Pernod Ricard USA names Southern Wine & Spirits as leading distributor in US

29/12/05 Pernod Ricard USA has named Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (SWS), the largest wholesaler of premium spirits and wines in the United States, as the exclusive distributor of Pernod Ricard's full line of spirits and wine brands in Florida, Illinois, Metropolitan New York, Upstate New York, Kentucky and South Carolina. SWS also will become Pernod Ricard's spirits and wine broker in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, and will continue to represent selected Pernod Ricard brands in Nevada and New Mexico.

Michel Bord, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, said Southern Wine & Spirits was selected because it "has a proven track record in its appointed markets, as well as excellent planning and execution capabilities that will position our brands for continued growth."

Bord added that the relationship with SWS will support Pernod Ricard's new role as a major player in the global beverage alcohol industry. "Distributors are vying to represent our expanded premium portfolio," he said.

Following the acquisition of Allied Domecq, Pernod Ricard is now the world's second largest spirits company, and the fourth largest global wine company. Pernod Ricard USA's business has more than doubled, with such prominent brands as Kahlua, Malibu, Stolichnaya, Beefeater, Hiram Walker, Perrier Jouet and Mumm joining a premium portfolio led by Chivas Regal, Jameson, Martell, The Glenlivet, Wild Turkey and Seagram Gin. Pernod Ricard USA now ranks third in sales value and fourth in sales volume in the growing U.S. spirits market.

The SWS appointment complements Pernod Ricard USA's proprietary ACE program, which creates a unique way of working between the company and its distributors. Alain Barbet, President and Chief Operating Officer of Pernod Ricard USA, said the key to the ACE program's success is Pernod Ricard's decentralized strategy, which places resources and decision-making in local markets.

Pernod Ricard USA is an American producer and distributor of fine spirits and wine. The company produces Wild Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R) and imports other premium brands such as Chivas Regal(R) Scotch whisky, The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Martell(TM) Cognac, Jacob's Creek(R) and Wyndham Estate(R) wines. The company's broad portfolio of brands also includes Kahlua(R), Malibu(R), Beefeater(R), Mumm(R), Perrier-Jouet(TM), and U.S. distribution rights for Stolichnaya(R) vodka.

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