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) in1983.
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 Chelsea London Dry Gin, Bull London Dry Gin, Squadron Dark Rum, Bull Dark Rum, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, Commodore Aromatic Schnapps, Finlays Tonic Wine, Veleta Sparkling Fruit Drink (Peach, Red and White), Derok Quality Café Liqueur, Action Bitters, Samba Coconut Liqueur, Teezers (Exotic, Ginger and Lime).
The Company operates from a purpose-built distillery and bottling plant located at Kilometre 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–one(41) 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.
On April 20th 2012, IDL became NIS ISO 9001:2008 certified. This is in reinforcement of her commitment to producing quality drinks that meet customers satisfaction at all times.
