Mark Anthony Group Acquires The Finnish Long Drink to Fuel North American Expansion

CHICAGO — The Mark Anthony Group of Companies has officially announced the acquisition of The Finnish Long Drink, a move designed to accelerate the growth of the fast-rising ready-to-drink (RTD) brand and expand its availability across North America.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies. Mark Anthony Group, the powerhouse behind White Claw, aims to leverage its massive distribution network to scale a brand that has already demonstrated explosive organic momentum.

“Our focus has always been on building and scaling brands that stand out in their category and resonate with consumers,” said Phil Rosse, CEO of The Mark Anthony Group of Companies. “Long Drink has already established strong momentum and a clear point of difference in the RTD space, and we see a meaningful opportunity to build on that success.”

A Heritage Rooted in History

The Finnish Long Drink traces its origins back to the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, where the Finnish government commissioned a refreshing “long drink” to serve the influx of international tourists. While the category remained a staple in Finland for over 70 years, it wasn’t until 2018 that the brand was brought to the United States by founders Mikael Taipale, Ere Manner, Sakari Manninen, and Evan Burns.

The brand’s identity is built on a deceptively simple formula: gin, grapefruit soda, and carbonation. Unlike many competitors that rely on complex flavor rotations or heavy marketing cycles, Long Drink has remained disciplined, leaning into its tradition and a well-defined flavor profile.

“When we set out to launch The Finnish Long Drink, we wanted to create a brand rich with tradition for generations to come,” noted co-founder and CFO Mikael Taipale.

Explosive Market Performance

Since its U.S. debut, the brand has become one of the most significant success stories in the spirits-based RTD segment. According to Shanken News Daily’s Impact Databank, the company:

* Reached approximately 3.3 million 9-liter cases last year.

* More than tripled in size since 2022.

* Maintained growth in a market where many brands struggle to sustain interest after an initial launch.

While many RTDs grew in the shadow of the hard seltzer boom, Long Drink took a different path by focusing on a real spirits base rather than malt. This approach has allowed it to capture a broader consumer base as preferences shift toward higher-quality ingredients.
Strategic Synergy and Scaling

The acquisition is a natural evolution of an existing relationship; Mark Anthony Group has served as the exclusive distributor for Long Drink in Canada, where it is already one of the fastest-growing offerings in the market.

For Mark Anthony, the deal provides a strategic entry point into the premium spirits.

Evan Burns, co-founder and CEO of The Finnish Long Drink, believes the partnership is the key to reaching the next level. “Joining The Mark Anthony Group gives us a huge opportunity to accelerate growth and introduce Long Drink to a much broader audience,” he stated.

The “Super Fan” Factor

Part of the brand’s rapid ascent can be attributed to its roster of high-profile “super fans” and co-owners, including actor Miles Teller, golfer Rickie Fowler, and DJ Kygo. Despite the celebrity involvement, the brand has maintained a product-first identity.

“I first came across Long Drink as a fan — it felt different from anything else out there,” said Miles Teller. “With The Mark Anthony Group, we have the right partner to introduce the brand to even more people without losing what made people enjoy it in the first place.”