Uncle Nearest, which last year purchased Domaine Saint Martin, has announced the acquisition of Square One Organic Spirits.
Since 2004, Square One has been dedicated to producing exclusively USDA-certified organic spirits. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Square One has a lifetime sales exceeding $22 million with nearly 200,000 cases sold, according to the company.
“In 2020, I expressed our vision for Uncle Nearest to not just be a brand, but to become the first spirits conglomerate in America founded by a woman or person of color,” says Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. “Many saw this as wishful thinking since we were only three years into our journey at the time.”
Under the new partnership, Square One will maintain its commitment to farm-to-glass production and will introduce a new line of organic, gluten-free options designed to appeal to a broader consumer base. CEO Allison Evanow will continue to play a leadership role. A rebranding of Square One Organic Vodka, led by The Formulation Group, will be unveiled prior to expanding into all 50 states this summer.
“While we have really loved being an independent brand so that we could focus on quality organic ingredients and unique flavor profiles, the intense demands of handling nearly all sales personally underscored the need for stronger backing,” says Evanow. “Uncle Nearest will not only preserve our independent spirit and world class quality, but also bring the robust sales and distribution capabilities we need to reach our full potential.”
Adds Weaver, “There is a clear demand for brands that are authentically owned and culturally resonant. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver high quality but also maintain genuine ties to the communities they represent. This shift towards authenticity has created a pivotal opportunity for a company like ours. With Uncle Nearest’s extensive national distribution network and our deep commitment to heritage and authenticity, we are perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand. By entering the vodka market, we’re not just expanding our portfolio, we’re responding to a consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands.”
