Born in Avignon, France
Reynald Vito Grattagliano was born in Avignon, France.
ROOTED IN CURIOSITY
From the lavender-scented hills of Provence to groundbreaking laboratories in Switzerland, Reynald Vito Grattagliano has spent a lifetime transforming scent, science, and spirit into global innovation. A master perfumer from the age of 13, Reynald's journey spans continents, from cosmetics in Europe to revolutionizing the fragrance and beverage industries in the U.S. and beyond.
His most iconic creation? Arkay, the world's first alcohol-free spirit powered by the breakthrough W.A.R.M. molecule, offering the taste and burn of liquor without a single drop of alcohol.
Inspired by his son's wish for a hangover-free drink, Reynald invested years and millions to create a beverage that's safe, inclusive, and culturally universal, a reflection of his life's work and global perspective.
Reynald Vito Grattagliano was born in Avignon, France.
At the age of 13, Reynald moved to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, California.
At just 14, Reynald began selling handcrafted rings from Sausalito, California, marking his first step into entrepreneurship and gaining valuable experience in sales, customer relationships, and consumer preferences.
At just 18, Reynald used his savings from selling handcrafted rings to co-found Chase Chemical Company with Dennis Read in the United Kingdom. Together, they developed an innovative flexible nail lacquer that resisted cracking and chipping, revolutionizing nail cosmetics. Just three years later, the company was sold to Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in London for several million dollars, marking a major milestone in Reynald’s entrepreneurial journey.
In 1975, Reynald expanded Chase Chemical Company by establishing a lipstick manufacturing factory in Italy, employing approximately 200 people. When he later decided to pursue new business opportunities in Iraq, he made the remarkable decision to give the factory to its employees rather than sell it. This generous gesture reflected his belief in recognizing the contributions of those who helped build his businesses, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and commitment to the people behind his success.
Reynald’s entrepreneurial journey took him to Baghdad, Iraq, where he regularly sourced fragrances for Orosdi, a government-owned retail organization. This experience strengthened his expertise in international sourcing, merchandising, and consumer preferences, laying the foundation for future ventures in perfumery, cosmetics, and global trade.
Reynald became a perfume buyer for Kmart, giving him direct exposure to the enormous scale of the American mass-market retail industry. The experience helped shape an idea that would influence his next venture: quality fragrance should not be reserved exclusively for consumers able to afford expensive prestige brands.
In 1986, Reynald founded Parfi Perfumes in Miami, introducing what he described as the world’s first $1 perfume. By supplying affordable fragrances to major retailers like Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, he made quality perfumes accessible to millions of Americans, reinforcing his philosophy of combining innovation, quality, and affordability.
In 1987, Reynald created Scarlett, a highly successful fragrance that combined his expertise in perfume development, consumer preferences, and retail distribution. Its commercial success attracted L'Oréal, which subsequently acquired the fragrance and its business, marking a major milestone in Reynald's entrepreneurial career and demonstrating his ability to develop products with international appeal.
Beginning in 1996, Reynald expanded his business ventures into China, working as a fragrance buyer for Hualian Department Stores in Beijing. Over ten years, he pursued his vision of introducing a Sephora-style beauty retail concept, bringing international fragrances and cosmetics to Chinese consumers. This experience strengthened his expertise in global sourcing, retail innovation, and international business, paving the way for future ventures in duty-free commerce, global trading, and beverages.
Recognizing the potential of e-commerce, Reynald founded DutyFreeZone.com, DutyFreeDeal.com, and DutyFreeFood.com, leveraging Panama’s Colón Free Zone to connect international suppliers and buyers. Building on decades of global trade experience, he is now transforming DutyFreeDeal.com into a hybrid marketplace inspired by Amazon and Alibaba, combining B2B wholesale, B2C retail, and cross-border commerce. His vision is to simplify global trade, connect businesses and consumers worldwide, and revolutionize international purchasing through innovation and accessibility.
ARKAY began in 2007 when Reynald’s son, Kevin, proposed creating a whisky that delivered the traditional drinking experience without alcohol. Drawing on his expertise in fragrances, flavors, and chemical innovation, Reynald spent years developing W.A.R.M. technology, a proprietary formulation designed to recreate the warmth and sensation of alcoholic spirits without alcohol. This breakthrough led to ARKAY’s launch in 2011, introducing a new generation of zero-proof spirits and reflecting Reynald’s commitment to innovation and challenging industry conventions.
In 2010, Reynald launched Scottish Spirits in Glasgow, Scotland, introducing the unconventional concept of packaging authentic Scotch whisky in cans. Challenging centuries-old industry traditions, his innovation aimed to make whisky more portable, convenient, and accessible. The concept attracted international media attention and sparked industry debate, reinforcing Reynald’s reputation for bold thinking and innovation while marking another milestone in his journey into the beverage industry, ahead of ARKAY’s launch in 2011.
In November 2011, Reynald officially launched ARKAY Zero Proof Whisky in Miami, Florida, transforming an idea conceived with his son Kevin in 2007 into a commercial reality. Powered by his innovative W.A.R.M. technology, ARKAY recreated the aroma, flavor, and warming sensation of traditional whisky without alcohol. This pioneering launch laid the foundation for an expanding portfolio of zero-proof spirits and cocktails, reflecting Reynald’s vision of offering consumers a sophisticated drinking experience without alcohol.
Following ARKAY’s launch in Miami in 2011, Reynald relocated to Dubai to establish ARKAY UAE and expand the brand into the Middle Eastern market. Recognizing the region’s demand for premium alcohol-free beverages, he developed strategic business relationships, explored distribution opportunities, and introduced ARKAY’s innovative zero-proof spirits to new consumers. This milestone marked a significant step in ARKAY’s international expansion, reinforcing Reynald’s vision of building a global alcohol-free spirits brand.
