards consumers expect.”
Both executives stressed that although the companies will continue to operate independently, their strategies will align to deliver synergies in promotions, market execution, and international expansion.
The partnership arrives at a symbolic time—Wisynco’s 60th anniversary year—marking not just a milestone for the company but also the beginning of a new era for Jamaica’s beverage sector.
At its core, the alliance is about growth: ensuring iconic Jamaican brands remain relevant, celebrated, and competitive in an increasingly globalized market.
