Allied Domecq quits Lion Nathan

International liquor brand company Allied Domecq will end its distribution partnership with Lion Nathan in June, taking its New Zealand spirits range back into its own hands.

Allied Domecq's premium spirits brands will instead be marketed through its subsidiary Allied Domecq Wines NZ, the country's largest wine producer and exporter.

These include Courvoisier Cognac, Laphroaig and the Allied Domecq Scotch malt whisky portfolio, Maker's Mark bourbon whisky, Cockburn's port and Harvey's sherry.

Allied Domecq Wines, formerly Montana Wines, produces nearly half of New Zealand's total wine exports.