Pernod Ricard USA names Southern Wine & Spirits of America as its Minnesota distributor; companies now partnering in 27 U.S. markets

Cindy Allen

MINNEAPOLIS , October 5, 2011 (Pernod Ricard) – Pernod Ricard USA has named the Minnesota division of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (Southern), the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets, as the exclusive distributor of Pernod Ricard's full portfolio of wines and champagnes in the state of Minnesota. Southern Wine & Spirits of Minnesota (SWS of Minnesota) has also been named Pernod Ricard's preferred spirits distributor across the state.

“Pernod Ricard and Southern have grown their business relationship to a remarkable 27 markets, and we know that Southern’s Minnesota General Sales Manager, Daniel Daul, and his team will continue Southern’s history of outstanding brand stewardship,” commented Marty Crane, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pernod.

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Pernod into Minnesota,” added Wayne E. Chaplin, Southern’s President & Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to building on our already extensive, successful relationship with Pernod across the country, growing their business in the great state of Minnesota through Southern’s unsurpassed sales and service offerings.”

“The SWS appointment complements Pernod Ricard USA's strategy of increasing the competitiveness of our wine and champagne portfolio,” states Lauren Simkin, Pernod’s General Manager for Wines & Champagnes. Brad Vassar, Southern’s Executive Vice President-General Manager, added, “We are honored to be entrusted in Minnesota with Pernod’s market-leading brands, and look forward to working closely with Marty, Lauren and Dan to meet and exceed Pernod’s goals for the state.”

Pernod made the Minnesota wine distributorship appointment of Southern on September 16, 2011.

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. In July 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA’s leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; 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.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 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, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia—as well as the additional seven states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah through the Southern-Odom/Spirits West partnership. In addition, Southern has a presence in Maryland and the District of Columbia through a joint venture with F.P. Winner Wine & Spirits as well as a joint venture operation in Minnesota with J.J. Taylor Distributing Company. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 11,000 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.

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