Our Company
Exceptional is in our DNA.
We partner with small startups and global brands alike to innovate in the food science industry, support the growth of our award-winning branded spirits, and create some of the finest whiskeys, ryes, bourbons, gins and vodkas in the world.
Create Exceptional®
In 1941, Cloud L. Cray, Sr. set out to create a company of makers and innovators that felt more like a family than a corporation. That company was MGP. And in 1958, Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr. established the David Sherman Corporation (DSC), which later became the industry-leading Luxco portfolio of branded spirits. Since their beginnings, MGP and Luxco have shared a legacy of commitment to personal relationships — making the 2021 merger nothing short of a perfect blend.
We look forward to what the future has in store for our expanded family. Whether we’re collaborating with each other or with our customers, we take pride in our craft and refuse to settle for anything less than exceptional.
1941
A company takes root.
Cloud L. Cray, Sr. establishes Midwest Solvents in Atchison, Kansas, initially producing industrial alcohol for wartime use.
1946
From wartime production to spirits.
Following World War II, the company turns its attention to distilled drinking alcohol, beginning a broader chapter in spirits production.
1950
Expanding into whiskey.
The company acquires McCormick Distilling Company in Weston, Missouri, expanding its involvement in the spirits business and adding whiskey, rum, gin and vodka capabilities.
1953
Expanding into ingredient solutions.
The Atchison plant begins recovering vital wheat gluten, laying the foundation for the company’s growing ingredient solutions business.
1957
Officially incorporated.
The business is incorporated in Kansas, establishing the corporate foundation that would continue to evolve for decades to come.
1965
Entering the wheat starch business.
The company launches a wheat starch division, expanding its capabilities in specialty ingredients.
1970s
New possibilities for grain.
The company begins producing ethanol, expanding its distilling capabilities into the growing alternative fuels market.
1980
A new generation leads.
Bud Cray becomes CEO and chairman, and the company expands its footprint by purchasing a production facility in Pekin, Illinois.
1985
A new name for a growing business.
As food-related products become an increasingly important part of the business, the company adopts the name Midwest Grain Products.
1988
Going public.
Midwest Grain Products becomes a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Exchange.
2002
Becoming MGP Ingredients.
The company changes its name to MGP Ingredients, reflecting its continued evolution across distilling and specialty ingredients.
2011
Acquiring a historic distillery.
MGP Ingredients acquires the Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery, expanding its whiskey production capabilities and adding a historic distilling site to its operations.
2021
MGP acquires Luxco.
MGP Ingredients completes its acquisition of Luxco, uniting complementary strengths, experienced teams, world-class distillation and bottling capabilities, an award-winning spirits portfolio and national distribution.
2023
A new generation of brands joins the family.
MGP Ingredients acquires Penelope Bourbon, one of the fastest-growing premium American whiskey brands, expanding its premium American whiskey portfolio.
2026
New chapter as Sempreon.
Sempreon represents the next chapter for a company shaped by the legacies of MGP Ingredients, Luxco and the many businesses, brands and teams that have joined the organization over time. It brings Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions and Ingredient Solutions together under one corporate identity, carrying forward generations of expertise, craftsmanship and trusted relationships.
Branded
Spirits
In 2021, our product offerings expanded to include consumer- facing branded spirits from Luxco.
Branded Spirits
Distilling
Solutions
Premium whiskeys, bourbons, ryes and other whiskeys for small or large distillers.
Distilling Solutions
Ingredient
Solutions
Raw ingredients to solve today’s most pressing food science challenges.
Ingredient Solutions