SPI appoints Chase International as US travel retail distributor

SPI Group, owner of Stolichnaya vodka, has appointed Chase International to take over from William Grant & Sons as the brand’s exclusive US duty free distributor.

Stolichnaya vodka will now be distributed in the US travel retail market by Chase International

The distribution company, which has been representing wines, spirits and confectionary brands in North American travel retail for 20 years, will look after Stolichnaya Premium Vodka and the ultra-luxury elit range from September.

Rob Cullins, SPI commercial director, said: “Chase international has an excellent understanding of the American market. They were a natural choice for us and we are delighted to be working with them as we build our brands in this strategic marketplace.”

Chase International will look to enhance the image of the brand in US international airports as well as major cruise lines.

“Stolichnaya is a globally recognised brand and the Chase team is already hard at work exploring every opportunity to expand its presence and visibility in the US travel retail,” said Chase F. Donaldson, president of Chase International.

“With our extensive duty free and travel retail experience, and our proven success at marketing premium brands, we look forward to partnering with SPI to achieve their objectives in the US travel retail sector.”

Last month, SPI agreed a new distribution arrangement with Baron Philippe de Rothschild to represent Stolichnaya in France.

SPI Group has been reviewing its routes to market over the past few years, with notable changes including the decision to establish its own distribution arm in the US from 1 January 2014.