PURCHASE, N.Y., June 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kobrand Corporation, importer of fine wine and spirits, breaks new ground entering the vodka category with the addition of Vikingfjord Vodka to its evolving portfolio of global spirit brands. The introduction of Vikingfjord Vodka to Kobrand's offerings results from a marketing and sales partnership with Arcus AS, Norway's leading supplier and producer of wines and spirits. It takes effect August 1st, 2011 and includes marketing and distribution throughout the United States, Canada, US Duty Free and the Caribbean.
Arcus CEO Jan Oluf Skarpnes selected Kobrand as the exclusive U.S. importer for Vikingfjord Vodka portfolio and Linie Aquavit, explaining "Arcus was meticulous in its search for a partner with innovative sales and marketing capabilities. Kobrand's seven decades of successfully identifying, developing and positioning luxury offerings is unparalleled." He added, "Their approach is 'feet on the street', staying close to customers. They've consistently demonstrated that quality, passion and education are at the heart of this highly regarded privately held family enterprise."
Kobrand President and CEO Robert T. DeRoose reflected on this timely partnership, commenting "We look for three things in our partners; Quality of product, quality of people and quality of relationships. On all counts, we're delighted to welcome Arcus AS and Vikingfjord Vodka into the Kobrand family." Honoring family heritage is a Kobrand touchstone and has guided the successful management of iconic luxury brands including Appleton Estate, Maison Louis Jadot Burgundies, Alizé Passion, Cakebread Cellars and the Fladgate Partnership Ports.
The Vikingfjord Vodka portfolio will reside in the evolving Spirits Division of Kobrand Wines & Spirits headed by Tom Congdon, VP and Managing Director Spirits. "It's a pleasure to represent Norway's leading producer and marketer of naturally gluten free premium vodka," remarked Congdon, "Their beautiful and pristine spirit offerings fit perfectly with our luxury brands." Based on an authentic Norwegian recipe, Vikingfjord Vodka is made from premium potatoes, five column distillation and expertly blended with 100% crystal clear glacial water from the pristine Jostedal glacier in Arctic Norway.
"Kobrand is dedicated to establishing Vikingfjord Vodka as a leader in the vodka category," asserted CEO DeRoose. "The product's quality coupled with our sixty plus years of experience, passionate spirits sales force, and our unrivaled industry relationships throughout the United States will support our efforts." Kobrand created separate divisions for wine and spirits several years ago to provide stronger, more effective, more nimble and impactful routes to market for Kobrand's luxury wine and spirits portfolios. "Arcus/Vikingfjord will benefit, along with our other committed partners, from this successful structure," he added.
Vikingfjord Vodka is a global brand and has been readily available in the US since 2001. Director of Spirits John Pennacchio will be responsible for designating a marketing team to assimilate, transition, and provide strategic direction and day to day management of this dynamic portfolio.
About Kobrand Corporation
Kobrand Corporation was founded in 1944 and to this day remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirit companies. Kobrand's portfolio of wine and spirits was meticulously selected according to a single, unerring principle: quality. This continued focus has made the Kobrand name synonymous with wines and spirits of the highest caliber for over 60 years. Kobrand is the exclusive agent and/or sales and marketing partner for an outstanding selection of fine wines and spirits including; Maison Louis Jadot Burgundies, Champagne Taittinger, St. Francis, Sequoia Grove, Benziger Family Winery, Cakebread Cellars, Sassicaia, The Fladgate Partnership of Ports, Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum, Alize Passion Liqueurs, Depaz Blue Cane Amber Rhum, Café Boheme Coffee Crème Liqueur and Delamain Grande Champagne Cognacs.
For additional information contact;
Tom Congdon, Kobrand VP Managing Director of Spirits
(914) 253-7780 tcongdon@kobrand.com
John Pennacchio, Kobrand Director of Spirits
(914) 253-7790 jpennacchio@kobrand.com
This information was brought to you by Cision