OREANDA-NEWS. November 19, 2012. William Grant & Sons and SPI Group announce that their current contract for the importation, distribution and marketing of Stolichnaya Vodka in the United States will not be renewed when it expires on December 31, 2013. The decision is a result of SPI Group’s desire to manage its portfolio of brands directly; SPI Group will therefore be establishing its own importing company in the United States during 2013, commencing operations on 1st January 2014.

“Stoli is a remarkable and storied vodka, the crown jewel of the SPI Group and the fastest growing premium vodka in the world,” shared Val Mendeleev, CEO, SPI Group. “As a Company with strong entrepreneurial spirit, the time has come for us to make our path forward on our own in the US. We are therefore delighted to announce that we will be creating our own importing company. We thank William Grant & Sons for their contributions to Stoli, we wish them well on their owned brands, and we look forward to what will be a continuing future of innovation and success for the Stolichnaya brand.”

William Grant & Sons assumed responsibility for the importation, distribution and marketing of the iconic Stolichnaya brand, often referred to as Stoli, in January 2009. Despite a very challenging economy and heavy competition within the spirits industry, William Grant & Sons and the SPI team returned the trailblazing brand to growth through pioneering initiatives including new creative that declared the Most Original People Deserve The Most Original Vodka, and developed innovative 360° programming to bring that message to life.

“Stoli is an excellent brand and we are proud of the many accomplishments William Grant & Sons has contributed to the success it has enjoyed, and for the part we have played in the history of this iconic brand,” stated Simon Hunt, President & Managing Director – North America, William Grants & Sons. “We wish SPI Group the very best for the future of Stolichnaya. As for William Grant & Sons, our owned brands are enjoying unparalleled success, with growth in double digits on all of our core global brands. We are excited for the future and will now be focusing our attentions to continuing to grow those remarkable and celebrated brands.”