Marie Brizard expands presence across the Americas

French wine and spirits producer and distributor, Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits (MBWS), will roll out expansions across the Americas bolstered by strong sales in the domestic and duty-free markets in 2017.

The expansions will cover its brands including Marie Brizard liqueurs, Gautier Cognac, Sobieski Vodka, William Peel Blended Scotch Whisky and, new to travel retail, Fruits & Wine by Moncigale, in the US, Canada, South America and The Caribbean, according to the company.

In the US, Marie Brizard liqueurs has unveiled six new flavors including Elderflower, Yuzu, Jolie Cherry, Pink Grapefruit, followed by Finesse Orange and Banana (in early 2018) to strengthen its portfolio. The new flavours along with the Gautier Cognac range will be showcased in Orlando this year at the Summit of the Americas.

Meanwhile, it’s also teaming with the USBD (US Bartenders Guild) to educate bartenders on the brand in eight key states throughout 2018.

The brand’s Gautier will also see its distribution expand to five new states in the US this year, including Illinois and Georgia. Its vodka brand, Sobieski, remains the 9th imported vodka in the states, according to the company.

Its William Peel blended whisky range is another high performer. Last year saw MBWS brands grow strongly with Shopping China in Paraguay.

“William Peel is proving to be rather a star performer,” says MBWS Global Travel Retail director Kevin Baker.

“It’s really finding a niche; as well as its excellent performance with Shopping China, the brand is performing very well in Iquique Chile with Vierci which has listed both Double Maturation and Honey expressions”.

This year William Peel will be launched in Mexico, along with Sobieski Vodka and Fruits & Wine, plus several other South American countries including Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic.

“We’re very hopeful that this will lead into some key airport listings for the brand within the region,” Baker added.

Additionally, Fruits & Wine by Moncigale, a new line for MBWS in the Americas, will make its debut appearance with Compania de Indias on the Uruguay/Brazil border at Rivera. The range has 11 flavours and claims to have have fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than rosé Champagne or traditional wines.

In the Caribbean, the whole MBWS portfolio has recorded a 152% jump in sales in Trinidad and Tobago. Marques Del Puerto Rioja Wines were also launched in January this year.

MBWS will be the official sponsor of the famous Trinidadian carnival band – Fantasy Carnival & Entice – with Gautier Cognac, William Peel Blended Scotch and Sobieski Vodka this year.

In Canada, the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) listed both Gautier Cognac XO and VSOP in 2017 and is to extend that with Marie Brizard Liqueurs and Gautier Cognac XO Pinar del Rio for the 2018 Christmas season.

Now the fourth leading Cognac brand in Canada with over 6% market share and a 14% growth rate last year, Gautier continues to perform well in the country and its new look presentation has been very well received, said the company.

The rebranded Sobieski Vodka will be launched during the second half of 2018 while MBWS is also working on the presence of Marie Brizard liqueurs in the on-trade throughout Canada.