Central European Distribution (CEDC) Signs an Agreement With William Grant and Sons

WARSAW, Poland, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Central European Distribution Corporation (NASDAQ: CEDC), one of the leading vodka producers in the world, would like to announce that First Drinks Brands, part of William Grant & Sons, will have the exclusive importation rights to Green Mark, Zubrowka and Kauffman Vodka in the United Kingdom. The agreement strengthens CEDC and William Grant & Sons’ international alliance, within which CEDC imports and distributes brands from William Grant & Sons’ portfolio in Poland and Hungary.

Green Mark is the no. 1 vodka brand in the Russian market and one of the top vodka brands in the world, with annual sales of approximately 10 million 9-liter cases worldwide. It is a genuine Russian vodka with international recognition, noting dynamic growth of export.

Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka is CEDC’s flagship export brand in Poland. It is a vodka with over 600-years of tradition and a unique flavor derived from “bison grass,” an aromatic plant from Poland’s cleanest region of Podlasie. Zubrowka is sold throughout the world in over 50 countries and is a leading imported vodka brand in France, Japan and the UK. The brand sold approx.1 million 9l cases globally in 2010.

Kauffman Vodka is a super premium vodka brand and the first vintage vodka in the world.

“We are pleased to enter into partnership with the strongest distributor in the UK, with great experience in building premium brands in the market. We believe First Drinks Brands will contribute to further expansion of Green Mark which as an authentic, high quality vodka from Russia has great sales potential in the UK, where vodka is the largest spirits category.” – said William Carey, President and CEO of CEDC and continued – “We have been very successful in expanding Green Mark’s export in 2011, winning 7% market share in Ukraine and we will continue to build this brand’s international presence. We also look forward to strengthening the position of Zubrowka which is our key export brand and has already won recognition in the UK market.”

Chris Mason, Managing Director of First Drinks, comments: “We are delighted to be working with CEDC, one of the world’s leading vodka producers and look forward to a long term partnership to achieve our ambitious, mutual goals. The new vodkas are an excellent fit within our existing portfolio, complementing our current brands. We have a strong track record of building premium brands and have big ambitions for 2012 to be in the position to offer our customers the most desired portfolio of authentic vodka brands of any UK distributor.”
“As industry leaders in the UK premium spirits market, our strategy is to build on our reputation as premium brand builders and have a full range of authentic vodkas relevant to both the on and off-trade,” concludes Mason.

CEDC represents William Grant & Sons’ portfolio in Poland and Hungary, including Grant’s Glenfiddich and Balvenie Scotch whisky, Hendrick’s Gin and Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey. CEDC has been present in the UK market with its Zubrowka , Soplica and Graduate brands. First Drinks Brands will be distributing Green Mark and Kauffman Vodka starting from 1st quarter of 2012 and Zubrowka starting from 2nd half of 2012.

About CEDC
CEDC is one of the largest producers of vodka in the world and Central and Eastern Europe’s largest integrated spirit beverage business. CEDC produces the Green Mark, Absolwent, Zubrowka , Bols, Parliament, Zhuravli, Royal and Soplica brands, among others. CEDC currently exports its products to many markets around the world, including the United States, England, France, Japan and Germany.

CEDC also is a leading importer of alcoholic beverages in Poland, Russia and Hungary. In Poland, CEDC imports many of the world’s leading brands, including Carlo Rossi Wines, Concha y Toro wines, Metaxa Liqueur, Remy Martin Cognac, Sutter Home wines, Grant’s Whisky, Jagermeister, E&J Gallo, Jim Beam Bourbon, Sierra Tequila, Teacher’s Whisky, Campari, Cinzano and Old Smuggler. CEDC is also a leading importer of premium spirits and wines in Russia with such brands as Concha y Toro, among others.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements are based on our knowledge of facts as of the date hereof and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of CEDC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by our forward looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. CEDC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements or to make any other forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by securities laws. Investors are referred to the risks and uncertainties discussed in CEDC’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, including those under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in other documents filed by CEDC with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Anna Zaluska
Corporate PR Manager
Central European Distribution Corporation
48-22-456-6061

SOURCE Central European Distribution Corporation