SAN FRANCISCO (August 5, 2015) – Campari America—a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari—announced today it is signing new distribution agreements across 23 markets with Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern), the nation’s leading wine and spirits distributor.
Commenting on this important milestone, Jean-Jacques Dubau, Managing Director of North America and CEO of Campari America, said, “For nearly 25 years, Southern has been a valued and trusted business partner for Campari America. They have proven to be an exceptionally strong ally and have been invaluable in seeding and growing our brands here in the U.S. We look forward to continuing to leverage their full resources and capabilities as we expand our presence in this critically important market.”
Wayne Chaplin, President & Chief Executive Officer for Southern, commented on the expanded agreement, “We’re thrilled to see our more than two-decade relationship with Campari America continue to grow with the signing of these latest agreements. This renewed partnership only further strengthens the already strong rapport between our two leadership teams.”
Brad Vassar, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer for Southern, added, “With this expanded relationship across 23 of our markets, we look forward to bolstering even stronger, mutually beneficial Ways-of-Working. We at Southern will continue to leverage our industry expertise and expansive footprint to accelerate the business value we provide to Campari every day.”
Dan Vanderbilt, Campari America Vice President of Sales added, “With these agreements, we will further align with Southern to help establish and execute our business plan across all channels of trade. This will enable us to be the best partner possible to our customers and consumers—with a keen focus on building share, brand equity and profitability.”
“The new deals will expand and improve efficiencies and collaboration with our partners at Southern, and will focus on driving growth across our robust and expanding portfolio of brands,” added Vanderbilt. “The new agreements will add the following markets to previous Southern territories for Campari America: Alaska, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. We are very pleased to be aligned with Southern in these markets and for prospective discussions on further expansion in the future.”
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 more than 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, visit:http://www.southernwine.com.
About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of BULLDOG® Gin.
About Gruppo Campari
Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today isthe sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 16 plants and 2 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 19 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com