US: William Grant to lose Stoli vodka

US: William Grant will no longer distribute Stolichnaya vodka in the US after the current contract for importation, distribution and marketing expires on December 31, 2013. 

Stoli brand owner SPI Group has chosen to manage its portfolio of brands directly and the company is to establish its own importing arm in the US. The new division will be established during 2013, commencing operations on January 1, 2014.

Val Mendeleev, CEO, SPI Group said: “Stoli is a remarkable and storied vodka, the crown jewel of the SPI Group and the fastest growing premium vodka in the world.

 “As a company with strong entrepreneurial spirit, the time has come for us to make our path forward on our own in the US. We are therefore delighted to announce that we will be creating our own importing company. We thank William Grant & Sons for their contributions to Stoli, we wish them well on their owned brands, and we look forward to what will be a continuing future of innovation and success for the Stolichnaya brand.”

 William Grant & Sons assumed responsibility for the importation, distribution and marketing of the Stolichnaya brand in January 2009.  

“Stoli is an excellent brand and we are proud of the many accomplishments William Grant & Sons has contributed to the success it has enjoyed, and for the part we have played in the history of this iconic brand,” said Simon Hunt, president & managing director – North America, William Grants & Sons. 

“We wish SPI Group the very best for the future of Stolichnaya. As for William Grant & Sons, our owned brands are enjoying unparalleled success, with growth in double digits on all of our core global brands.”