Our Story
Honouring our past.
Celebrating our future.
1881
Our roots go back to 1881, when James J. Fox opened at 119 Grafton Street, beginning a family business whose heritage would ultimately become part of the Ampersand story.
1951
Tobacco Distributors Limited was established in Dublin in 1951.
The incorporation document records the company as incorporated on 26 September 1951.
Memorandum and Articles of Association · 1951
Register of Directors or Managers · 1963
Anne Macnamara holds a remarkable place in history as Ireland's first female Incorporated Accountant.
Her name also appears in Tobacco Distributors Limited's original Directors Register, where she is recorded as a company director in 1963.
At a time when women faced significant barriers in the professions and business leadership, her achievements were particularly noteworthy. Her connection to Tobacco Distributors Limited is a fascinating part of our company's heritage and a story worth celebrating as we mark 75 years.
Shannon Airport
A pioneering connection to Irish travel retail
Shannon Airport made aviation history with the opening of the world's first duty-free shop, establishing a new era in international travel retail.
Tobacco Distributors Limited became part of Ireland's developing duty-free sector, building longstanding relationships through the supply of tobacco products. That heritage encompasses Shannon Airport, Dublin Airport and travel retail outlets throughout Ireland, with the business becoming one of the leading suppliers to Irish travel retail, an important chapter in Ampersand's story.
From its roots in tobacco distribution, Tobacco Distributors Limited developed a diverse portfolio spanning cigarettes, cigars, wines and spirits. Wine became an important part of the business for more than three decades, reflecting its growing expertise in brand representation, distribution and long-standing supplier partnerships.
One of our former Dublin homes.
In 2026 we gathered at Charlotte Quay restaurant, just a short distance away, bringing the celebration back close to this part of our history.
Charlotte Quay restaurant · 2026
Late 1990s
In the late 1990s, TDL moved to a purpose-built warehouse and bond on the Naas Road, the home of Ampersand today.
2006
As the business evolved beyond its tobacco origins, the Ampersand identity was introduced in 2006, reflecting a growing and increasingly diverse portfolio.
Building on its heritage in tobacco, wines and spirits, Ampersand continued to develop its presence across FMCG, confectionery and specialist consumer products, representing brands from Ireland and around the world.
The names and places woven through our story
Ampersand is part of the TDL Holdings group, alongside sister businesses including Taste the View, a specialist distributor of premium Irish artisan food products.
Sharing expertise, resources and a commitment to long-standing partnerships, these businesses reflect the wider group's continued development and diversification.
2026
Honouring our past. Celebrating our future.