US: Belvédère re-jigs Americas duty-free

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 6 March 2009

Belvédère Duty Free has given control of its duty-free business in the US and Latin America to sister company, Imperial Brands.

Based in Florida, Imperial Brands will first oversee the Americas duty-free launch of Sobieski vodka and Danzka Vodka Limited Edition, which is already available in 25 European airports.

The Canadian duty-free market will continue to be run by Belvédère Canada, the group said this week.

Imperial Brands Inc is headed by president Chester Brandes, a US drinks industry veteran, who previously worked with firms such as Altia Group and Cruzan International.

"With the added resources of Imperial Brands, we are expanding our business and coverage rapidly," said Belvédère Duty Free sales director Torben Andersen, who acknowledged trading conditions were "difficult".

"We are hoping to see some recovery in the spring or summer," he added. "Even then, our sales may be lower than last year. But we are not pessimistic and are looking to hold our own."

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Belvédère