Stoli and Edrington part ways in Nordics

SPI-owned Stoli Group has announced new distribution partners in the Nordics as it terminates a long-running agreement with Edrington.

Stoli has announced new distribution partners in the Nordics as it ends a previous agreement with Edrington

Solera Beverage Group will now handle vodka brands Stolichnaya and elit by Stolichnaya in Sweden, Norway and Finland, while Valora Trade Beverages will supply Solichnaya to the Danish market.

Edrington had distributed Stolichnaya in the region since January 2009.

In a statement, Stoli Group said it “thanks” Edrington for its “instrumental” work with the brand. It added that the new partners would bring a “renewed approach” with an “integrated mix” of on- and off-trade programmes.

Solera Beverage Group, based in Oslo, is a leading Nordic importer and distributor.

Jean-Dominique Andreu, Stoli Group regional managing director, Europe said: “Solera is not new to Stoli as it has been already for several years our distributor for the Nordic duty free market via Five Eyes.

“Solera’s group of companies are today the leading alcoholic beverage importer and distributor in the Nordic countries with monopolies with a very strong focus on the on-trade. It is the ideal partner for Stolichnaya matching our aspiration for further growth in the Norwegian, Swedish and Finish markets.”

Valora Trade Beverages is part of Valora Trade Denmark and works across the on- and off- trade in the country.

Andreu added: “Valora Trade Denmark is one of the leading distribution companies in Denmark with great success managing and growing key international brands. It is the ideal partner for Stolichnaya matching our aspiration for further growth in the Danish market.”

Both distribution agreements are effective from January 2016.

Earlier this month, Stoli announced it had added Bayou Rum to is distribution portfolio in the US.