Diageo has launched two new flavours of its 100 proof Smirnoff vodka.
Spiced root beer and dark roasted espresso, under the Blue Label portfolio, are the first flavoured additions to 100 proof.
David Tapscott, Diageo director of Smirnoff vodka, said: "Spiced Root Beer and Dark Roasted Espresso are great additions to our portfolio, and signify the brand's commitment to being 'there'- 'there' at the forefront of innovation with a unique approach to the category; and 'there' offering consumers new ways to enjoy life's many flavours and good times responsibly." [...more]
The man behind Tyrrells Crisps has added two new products to his potato vodka and fruit liqueur range and is preparing a big push for the business following increasing demand from UK and overseas buyers.
William Chase set up the Chase Distillery two years ago and launched a potato vodka, made from the same potatoes as Tyrrells Crisps, last year. It is said to be the only English potato vodka.
Since then Chase has added an a range of fruit liqueurs and now an apple vodka - Naked Chase - and William's Gin both made from apples grown on the family's 1,500 acre farm in Herefordshire have also been added to the range. [...more]
Eco-friendly 360 Vodka has launched a new variant - 360 Double Chocolate.
360 Double Chocolate is four-times distilled, five-times filtered, and designed to leave the smallest footprint on earth. Bottles are made with 85 percent recycled glass, featuring reusable closures and recycled paper printed with water-based eco-friendly inks.
According to the Earth Friendly Distilling Company, organic grain leaves a larger footprint so the company only uses only local grain grown less than 95 miles from the distillery. [...more]
Diageo has unveiled two new brand extensions for its ultra premium Cîroc vodka. Cîroc Red Berry and Cîroc Coconut are now available across the country and the new extensions will support events like the 'Big Game' in Miami, basketball's All Star weekend in Dallas, Fashion Week in New York and the Oscars in Los Angeles. The product launch party is to feature music from Wyclef Jean.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who entered into a strategic marketing alliance with the ultra-premium spirit more than two years ago, said: "I spent a considerable amount of time working with Cîroc liquid specialists to create two bold and unexpected flavours. [...more]
InterContinental Brands, the makers of Vodkat, will still be allowed to use the Vodkat name.
The High Court has allowed the company to continue using the Vodkat name providing that it is made clear that the product is not vodka. [...more]
Pernod Ricard's Absolut vodka is to launch a limited edition new flavour in Europe and Asia duty free.
Absolut flavour of the tropics will launch at London Heathrow, followed by Paris CDG, Frankfurt and then Barcelona and Istanbul.
In Asia, the first launch will be in Singapore's Changi international airport in February, and will then roll out across the continent, reaching Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Korea in March. [...more]
Forty years ago, from a land of unsurpassed purity, Finlandia Vodka® was born and brought to the United States as the first imported premium vodka.
"Although, we can trace our roots back to 1888 with the founding of the original distillery by Dr. Juslin Wilhelm in the small Finnish village of Rajamaki, Finlandia Vodka was officially first imported into the United States in 1970," said Maureen Brekka, managing director for Finlandia Vodka. "The tradition of Finlandia Vodka and its production tradition is such an important part of Finnish history and culture that today, some of the original distillery buildings in Rajamaki are protected as part of the national heritage." [...more]
Wyborowa’s Luksusowa vodka is to distributed by WJ Deutsch & Sons in the US.
Deutsch’s CEO, Peter Deutsch said: “Vodka is the #1 consumed spirit in the US, selling 55 million cases per year, and the numbers are increasing.
“Following the announcement of our new spirits division in July, we immediately began the search for the right partner to supply us with this important category. “
Luksusowa Vodka will be sold nationwide at approximately $24.99 for the 1.75L, $16.99 for the 1L, and $13.99 for the 750ml.
Victor Jerez, CEO of Wyborowa SA, said: “Luksusowa is a fantastic brand with an authentic pedigree and tremendous long-term growth potential in the US - the number one vodka market worldwide. Through our partnership with W.J. Deutsch, we will be able to capitalise on Deutsch’s sales and marketing expertise, strong network of US distributors, and on and off-premise relationships, and together grow Luksusowa into one of the leading imported vodkas in the country.” [...more]
Diageo has won a landmark case against Vodkat and secured the protection of the vodka category.
Vodkat has been available only at 22% alcohol by volume. Drinks giant Diageo launched the case against Vodkat in order to secure protection for legitimate vodka products and to ensure there was a clear legal position for consumers.
A statement from Diageo said: " 'Vodka' has been found to be a protectable category under the law of passing off and all variants of Vodkat (old design, new design and all line extensions) have been found to be passing off. Intercontinental Brands will no longer be allowed to sell Vodkat or any of its line extensions and the judgement also condemns various other vodka lookalikes (such as Vodkova and Tolstoy of Halewood, and Imperial Volachka of Manchester Drinks Company Limited). We therefore hope we will be able to persuade the manufacturers of these other vodka lookalike products to drop them without too much of a fight." [...more]
Central European Distribution Corporation (NASDAQ: CEDC) has announced that it has agreed to grant the exclusive importation rights of Zubrowka Vodka in the United States to Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc. As a result, Rémy Cointreau USA, will be the exclusive import agent for the Zubrowka brand of Vodka produced by CEDC [...] [...more]
Russian Standard Vodka USA has announced two new executive appointments.
Michael Stoner is to take the role of vice president of marketing. In this position, Stoner will be responsible for leadership of brand and marketing strategy as well as oversight of all marketing initiatives for the Russian Standard portfolio of brands - Russian Standard, Russian Standard Platinum and Imperia - in the US market.
Stoner has more than two decades of experience developing marketing and brand strategies for spirits brands as well as other consumer brands. He will be based in the New York office and report to Leonid Yangarber, CEO of Russian Standard Vodka USA.
Russian Standard USA has also announced the appointment of Bob MacNevin as VP of national accounts and military. In this new role, MacNevin will be responsible for driving "step-change growth in Russian Standard's distribution, brand visibility, and depletions in off-premise and on-premise national accounts and military accounts". [...more]
Sam's Club introduces a first this month in 241 locations with the addition of a private label Member's Mark ultra premium French Distilled Vodka under the label Rue 33. This is the first spirit to be launched under the Member's Mark brand. It will join several control label wines to meet the increasing demand at Sam's Club by members seeking entertaining solutions in meals and beverage categories. [...more]
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