Britain's oldest wine merchant, beloved by the Royal Family, is expanding across the Atlantic with plans to open its first US store in Washington D.C.
Berry Brothers & Rudd, founded in 1698, is making the move amid growing American appetite for luxury British brands.
What began centuries ago as a simple grocer on London’s St James’s Street, where it remains based till this day, has blossomed into a revered brand.
The family-run company has also supplied Britain’s royals since the reign of George III in 1760 - some 16 years before the 13 colonies that would later be known as the United States declared independence from Britain.
Berry Brothers & Rudd is set to open a new store in Washington D.C.
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King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, marked the company’s 300th anniversary in 1997 by awarding the company with its second Royal Warrant.
The family-run company’s 260 year-long patronage from the Royal Family has been woven into its identity and seen it expand across the globe.
Berry Brothers & Rudd now have offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo alongside its London base.
However, this latest move will be the beloved merchant's first brick and mortar presence in the United States per The Telegraph.
The centuries also company has been supplying the British Royal Family since the time of George III.
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They are hoping to capture a growing market in the US for quality British good, especially those with a prestigious pedigree, and are not the first to make the attempt.
Department store Fortnum & Mason, itself representing centuries of prestige since 1707, have been increasing their American presence to capitalise on growing demand for authentic British goods.
1835 founded gunmaker and luxury clothing retailer Holland & Holland have also noted a huge increase of trade in the US.
In 2024, they recorded a jump from £425,000 to £2.1m is sales, which they attributed to an influx of millionaires to Texas.
The company, which has an establishment in Dallas, explained that: “Affluent Americans love the English aristocracy, Royal Family and our links (with them).”
Berry Brothers & Rudd is hoping to capitalise on growing US interest in prestigious British brands.
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They stressed that the storied royal connections were a“very romantic notion” to discerning Americans of means.
All three of these established companies hold multiple Royal Warrants, which functions as an official endorsement of the brand from the royal who awards it.
These are granted to businesses that supply goods or services to the Royal Household for five of the last seven years and demonstrate high standards in quality, service and sustainability.
At present, there are around 800 warrant holders, ranging from artisan food producers and tailors to global tech firms.
Since becoming Britain’s monarch, King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla have continued the practice - naming 400 companies last Christmas.
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The wine merchants are hoping to turn around a difficult financial year with the US venture.
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Regardless, based on the success of “by appointment” brands in the US, companies will be eyeing further opportunities in north America after the US and UK struck a trade deal and ahead of the King's visit to Canada.
This is true for Berry Brothers & Rudd, who are currently wreathing a heavy tax burden on the wine industry.
The pressures have forced them to cut approximately 30 of its 400 staff positions earlier this year to accommodate for the tricky market conditions.
A spokesman for Berry Brothers & Rudd expressed optimism about the American venture, stating: "This marks a key milestone in our international growth and we look forward to serving a wider community of customers across the US."
