Southern Wine & Spirits of Kentucky, a division of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern)-the largest distributor of wine and spirits America with a presence in 29 states-has recently partnered with Pernod Ricard USA-a leading supplier of spirits and fine wine in the United States-in support of a statewide charity, Kentucky Harvest, to bolster the fight against hunger across the state (see also Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.).

The anti-hunger campaign-entitled “In An ‘Absolut’ World, No One Goes Hungry”-was a collaboration of Pernod Ricard, Southern and Kentucky Harvest, a non-profit group offering nutritional assistance to needy Kentucky families. Southern and Pernod Ricard raised funds for Kentucky Harvest’s programs by donating a percentage of the sale of each bottle of Absolut Vodka purchased in retail stores and restaurants throughout the Commonwealth. One unique feature of Kentucky Harvest’s program is its self-supporting philosophy where funds raised in a particular community are channeled back-in the form of nutrition support-to that same community.

Commending both Southern Wine & Spirits of Kentucky and Pernod Ricard USA for their joint efforts and contributions to the fight against hunger, Governor Beshear said, “Truly, there is no greater gift than giving back and no better feeling than knowing you have helped your community.” During his remarks, Governor Beshear also mentioned that November 15 to 21 was “Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week” in Kentucky. “Pernod Ricard and Southern Wine & Spirits support demonstrates that help can come at any level-a corporation, small business, family or individual.”

Stan Curtis, Founder of Kentucky Harvest and USA Harvest, said: “This precedent-setting partnership proves that when people with compassion and caring team up, many, many people can benefit. The efforts of Southern Wine & Spirits of Kentucky leadership and its sales force along with the tremendous support of Pernod Ricard USA has benefitted tens of thousands of the less fortunate in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This is a fine example of doing something big for something good.”

Marty Crane, General Manager – East Division, Pernod Ricard USA, expressed, “We saw a need in the Kentucky community and the opportunity to team with Stan Curtis and Kentucky Harvest along with Southern Wine & Spirits in order to make a difference. Joining efforts against this cause made perfect sense to our team considering the history of the ABSOLUT brand and its current campaign which is all about making the world a better place for everyone. Elimination of hunger on a local, national or global level Absolutly would make the world a better place. We are all proud of the outcome of the Kentucky program and the Eastern Division is currently exploring ways we can expand this program to more areas throughout the country.”

Will Conniff, Executive Vice President – General Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois & Kentucky, said, “Southern Wine & Spirits has a long tradition of social responsibility in the communities that we are privileged to serve. Our partnership with Pernod Ricard USA and Kentucky Harvest is emblematic of our corporate values, our relationship with the state’s hospitality industry and our support of all the people of Kentucky.”

Tags | News, spirits, usa, wine