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Beverage Media
December 2012
Corporate
Stoli Going Out on its Own
William Grant & Sons and SPI Group
announced that their current contract
for the importing and marketing of
Stolichnaya Vodka in the United States
will not be renewed when it expires on
at the close of 2012. The decision is a
result of Luxembourg-based SPI Group’s
desire to manage its portfolio of brands
directly. SPI Group will be establishing
its own importing company in the Unit-
ed States during 2013, commencing op-
erations on 1st January 2014.
“
Stoli is a remarkable and storied
vodka, the crown jewel of the SPI
Group and the fastest growing premium
vodka in the world,” shared Val Mende-
leev, CEO, SPI Group. “As a Company
with strong entrepreneurial spirit, the
time has come for us to make our path
forward on our own in the U.S.”
William Grant & Sons took on
Stoli in January 2009. Despite a very
challenging economy and heavy com-
petition, William Grant & Sons and
the SPI team returned the trailblazing
brand to growth through pioneering
initiatives. Simon Hunt, President &
Managing Director – North America,
William Grants & Sons, said, “We wish
SPI Group the very best for the future
of Stolichnaya. As for William Grant
&
Sons, our owned brands are enjoy-
ing unparalleled success, with growth
in double digits on all of our core global
brands. We are excited for the future.”
SPIRITS
Three New Vodkas
Hit U.S. Shelves
Born of cold Russian winters the wheat
of Hammer +Sickle is hand-cleared in
the Black Earth region then dry-shipped
to the distillery. There, Hammer +
Sickle is not only distilled six times, but
filtered six times as well, each filtration
pass running through silver, charcoal
and cellulose barriers resulting in the
cleanest wheat-based alcohol imagin-
able, according to producer Klin Spirits.
The alcohol is then combined with six-
time filtered Russian well water, known
for being among the softest on earth.
Finally, while at this stage most vodkas
are rested for 24 hours prior to bottling,
Hammer + Sickle rests for 72 hours, al-
lowing for unmatched molecular bond-
ing. The taste profile is fresh, pure and
crisp; round and smooth with a subtle
vanilla finish. Intended to be served ice-
cold in the time-honored Russian tradi-
tion, or in cocktails. Available in three
sizes 750ml ($25.99), 1L and 1.75L.
Created in an unspoiled corner of Si-
beria, Beluga Vodka is distilled in Russia’s
famous Mariinsky Distillery from grains
grown in the plains and blended with
silver-purified artesian spring water. Cur-
www.BevNetwork.com
new york
David S. Taub, Chairman
of Palm Bay International,
Has Passed Away at 72
David S. Taub, Chairman and CEO
of leading wine importer Palm Bay
International, passed away November
8
th in Long Island, NY following a
battle with kidney disease. He was 72
years old.
A larger-than-life presence in the
industry, David founded thriving import
company Palm Bay in 1977 with his fa-
ther, Martin Taub. Since 2005, his son
Marc D. Taub has stood with him at the
helm of what is a quintessential family
business in every aspect—a sentiment
whole-heartedly embraced by the com-
pany’s passionate 200+ employees.
David was known and loved for his
vision, energy and willingness to take
on any challenge. He reveled in the
wine and spirits business, blazing trails
through the industry, particularly as a
pioneer in the expansion of the world
of Italian wine. His forward thinking
developed the path for Pinot Grigio to
become the number one Italian wine in
America. The close personal relation-
ships he shared with suppliers, distribu-
tor partners and his employees were his
greatest professional joy and asset.
A dedicated philanthropist, David
was actively involved in organizations
such as the Samuel Waxman Cancer
Research Foundation, the Parker Jew-
ish Institute for Health and Rehabili-
tation, the American Cancer Society
and the UJA Federation. Recently the
Taub Transplant Research Fund was es-
tablished at the University of Maryland
School of Medicine.
He is survived by his wife of 48
years Linda, their three sons—Andrew,
married to Suzanne, Marc, married to
Sandy, and Joshua, married to Lisa—
and six grandchildren.
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