Independent. Family Owned. Award-Winning.
Emporia Brands is an independent, family-owned spirits importer, distributor and brand owner with more than 40 years of experience in the drinks industry. Today, we represent a diverse portfolio of premium spirits from producers around the world, supplying and supporting the UK drinks trade while continuing to build the long-term relationships that have defined Emporia from the beginning.
A Family Story
The Emporia story is one built across generations. The Rackham family’s involvement in the drinks trade began with Arthur Rackham, who built and operated a successful group of wine merchants in London. His son, James Rackham, carried that experience into the spirits industry, founding Emporia and developing the business around premium spirits, independent producers and long-term partnerships.
Today, the next generation is actively involved in the business, with James joined by his son Jack and daughter Camille. While Emporia has evolved considerably, it remains independently owned and family run — allowing us to retain the personal approach, continuity and long-term thinking on which the business was built.
More Than 40 Years of Relationships
For more than four decades, relationships have been at the heart of Emporia. We have developed long-standing partnerships with producers, distillers, wholesalers, retailers and hospitality businesses, with some relationships continuing across generations. These partnerships are built on mutual respect, trust and a shared ambition to develop brands for the long term.
That philosophy influences how we work today. We do not simply add products to a portfolio and distribute them. We invest in understanding the people, provenance and potential behind each brand, while working closely with our customers to create sustainable commercial opportunities.
ABOUT EMPORIA BRANDS
A Portfolio Built on Quality
Our portfolio brings together distinctive spirits from producers around the world, with a focus on quality, provenance and integrity of production.
We seek out producers who take their craft seriously — from established family distilleries with generations of expertise to innovative independent producers creating something genuinely different.
The result is a broad portfolio spanning the major spirits categories, from whisky, rum, gin, vodka and tequila to Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, liqueurs, aperitifs and specialist spirits.
Building Brands, Not Just Distributing Bottles
Our role extends beyond importing and supplying spirits. Emporia works alongside producers and customers to develop brands within the UK market — combining distribution with sales, marketing, education, activation and commercial support.
We help secure listings, but equally importantly, we work to create the visibility and demand required to make those listings successful. From bartender engagement, training and menu development to trade promotions, retail campaigns, digital marketing and brand activation, our focus is on helping products move through the trade and building sustainable value for our partners. This approach has helped establish Emporia as an award-winning spirits distributor, including multiple IWSC Spirits Distributor/Importer of the Year recognition and inclusion in the IWSC Top 50 Spirits Producers 2025.
Independent by Nature
We can be selective about the brands we represent, responsive to the customers we serve and personally invested in the partnerships we build. Decisions are made by people who understand our brands and the UK drinks trade, without the layers often associated with larger corporate distributors.
It also allows us to think beyond the next listing or sales cycle. Whether we are working with a producer, wholesaler, bartender, independent retailer or national account, our aim is to create relationships that generate value for both sides over the long term.
Emporia has changed significantly since James founded the business, but the principles behind it remain remarkably consistent.
As Jack and Camille continue the family story, Emporia is combining decades of knowledge and established industry relationships with a new generation of ideas, brands and opportunities.
The objective remains simple: discover exceptional spirits, build meaningful brands and create partnerships that last.