In 2013, ARKAY established manufacturing operations in Miami, Florida, transforming its innovative zero-proof spirits concept into a growing beverage business. As international demand and expansion opportunities increased, Reynald made the strategic decision to relocate production to Mexico, aiming to improve efficiency, scalability, and global distribution. This transition marked a significant milestone in ARKAY’s growth, strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and laying the foundation for future international expansion.
Beginning in 2013, ARKAY entered a new phase of global expansion, evolving from its original Zero Proof Whisky into a diverse portfolio of alcohol-free spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails. Leveraging his international trade expertise, Reynald pursued distribution opportunities across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia while continuously improving products and packaging. With manufacturing operations in Mexico, ARKAY strengthened its global presence, advancing Reynald’s vision of making premium alcohol-free alternatives accessible to consumers worldwide.
In 2014, Reynald established a new ARKAY manufacturing facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico, transitioning from its initial Miami operations to strengthen production capabilities and support global expansion. Leveraging Mexico’s skilled workforce, industrial infrastructure, and strategic location, the facility became a key foundation for ARKAY’s international supply chain, reinforcing Reynald’s commitment to innovation, operational growth, and making alcohol-free spirits accessible worldwide.
In 2020, Reynald expanded his entrepreneurial ventures into Colorado’s emerging hemp and CBD industry by establishing ARKAY HEMP and introducing products under the ARKAY CBD brand. Recognizing growing consumer interest in hemp-derived products, he diversified ARKAY’s business beyond alcohol-free spirits, demonstrating his commitment to innovation, adaptability, and exploring new market opportunities across diverse industries.
In 2020, Reynald expanded ARKAY’s international presence by establishing distribution operations in France and across Europe, marking a meaningful return to his home country. Leveraging his global business experience, he introduced ARKAY’s innovative alcohol-free spirits to European consumers, developed strategic distribution partnerships, and adapted the brand to local market preferences. This expansion strengthened ARKAY’s global reach while reconnecting Reynald’s entrepreneurial journey with his French roots.
In 2023, Reynald explored plans to establish ARKAY manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia, building on the brand’s presence in Dubai and the Middle East. The proposed facility aimed to strengthen regional distribution, reduce reliance on imports, and meet growing demand for premium alcohol-free spirits. This initiative reflected Reynald’s vision of transforming ARKAY into a global brand supported by regional manufacturing, reinforcing his commitment to innovation, international expansion, and strategic market development.
In 2025, Reynald began preparing ARKAY for a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking a new phase in the company’s international growth. Working with legal and financial advisers, he initiated plans for corporate restructuring, capital formation, and attracting institutional investment to expand manufacturing and global distribution. This strategic initiative reflects his ambition to transform ARKAY into a publicly traded company, building on nearly two decades of innovation and entrepreneurial vision, subject to market conditions and regulatory requirements.
From its beginnings in 2007 as an idea shared between Reynald and his son Kevin, ARKAY has evolved into an international brand offering a diverse portfolio of alcohol-free spirits and cocktails. Since its launch in 2011, Reynald has driven the company’s global expansion through innovation, manufacturing development, and strategic partnerships, while exploring new markets and a potential IPO. Guided by a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship, Reynald Vito Grattagliano continues to challenge conventions and pursue new opportunities, proving that his journey of innovation and ambition is far from over.
THE VISION
Reynald Vito Grattagliano is an entrepreneur and philanthropist driven to solve the world's biggest challenges through innovation.
My mission has never been about money.
What has always driven me is the challenge of creating something new, solving a problem and making people's
lives better.
When I helped create a nail polish that would not crack, the goal was to make a better product for women.
When I created the one-dollar perfume concept, the goal was to give millions of people access to fragrance
they could afford.
When I created ARKAY and the first alcohol-free whisky concept, the goal was to give people the pleasure,
taste and social experience of a spirit without the alcohol.
Each idea came from the same belief: innovation should improve people's lives.
I want people to enjoy themselves, protect their families, remain responsible and still be part of the
celebration.
For me, the real reward is seeing that something I created can make someone happier.
That has always been my mission: to create, to challenge what seems impossible, and to bring more happiness
into people's lives.
Whether it's business or life, Reynald is guided by one firm belief: our only limit is our imagination.
Discover the galleryREYNALD VITO
GRATTAGLIANO
INNOVATION
WITHOUT LIMITS
SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION
Born in a Swiss Lab
W.A.R.M. technology, conceived by Reynald Vito Grattagliano and developed in Switzerland, represents a major
breakthrough in the creation of ARKAY Zero Proof Spirits. Drawing on his expertise in perfumery, chemistry,
and sensory formulation, Reynald developed this proprietary innovation to recreate the distinctive warming
sensation of traditional alcoholic spirits without alcohol. Through scientific research and collaboration with
Swiss laboratory specialists, W.A.R.M. was designed to stimulate sensory receptors in the mouth and throat,
delivering an experience similar to that of conventional spirits.
As the inventor and patent rights holder of W.A.R.M. technology, Reynald transformed his knowledge of
fragrance chemistry into a pioneering solution for the alcohol-free beverage industry. This innovation became
a cornerstone of ARKAY’s formulations, distinguishing the brand through its ability to reproduce not only the
aroma and flavor of traditional spirits but also their characteristic warmth. Developed from Reynald’s vision
and scientific expertise, W.A.R.M. remains a defining technological foundation of ARKAY Zero Proof Spirits.
REYNALD´S GALLERY
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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