Pernod Ricard USA Expands Relationship with Southern Wine & Spirits to 33 States

Pernod_RicardAgreements Include Role for SWS as Exclusive Spirits Broker in All Control State Markets

NEW YORK–()–Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., today announced that, effective July 1, 2014, it will expand its relationship with Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern), the nation’s largest spirits and wine distributor, to 33 markets, while further strengthening ties between the two companies. The appointments – which come after an extensive review process – expand Southern’s national footprint with Pernod Ricard by adding 4 Control States: Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi and Ohio, thus making Southern the exclusive spirits broker for Pernod Ricard in all 17 Control State markets. In addition, Southern will represent Pernod Ricard USA for wine and spirits distribution in 16 markets: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, South Carolina and Washington.

“Pernod Ricard has a strong relationship and a proven track record of success with Southern,” said Bryan Fry, President and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA. “Our renewed partnership with Southern Wine & Spirits significantly enhances our powerful route to consumers and immediately gives us a competitive advantage by further strengthening our joint execution of brand-building programs.”

Wayne E. Chaplin, Southern’s President and Chief Operating Officer, said Southern is “thrilled by the growing relationship” with Pernod Ricard. “Becoming the exclusive broker for Pernod Ricard in all Control States and strengthening our relationship in our current markets are a great vote of confidence in our capabilities,” he said. The new partnership also calls for Southern to be the broker for Pernod Ricard in the Wines Control States of Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming.

Chaplin added, “Southern is excited to accelerate the momentum enjoyed by Pernod Ricard’s powerful portfolio across the U.S. I am looking forward to Southern and Pernod Ricard USA’s leadership teams developing even stronger, mutually beneficial ways of working, while integrating Pernod Ricard’s spirits and wine portfolios more closely in selected channels and markets.”

Fry said the new relationship will “harness the power of our premium brands by enabling both Pernod Ricard USA and Southern to better capitalize on such key business drivers as innovation, multicultural marketing, digital media and the growth of chain stores.”

About Pernod Ricard USA®

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company’s leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. The multi-state distributor currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs over 14,000 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information about Southern and its responsible consumption program, see: http://www.southernwine.com.