Stoli announces new European partners

Stoli Group, producer of Stolichnaya and Stolichnaya Elit vodkas, has signed new distribution deals in the Czech Republic and Hungary.

The Luxembourg-based vodka maker has partnered with Premier Wines & Spirits in the Czech Republic and Panna Cocktail as their new Hungary distributor for the Stoli brands.

It follows the cancellation of its deal with distributor United Spirits, which Stoli thanked for “their instrumental efforts on the brand”, it said in a statement.

The new deals will take effect from January 2016. The companies are tasked with promoting Stoli in the on-trade in particular, implementing Martini cocktail programmes.

The “Stoli mule” drink program will be also be built in the countries, including Stoli’s own ginger beer and the support of Stolichnaya’s flavours

“Moving to Premier Wines & Spirits and to Panna Cocktail, will bring to Stoli and Elit a renewed approach to the Central Europe market, with an integrated mix of on and off-trade programs which will strengthen the brand and take it to the next level over the coming years,” Stolichnaya said.

The two companies were praised for having a “strong on-trade focus” by Jean-Dominique Andreu, regional managing director, Europe for Stolichnaya.