30 Dec 2014 --- International Spirits, LLC, the owner and importer of Ivanabitch Vodka, Gin and Brandy, Announced the formation of a new Board of Directors and select additions to its management team. The new Board unanimously confirmed its intent to pursue a strategic plan to establish itself as the first African American-owned, vertically-integrated alcoholic beverage operation in the United States.
The strategic plan will support growth of the Company’s successful Ivanabitch branded products, as well as, rum and tequila products it represents. All of the Company’s products have substantial growth potential and appeal to the “Millenial” consumer. The Company intends to deploy capital in the acquisition of additional brands, as well in completing its strategic plan. The Company has strong, well-established distribution relationships and is licensed to do business in 31 states as well as Canada and the Caribbean.An essential part of the strategic plan is that International Spirits will become a certified Minority Business Enterprise. New members of the Company’s management team bring extensive entertainment and music relationships to help secure broad customer appeal among the African American community.
Steve Koegler, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, commented: “We are extremely proud of the growth of our Ivanabitch Brand, as well as, our expansion into the agency marketplace. Now it’s time for the Company to execute its new strategic growth plan. To do that, we installed the new Board and intend to expand our management team to accomplish the goal of becoming an MBE in the very near future.”
Greg Pierce, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, will focus on expanding the Company’s brand stable and distribution network. At International Spirits, he has helped drive growth in demand for the Company’s primary Ivanabitch Vodka product as well as identifying and marketing new agency offerings.
“I am excited about the future of International Spirits, our new management focus, our proposed minority ownership status and our growth potential,” said Pierce. “We look forward to adding to our team of strong distributors and supporting them fully. We will strengthen the Ivanabitch brand and develop new ones both in the United States and abroad by significantly increasing our marketing support and by adding additional product lines and services.”
International Spirits, LLC is presently headquartered in Jacksonville. The Company’s family of brands includes award-winning premium imported vodka, gin and brandy. In addition, the Company represents Palmetto Moonshine, Palmetto Whiskey, Topper’s Rhum and Diva Tequila. The Ivanabitch Vodka line will be streamlined to focus on its top sellers, which include Original 80-proof and several other popular flavors. Two new vodka flavors will be introduced in 2015.
The Company expects to achieve MBE certification in the second calendar quarter of 2015.
