The agreement is to include Stolichnaya premium vodka, the Stolichnaya flavours portfolio, super-premium Stolichnaya Gold and ultra premium elit by Stolichnaya. Previous distributors, Fratelli Gancia, will continue to distribute Moskovskaya vodka, a regional vodka brand.

Velier will begin its distribution from 1 October 2011.

Val Mendeleev, CEO of SPI Group, said: “Stolichnaya is recognised around the world as a premium, original vodka and so in a market synonymous with products of the highest quality, we are delighted to be working with Velier and joining their portfolio of high profile brands. The partnership with Velier will strengthen our position in key on-premise outlets where we are confident bartenders will continue to embrace the brand. We would like to thank Gancia for their work on Stolichnaya and their continued success with Moskoskaya.”