Italy is known for its excellent wines, and a well-chosen wine list is the mainstay of any New York Italian eatery – but at Lusso, an Italian restaurant in SoHo, diners can experience a new flavor of Italian drinking: Italian craft beers. Lusso diners can choose from among 22 Italian-brewed craft beers and microbrews – the largest selection in New York.  

At Lusso, which opened in January 2009, Italian craft beers are typically served in 750mL bottles and range in price from $13 to $34 – comparable to a typical bottle of wine.  

"Many U.S. diners are more familiar with Italian wines, but Italy also offers a fast-growing beer movement," said Mike Carpiniello, Lusso's owner. "Italian craft beers are a unique offering for our customers, and it's a growing trend in New York dining. Beer is the new wine, so to speak." 

Lusso is also at the vanguard of the new trend toward "beer dinners" featuring pairings of menu items and select beers. And while other well known beer-brewing countries, such as Germany and England, have strict brewing guidelines, Italian brewers have no such restriction.  Brewers may use any ingredients growing on their estate, so the flavors and ingredients in Italian beer are often more inventive and unique to their region, making them ideal for pairing with different dinner menus. 

Head Chef Louis Santos is a trained expert in pairing beers with food. Two of the beer pairings include:

• Rex Grue, which is brewed by Birrificio Montegioco and has notes of sweet tobacco, peppers and sage, paired with Lusso's sage-infused veal stuffed with pistachios smoked mozzarella and lardo.
• Genziana saison, brewed by Birra del Borgo with notes of coriander and gentian root, paired with the Branzino whole-grilled sea bass with cerignola olives, capers, grilled lemon and pine nuts and drizzled with olive oil.

"Many New Yorkers are not familiar with the quality and varieties of Italian beers that are out there, but you can have the same kind of diversity of flavors and aromas and food pairings with Italian beers as you would traditionally experience with wine," said Carpiniello.  

Lusso (http://www.lussonyc.com) is located at 331 W. Broadway at the corner of Grand.  

Lusso is a contemporary Italian restaurant in SoHo, New York City, specializing in classic Italian flavors with modern flourishes, and offering New York's most extensive selection of Italian craft beers. Founded in January 2009, Lusso strives to serve as an extension of its guests' homes - with a warm, comfortable atmosphere, the ambiance of a Tuscan wine bar, and a talented, inventive kitchen staff. Lusso is located at 331 W. Broadway at the corner of Grand. Visit Lusso online at http://www.lussonyc.com.

SOURCE Lusso

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http://www.lussonyc.com

The National Puerto Rican Coalition has responded to today's extraordinary 13-page, 5,700-word news release by the British liquor conglomerate Diageo, in which the manufacturer of Captain Morgan Rum defended its role in receiving $2.7 billion in federal excise taxes that Puerto Rico had been counting on to meet its social needs (http://tinyurl.com/ygpxgut).  The Diageo statement alleged a conspiracy of "front groups," "self-interested constituents" and two Puerto Rican rum companies which Diageo claims are trying to "drive" Diageo "out of the United States."

NPRC Chairman Miguel Lausell, (who was criticized by Diageo for exercising his Constitutional rights to support Puerto Rico native Maurice Ferre for the Senate in Florida), issued the following statement:  "Puerto Rico isn't a 'special interest' nor is the National Puerto Rican Coalition a 'front group' – but we appreciate Diageo's recognition of our role in shining public attention on their diversion of $2.7 billion in U.S. tax dollars to their shareholders.  Diageo's corporate lawyers may have been able to trick the U.S. Virgin Islands out of half of every dollar meant to meet their social needs, but their public relations team can't cover up facts.  Diageo stands to pocket more in U.S. tax dollars than it paid for Captain Morgan in the first place, and almost twice as much as it costs them to produce their product.  It's excessive, unreasonable and wrong, and even 13-page press releases can't change that."

Added NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi: "As the voice of Puerto Ricans both on the Island and the mainland, we are proud of our role in leading the fight against this reckless and short-sighted scheme, which pits poor people against giant corporations so billions can be diverted from a place where one in three lives in poverty and one in six is out of work.  Captain Morgan may have raided the Caribbean for British interests once, but those days are over: Diageo's disproportionate subsidies will be set aside, either by Congress or the World Trade Organization – or both."

The National Puerto Rican Coalition's mission is to enhance the social, political, and economic well-being of all Puerto Ricans on the mainland and the Island with a special focus on the most vulnerable.

SOURCE National Puerto Rican Coalition

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In a move that signifies a growing commitment to the U.S. marketplace, the Vibrant Rioja marketing campaign announced today the launch of a multi-million dollar trade program to support national sales at all levels.  

"Twenty years ago, less than twenty bodegas imported Rioja wines to the U.S.," said Ana Fabiano, Trade Director of the Vibrant Rioja campaign. "But today, Rioja is one of the most identifiable brands of Spain, with more than 100 distribution channels nationwide. We're as synonymous with the country as flamenco dancing and bullfighting." Fabiano continues, "As a category, Rioja delivers unparalleled quality the trade and consumer can trust. The diversity in today's Rioja – in style and price – is astounding. "

Despite current economic trends, this program will enhance the region's dedication to the U.S. domestic market and provide valuable support to existing and prospective importers and distributors of DOCa Rioja bodegas and their wines.

Over 400 integrated programs make up the 2010 trade strategy, including a point of purchase program, virtual retail program and independent account support. Additionally, momentum continues with successfully integrated retail programs piloted in 2009 that helped create over 20% increase in sales.

"From our end, the program was a rousing success," said Bill Meusgeier, Promotion Director for Crown Wine Merchants. "The events were great, the promotional material was outstanding and the support and education from the people at Vibrant Rioja was excellent. We cannot wait to work with them again."

