Hood River Distillers Names North as its Lead Brand Agency

Hood River Distillers, the largest and oldest importer, distiller and marketer of distilled spirits in the Northwest, has named Portland, Ore.-based North as its lead brand agency responsible for brand positioning, creative, and communications strategy for their three newest premium brands: Batanga Tequila, Easy Rider Bourbon Whiskey, and a unique premium vodka brand in development to be launched later in 2020.

North has also been tasked with leading the development to evolve Hood River Distiller’s 85-year-old company brand positioning.

“We were attracted to North because of their strategic and creative firepower capabilities but also because of their Pacific Northwest roots,” says John Russell, chief marketing officer at Hood River Distillers. “Our focus is not just on the quality of the product but on associating each brand with a specific lifestyle and building the brand from the ground up.”

North has extensive experience consulting with Northwest lifestyle and CPG brands across traditional advertising, social and digital platforms. Hood River Distillers was also drawn to North because of CCO Mark Ray’s extensive music experience. Music is expected to play a significant role in Hood River Distillers’ marketing.

“The mixology moment we’re currently experiencing in the Pacific Northwest is in no small part due to Hood River Distillers’ impact on the culture,” says Mark Ray, chief creative officer at North. “I'm expecting great things out of our new partnership, including samplings before every meeting."

In 2020, Hood River Distillers will focus on four premium brands with plans to add a new brand every year to its premium brand portfolio.