Gareth Johnson
Angkor Tiger Football Club, the leading football club in Siem Reap, has entered into a commercial partnership with Mawsim Gin, the world’s top gin brand. The alliance aims to enhance both brands’ global and local presence through joint promotional activities.
The partnership agreement was signed by Angkor Tiger owner Akihiro Kato and Kenji Tsuzaki, Master Distiller of Unwaspa, the parent company of Mawsim Gin and its distillery, at the Mawsim Distillery and Concept Bar in Phnom Penh. The bar was recently ranked among the top 30 bars in the Kingdom as reported previously by Cambodia Investment Review.
Mawsim Gin, established in Phnom Penh not long ago, has rapidly gained a loyal following for its artisanal gin. The brand currently offers two varieties: Mawsim Gin Tropical Citrus and Mawsim Gin Spices and Herbs.
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Their products are available at their restaurant bar, distillery, and high-end establishments in Cambodia, such as the Shinta Mani. The company has also ventured into exporting, having shipped over 10,000 bottles to Japan.
Maintaining quality over pursuing high sales volumes
Master Distiller Kenji Tsuzaki indicated plans to expand into other markets, stressing the importance of maintaining quality over pursuing high sales volumes. “We have lots of interest from buyers around the world, but it is more important for us to keep the high quality than to sell a high volume,” Tsuzaki said.
Both Mawsim Gin varieties received Gold Awards at the 2023 Gin Magazine Awards, placing them among the top 20% of gins globally. Mawsim Gin Tropical outperformed all rivals in the competition, winning the title of Best Flavoured Gin. This distinction marks the first time a Cambodian company and an Asian brand have won such an award.
Mawsim Gin’s commitment to craftsmanship and eco-friendliness is evident in its production process. Ryuji Nukata of the company demonstrated how the gin is handcrafted and explained its environmentally friendly aspects. The ethanol used in the gin is made from invasive weeds that grow on the Tonle Sap River. Even the bottles, which are handcrafted in Japan, are designed to encourage reuse and reduce waste.
Support the growth and global recognition of both brands
The commercial partnership between Angkor Tiger FC and Mawsim Gin is expected to involve various collaborative projects. Angkor Tiger, also Japanese-owned, is among Cambodia’s best-supported football clubs. Club owner Akihiro Kato has ambitious plans, including the construction of a new stadium in Siem Reap, featuring housing, commercial, and entertainment venues.
The partnership may lead to the establishment of a bar or distillery at the new stadium, further strengthening the relationship between the two brands. Another possible collaboration is the development of a new gin specifically designed and marketed as Angkor Tiger Gin, which could be promoted on both brands’ platforms.
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The primary objective of the partnership is to support the growth and global recognition of these two brands, one of which has already achieved world-beater status.
