Global Spirits Joins Forces With Athens Distributing Expands Vodka Portfolio to Tennessee

Memphis, TN, May 19, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​​Global Spirits USA, a privately held, international manufacturer and marketer of wines and spirits, is expanding its US distribution footprint with Athens Distributing Inc. One of the premiere distributors in the state of Tennessee, Athens Distributing Company is a family-run wine and spirits wholesale distributor with offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis.

“Athens has a known and respected reputation for delivering what they promise and for supporting their suppliers,” notes Steve Ackerman, national sales director, Global Spirits USA, LLC. Athens Distributing will carry two items from Global Spirit’s suite of vodkas, including Khortytsa and LEAF Vodkas.

"We focus on what makes us successful, and that success depends on the success of the brands we represent. It is our job to be sure the spirits retailers and restaurateurs know the story behind each brand, know how to merchandise each one, and are able to help their customers select the products they will want to come back for time and time again."

Johnny Aaron, President, Athens Distributing

“Tennessee is a key southeastern vodka market with a growing mixology culture,” says Jim Amstutz, southern region manager, Global Spirits USA.  “LEAF’s packaging, price point and organic origins will resonate with today’s consumer lifestyles, and Khortytsa is a quality vodka at a terrific price point that has grown rapidly in each state where it’s been introduced.”

“We focus on what makes us successful, and that success depends on the success of the brands we represent. It is our job to be sure the spirits retailers and restaurateurs know the story behind each brand, know how to merchandise each one, and are able to help their customers select the products they will want to come back for time and time again,” said Johnny Aaron, president, Athens Distributing.

Amstutz noted that Athens Distributing is uniquely suited to work with Global Spirits because the company has a highly-motivated sales force and the company is known for its ability to market brands within the Tennessee communities they serve.

Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa (Hor-Ti-Tsa) Distillery was named among the world’s best distilleries at the 2014 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

The Khortytsa Distillery is located in Zaporozhe near Khortytsa Island. This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years and reaches the roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place in Ukraine and is one of the country’s seven wonders. 

Built in 2003, the Khortytsa Distillery is among the world’s finest distilleries. It uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water.  The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand sourced near the famous Crystal Mountains of the Urals near Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Currently, there are four items within the Khortytsa line imported to the United States: Khortytsa Platinum, which is the most popular item in the line, retailing for $13.99per 750 ml.; Khortytsa Ice, with a bottle color that changes when chilled, retails for $13.99per 750 ml.; Khortytsa Honey Pepper, which offers a spicy zing to a variety of cocktails, retails for $13.99 per 750 ml., and Khortytsa De Luxe for vodka connoisseurs, is a “super premium” vodka with a suggested retail of $25.99 for a 750 ml. bottle.

LEAF believes vodka’s main ingredient, water, is what truly defines the spirit.  LEAF Vodka is sourced from unique waters around the country. One variety is made from Alaskan Glacial water, which lends a pure, smooth taste with a hint of sweetness. The other, made from Rocky Mountain mineral water, provides richness and complexity, offering a warm and savory impression. The water sources give LEAF Vodkas their signature tastes.

The packaging for LEAF Vodka is designed with the intention to have the contour of a leaf, accentuating the brand and giving it a premium look. With a recommended shelf price of $18.99 for 750mL—and Certified USDA Organic — LEAF Vodka is well positioned within the dynamic and growing vodka category.

About Global Spirits:

A Fortune 500 company in Europe, Global Spirits was established in 2008 and has operational hubs in New York, Moscow and Kiev. Key strategic brands include: Khortytsa Vodka (3rd largest selling international vodka brand*) and Morosha Vodka (fastest growing international vodka brand**), Pervak Vodka (acquired in 2013) and LEAF Vodka (launched in the US October 2013). 

*According to IWSR, Khortytsa was the third largest selling global vodka brand at 6.4MM cases.

**IWSR Magazine – The Real 100

Source: Global Spirits USA

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