BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH THATCHER'S ORGANIC ARTISAN® LIQUEURS

Source: Beam Global
October 12, 2010

Exclusive U.S. Distribution Agreement Broadens Beam Global's Cordials Portfolio

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], the leading American spirits company, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Thatcher's Organic Artisan® Liqueurs. As part of the agreement, Beam Global will become responsible for the distribution of Thatcher's, the only line of premium organic liqueurs currently available in the U.S. market. Company owner and founder Dave Racicot will continue to control Thatcher's brand and marketing initiatives.

A brand on the cutting edge of the high-end cordials market, Thatcher's uses only organic ingredients from across the globe to produce its innovative product lines. This insistence on discovering and sourcing the finest organic fruits, vegetables and botanicals has become a cornerstone of the brand's commitment to delivering high-quality liqueurs. Also, Thatcher's is committed to eco friendly business practices, utilizing lightweight glass bottles; crafting display fixtures from old barns; and donating 1% of all revenue to the global environmental charity "1% for the Planet."

"We are excited to align with Thatcher's, a truly progressive company in the cordials industry, who is already delivering quality, unique products that consumers enjoy," said Bill Newlands, president BGSW USA. "By working with Thatcher's, we will be adding dynamic cordials to our category portfolio which already includes market leader, DeKuyper®."

In addition to being made from organic ingredients, Thatcher's offers unconventional, trend-forward flavors that target cocktail enthusiasts.

"Through this agreement, we will benefit from Beam Global's robust distribution network, allowing us to increase visibility and reach for the Thatcher's brand," said Dave Racicot. "We are thrilled to partner with such an established and prestigious company, and look forward to many successes with Beam Global's assistance in growing our brand with premier on- and off-premise accounts."

Beam Global will have immediate distribution rights to Thatcher's 11 varieties of liqueurs, which include Blood Orange, Apple Spice Ginger, Elderflower and Cucumber, among others.