Amber Beverage UK enters administration following failed sale efforts

Amber Beverage UK Limited, the British spirits distributor owned by Luxembourg-headquartered Amber Beverage Group (ABG), entered administration on 19 October 2026 after efforts to secure a going-concern sale proved unsuccessful. Danny Dartnaill and Timothy Townley of BDO were appointed joint administrators, with the company ceasing trading and most of its 27 employees being made redundant.

The company distributed a portfolio of international spirits brands, including Stoli vodka, El Tequileño Tequila, Lind & Lime Gin and The Irishman Irish whiskey. Originally incorporated in 1999 as Cellar Trends Limited, the business was acquired by ABG in 2019 and rebranded as Amber Beverage UK in 2021. Its financial position had deteriorated significantly, with accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 reporting losses exceeding £21 million.

The directors filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court in London on 16 October, following unsuccessful attempts to find a buyer for the business. BDO confirmed that a small number of employees would be retained temporarily to assist with the administration and the realisation of assets for creditors.

The collapse comes amid wider financial difficulties across ABG, which is controlled by the same parent company as Stoli Group, owned by Russian-born businessman Yuri Shefler. In January 2026, Amber Beverage Latvia sought court-supervised restructuring protection following liquidity pressures and disruption associated with a major cyberattack. ABG also cited litigation involving the Russian Federation and restrictions on its access to international markets, which it linked to the group's public support for Ukraine.

On 28 April 2026, ABG announced that it had commenced judicial reorganisation proceedings in Luxembourg and was negotiating with creditors following a loan default, with Swedish corporate services provider CSC acting as trustee for the affected lenders. The UK administration represents a further setback for the international spirits group as it seeks to address financial pressures across its operations.