Mark Anthony Group's Strategic Acquisition of The Finnish Long Drink to Expand RTD Portfolio

Mark Anthony Group's Acquisition of The Finnish Long Drink

The Mark Anthony Group of Companies, well-known for its impactful beverages like White Claw® Hard Seltzer, has unveiled plans to acquire The Finnish Long Drink. This acquisition, announced on April 13, 2026, is set to enhance the market reach of this rising ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage and solidify its growth trajectory across North America.

Phil Rosse, the CEO of The Mark Anthony Group, highlighted the brand's potential, stating, "Our focus has always been on building and scaling brands that stand out in their category and resonate with consumers. 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 by expanding its reach and bringing it to more consumers."

The Finnish Long Drink quickly gained notoriety since its U.S. debut, attracting a loyal customer base due to its unique flavor and intriguing backstory. Originating from Finland, this beverage was initially created as an alcoholic refreshment for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics. The government of Finland commissioned a drink to help welcome international visitors, giving rise to the now-iconic long drinks.

The Finnish Long Drink was launched in the U.S. by a group of Finnish entrepreneurs, including Mikael Taipale and Ere Manner, along with American Evan Burns. In just a few years, this drink has not only gained traction among consumers but has also garnered a 'super fan' following, which includes co-owner and notable actor Miles Teller. Teller remarked, "I first came across Long Drink as a fan — it felt different from anything else out there. With The Mark Anthony Group of Companies, we have the right partner to introduce the brand to even more people without losing what made people enjoy it in the first place."

The Mark Anthony Group has acted as The Finnish Long Drink's exclusive distributor in Canada, further solidifying its position as a pioneering brand in the RTD category. This acquisition marks a significant leap forward as the Mark Anthony Group aims to amplify the brand's presence across multiple markets.

Mark Anthony's legacy traces back to 1972 when it started as a small import wine business. Over decades, it has evolved into an international drinks company, encompassing a diverse portfolio that includes luxury wineries and iconic beverage brands such as Mike's Hard Lemonade and Cayman Jack Cocktails. The strategic acquisition of The Finnish Long Drink aligns perfectly with their mission to innovate and make a positive difference in consumers' lives.

Mikael Taipale, Co-Founder and CFO of The Finnish Long Drink, expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, "We've got an incredible fanbase and a team that has propelled The Finnish Long Drink to be one of the breakout RTD brands, but many consumers are still yet to try it. Joining The Mark Anthony Group gives us a huge opportunity to accelerate growth and introduce Long Drink to a much broader audience."

This acquisition symbolizes not just the expansion of a beverage brand, but also a bridge connecting various cultures through shared drink experiences. As The Finnish Long Drink paves its way into the hearts of consumers across North America, we look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve under the guidance and support of The Mark Anthony Group.

For more information on both companies and this exciting endeavor, visit Mark Anthony Group and learn more about The Finnish Long Drink, a historic beverage revived for the modern consumer.