Stoli expands US presence with new distribution

Southern Wine & Spirits of America will distribute Stolichnaya’s vodka portfolio in six more US states under a new agreement.

SPI’s Stolichnaya vodka portfolio will be distributed in six more US states by Southern Wine & Spirits of America

The new partnership will allow Southern Wine to distribute Stolichnaya’s original premium, flavoured and luxury vodka, including recently launched Stolichnaya elit.

The distributors will exclusively handle Stolichnaya’s vodkas in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, and Washington as part of a five-year contract.

The company already distributes the brand’s portfolio in Nevada and Minnesota, while it will become Stolichnaya’s broker in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.

Brand-owner SPI Group also confimed the that its US unit for Stolichanaya has been renamed Stoli Group (USA).

The New York-based unit will be run by a “fresh” 70-plus person team whose efforts will concentrate on “reinvigorating marketing for the Stolichnaya brand”.

“As we embark on this new venture for Stoli Group (USA), we recognise the need for strong support from a like-minded partner, a distributor that shares our ambitions and passion for the brand,” said John Esposito, president of Stoli Group (USA).

Our partnership with Southern is a great opportunity for us to grow our iconic brands in key markets across the country.”