Bethenny Frankel is a well-known entrepreneur, author, and reality television personality who has built a recognizable personal brand. Many people associate her with the term skinnygirl, but the ownership and business relationship between Bethenny and that label can be confusing.
This article breaks down who actually owns the skinnygirl brand, how Bethenny is involved, and what this means for consumers and investors.
| Brand Element | Owner / Operator | Key Details | Public Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skinnygirl Cocktail | Beam Suntory (formerly Proximo Spirits) | Co-founded by Bethenny Frankel in 2011; brand licensed to Proximo Spirits, later acquired by Beam Suntory | Consumer product sold in retail and hospitality |
| Skinnygirl Brand Name | Bethenny Frankel | Registered trademark owned by Bethenny Frankel; used across multiple product categories | Registered to Bethenny Frankel |
| Skinnygirl Company | Bethenny Frankel and Corporate Partners | Original company founded by Bethenny; later partnered with and sold to beverage conglomerates | Entity created and led by Bethenny Frankel |
Skinnygirl Origin Story and Bethenny Frankel
How the Brand Started
Bethenny Frankel launched Skinnygirl in 2011 as a line of lower-calorie cocktails, marketed as a healthier option for women. She appeared on television shows and used her personal story to build awareness, turning the brand into a fast-growing lifestyle label.
Ownership Structure
While Bethenny Frankel founded and owns the Skinnygirl brand name, the cocktail products were produced through a licensing agreement with Proximo Spirits. This changed when Beam Suntory acquired the spirits business, making them the manufacturer and distributor of the ready-to-drink cocktails.
Product Lines Under the Skinnygirl Label
Alcoholic Cocktails
The original Skinnygirl product was a pre-mixed cocktail with lower sugar and calories compared to standard margaritas and cosmopolitans. These are the products most commonly found on store shelves.
Extensions Beyond Cocktails
Over time, the Skinnygirl name expanded into supplements, teas, digital content, and other wellness-related offerings. These extensions are typically run by Bethenny Frankel or her affiliated companies rather than the beverage partners.
Business Partnerships and Corporate Changes
Licensing and Production Deals
Bethenny Frankel partnered with Proximo Spirits to handle manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of the ready-to-drink cocktails. This partnership allowed the brand to scale without Bethenny running a distillery.
Acquisition by Beam Suntory
When Proximo Spirits was acquired by Beam Suntory, control of the cocktail production and distribution transferred to Beam Suntory. Bethenny Frankel retained ownership of the Skinnygirl brand name and continued to license it for related products.
Marketing, Public Perception, and Brand Evolution
Positioning and Messaging
Skinnygirl positioned itself as a modern, female-focused brand tied to empowerment and weight-conscious choices. Bethenny Frankel’s public persona played a central role in this narrative, connecting the products to her personal brand.
Current Brand Landscape
Today, the portfolio includes cocktails sold through major retailers, supplements, and digital offerings. The ownership structure reflects a mix of Bethenny Frankel’s intellectual property and large beverage corporations managing production and sales.
Key Takeaways on Bethenny Frankel and Skinnygirl Ownership
- Bethenny Frankel founded the Skinnygirl brand and owns the name and trademark.
- Ready-to-drink cocktails are produced and distributed by Beam Suntory under license.
- The brand has expanded beyond cocktails into supplements and digital offerings.
- Ownership of the brand name remains with Bethenny Frankel, while beverage production is handled by corporate partners.
- Licensing agreements allow Bethenny to monetize the brand without operating manufacturing facilities.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Bethenny Frankel own the Skinnygirl cocktail brand outright?
Bethenny Frankel owns the Skinnygirl brand name and founded the company, but the ready-to-drink cocktails are produced and distributed through Beam Suntory under a licensing agreement, not owned outright by her.
Who makes Skinnygirl cocktails now after the Proximo acquisition?
After Beam Suntory acquired Proximo Spirits, Beam Suntory manufactures and distributes Skinnygirl cocktails, while Bethenny Frankel licenses the brand name for these products.
What does Bethenny Frankel actually own related to Skinnygirl?
Bethenny Frankel owns the registered trademark and brand name Skinnygirl, which she licenses for cocktails, supplements, and other wellness products, giving her control over how the name is used.
Can Bethenny Frankel sell or license the Skinnygirl name to others?
Yes, Bethenny Frankel can license or sell the Skinnygirl brand name because it is her intellectual property, and she has done so with various partners across supplements, digital content, and other product categories.