Russia: Roust and Rémy strengthen ties

Russian Standard vodka owner Roust and Rémy Cointreau have announced the expansion of their partnership in Russia which will include the distribution of additional Rémy Cointreau brands.

From October 10, Roust is to distribute Mount Gay Rum, St Remy a la Crème, passion fruit liqueur Passoa and champagne Charles Heidsieck. The brands will join the portfolio already distributed by Roust, which includes Rémy Martin cognac, Louis XIII cognac, Piper Heidsieck champagne, Metaxa brandy, Cointreau liqueur and St. Rémy brandy. Building on their partnership, which was formed in 2005 and expanded in 2009 and 2011, the companies plan to "leverage the global popularity of Rémy Cointreau brands with the powerful distribution channels of Roust Inc. in the Russian market".

Vladimir Filiptsev, CEO of Roust said: "We are proud of our partnership with Rémy Cointreau and have great expectations for Mount Gay Rum, St Remy a la Crème, Passoa and Charles Heidsieck. The following brands will provide us with a possibility to enter the growing market of rum and improve our market share in the liquor category. We are confident that the consolidation of Rémy Cointreau’s premium alcoholic brands in the Roust Inc. portfolio will accelerate the growth rate of these brands in the Russian market."

Rémy Cointreau’s Leszek Karpowicz, managing director Russia and CIS / Baltics, said: "The further expansion of our cooperation with Roust Inc. demonstrates our confidence in this strategic partnership. During the past five years with Roust Inc., sales of our brands in Russia have grown tremendously, and we expect the same success for the additional Rémy Cointreau brands that will now be distributed by Roust Inc."

As a part of the agreement, Roust will also provide marketing support for brand promotions in the Russian spirits market.