SPI Group is to switch distributor for its Stolichnaya vodka portfolio in South Africa, teaming up with wine and spirits maker KWV.
SPI distributes KWV brands in the Baltics
SPI subsidiary Stoli Group, which handles the vodka brand, said today that KWV will take over from RGBC on 1 January. Stoli said the move deepens the international relationship between the two companies as SPI distributes KWV products in the Baltics through sister company Amber Beverage Group.
“Both companies are very positive in building a strong relationship and we will look at expanding our cooperation in other areas,” Stoli Group said.
Anneke Mackenzie, KWV’s global portfolio manager for spirits, said the vodka market in South Africa “is showing massive growth”, especially in the “super-premium” segment.
Vodka selling at more than SAR150 (US$13) a bottle has increased its share of the category from 1.8% to 7.5% since 2010/11, according to South African Wine Industry Information & Systems statistics.
A Stoli Group spokesperson said: “We see enormous potential for Stoli, and look forward to bringing our products to new customers in the market.”
SPI set up Amber Beverage Group in October to consolidate its presence in the Baltic states.
