WHO WE ARE
The history
of Intercontinental Distillers Limited dates back to 1749 when two Italians,
Justerini and Brooks came together to form a wine and spirit business which
they called J&B (derived from the initial of their names).
J&B went
through series of acquisition and ownership change until it became what was
known as International Distillers & Vintners (IDV). IDV itself was the
spirit division of the then Grand Metropolitan Plc of the United Kingdom.
Grand
Metropolitan Plc’s strategy to refocus her business, with the view to capture
the international market, gave rise to the incorporation of International
Distillers Nigeria Limited (IDNL) in 1983.
International
Distillers Nigeria Limited (IDNL) as it then was, commenced production in 1984
with Eagle Aromatic Schnapps on a manual line. The staff strength then was 53,
of which three were expatriates.
To
complement Eagle Schnapps, the company imported and marketed tested brands such
as SMIRNOFF, BAILEY’S Irish Cream and GILBEYS London Dry Gin. IDNL subsequently
commenced a series of expansion which saw it through its first decade of
operation with increased popularity, market acceptance and preference for her
products such as Chelsea London Dry Gin which was introduced in 1987.
The company
grew in size through the development of a wide range of portfolio of successful
brands, relying on a sound understanding of the Nigerian wines and spirit
market, and indeed of the West African sub–region. In 1997, International
Distillers Nigeria Limited metamorphosed into Intercontinental Distillers
Limited (IDL).
Today, IDL
produces and markets leading products such as Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, Chelsea
London Dry Gin, Squadron Dark Rum, Bull London Dry Gin, Bull Dark Rum, Action
Bitters, Confam Bitters, DeROK Cafe Liqueur, DeROK Chocolate Flavoured Liqueur,
Commodore Aromatic Schnapps, Chapeau Wine, Veleta Fruit Drink, Confam Bitters,
Rocket Ginger Liquer, Ivory Cream and Teezers.
The Company
operates from a purpose-built distillery and bottling plant located at KM 11,
Ota–Idiroko road, Ota, Ogun State and has its Head Office located at Plot 2,
No. 3 Ladipo Oluwole Street, Off Oba Akran Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos State.
IDL has a
network of branches and distributors that covers the entire nation. It operates
from regional offices which are complemented by Forty two (42) depot locations.
The Board of
Directors and Management is made up of time-tested professionals in business
and in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Industry. This is a key factor to our
success story.
In 2017, IDL
became NIS ISO 9001:2015 certified. This is in reinforcement of her commitment
to producing quality drinks that meet customers satisfaction at all times.