Results like these validated the trade's trust in the campaign to form mutually beneficial partnerships with the end goal of positive consumer response.  

The point of purchase program will include over 100 participating accounts, as well as a national program with 10 key chain accounts.  The virtual retail program will be available through the www.vibrantrioja.com/trade web site to all third-tier retail trade accounts nationwide.  Additionally, independent accounts that are interested in conducting a Rioja wine program will be provided with resources to assist in the execution.

To learn more about Rioja's trade program, contact Ana Fabiano by phone at (845) 255-2040, by email at AnaFabiano@VibrantRioja.com, or visit www.vibrantrioja.com/trade.

About Rioja

Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered one of the greatest red wine regions of the world.  Rioja reds are blended predominantly with the indigenous tempranillo grape from one of the region's three sub-zones — Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa.  The DOCa of Rioja administers highly sophisticated and stringent quality control in the winemaking process, from viniculture to bottling.  More than 200 brands from Rioja are available for purchase in the U.S.  For more information, please visit www.vibrantrioja.com.

SOURCE Vibrant Rioja

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Premium Asian Wine & Spirits Company, TY KU, proudly announces its newest Ambassador, renowned Chef Ming Tsai.  TY KU teams up with the celebrated Chef/Owner of Blue Ginger and host of "Simply Ming" to create a partnership combining the strength of the 5-Star Diamond Award-winning TY KU portfolio with the James Beard Award-winning Chef Ming Tsai, to help bring Asian wine & spirits education to mainstream America.

In celebration of this new partnership, TY KU and Chef Ming will pair up to present Dim Sum & Disco on February 27th during South Beach Food & Wine Festival 2010 at The Setai Hotel. Guests will be treated to delicacies by Chef Ming Tsai and TY KU cocktails created by Master Mixologist, Tony Abou Gamin.  

TY KU and Chef Ming are both champions of the East-West movement and the collaboration is a unique opportunity to raise awareness and appreciation for TY KU's modern take on traditional Asian wine & spirits. Chef Ming Tsai joins an impressive team of TY KU Ambassadors including celebrity Chef Todd English, Ne-Yo, Brian Vickers (NASCAR) and Dhani Jones (NFL & TV Host).

Trenton Ulicny, Co-Founder of TY KU, says of the Ambassador, "Chef Ming embodies TY KU's core philosophy of respecting traditional methods while embracing the future.  We are very proud of his tremendous success to date and are enthusiastic about this partnership. With Chef Ming, TY KU will have the ability to educate even more individuals on the wonderful culture, cuisine and spirits the East has to offer."

Blue Ginger, Ming's celebrated restaurant in Wellesley, MA, was one of the first restaurants in the country to carry the entire TY KU portfolio, including TY KU White, an Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake - the very best in the world.  Ming has always been a huge fan of Asian wine & spirits, particularly soju/shochu.  Blue Ginger has two delicious low calorie TY KU Soju cocktails on the menu - the Jasmine Iced Tea-ni and Pear Soju Martini. Additionally, Chef Ming Tsai has appeared on both "The Today Show" and his Emmy-nominated show, "Simply Ming," using TY KU products in his innovative Asian inspired recipes.

TryTYKU.com

SOURCE TY KU Asian Wine & Spirits

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The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, an alliance of the appellation's winegrowers and the wineries that rely on the district's world-class fruit, announced today that tickets are now available for their fourth annual Gala tasting, taking place from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, May 15 at Hahn Estates.

This "Highlands' Fling" celebration will be a strolling wine tasting on the grounds of the scenic Hahn property, with dramatic views of the Salinas Valley below. The event will feature the most prized vintages and special reserves of the S.L.H.'s artisan winemakers - paired to delicacies prepared by award-winning local chefs.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample rare wines poured by the vintners themselves; wineries expected to participate include August West, Belle Glos, Boekenoogen, Cru, Hahn, Hope & Grace, La Rochelle, Lucienne, Manzoni, Martin Alfaro, McIntyre, Mer Soleil, Morgan, Novy, Paraiso, Pelerin, Pessagno, Pey-Lucia, Pisoni, Puma Road, Roar, Sequana, Siduri, Talbott, Testarossa, Tondre, Tudor, and Wrath.

Tickets are $85.00 per person and can be purchased online at http://www.santaluciahighlands.com

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state's best cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The appellation encompasses more than 5,000 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range, overlooking the Salinas River Valley. The area's unique character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991.  

The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, formed in 2005, is a formal association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes here or use this region's fruit to craft their wines. Their primary goal is to promote this unique viticultural district and increase awareness and appreciation of the Santa Lucia Highlands. To learn more about the Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, please visit http://www.santaluciahighlands.com

Contact: Dave Muret, 408.205.1516, dave@santaluciahighlands.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands

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Lanza Group, LLC, proudly announces Bud Light as the official beer sponsor of Salsa Fest for 2010. An outdoor Salsa festival celebrating Latino culture, music and food, Salsa Fest takes place on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 12 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Turner Field.

"We're excited to have Anheuser-Busch sponsor Salsa Fest," said Ralph E. Herrera, President of Lanza Group, LLC. "We thank them for their strong continued commitment to the Hispanic community here in Atlanta." Bud Light has also sponsored Lanza Group's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, Fiesta Atlanta.

Salsa Fest is partnering local Atlanta salsa groups, Paso Fino, SalsAtlanta, Hotlanta Salsa, and Salsa ATL. These dance groups will present short dance lessons and exhibition performances throughout the day. Local DJs and salsa bands will also be entertaining the crowds all afternoon on the main stage. To enjoy throughout the day, Salsa Fest will have a dance floor for salsa performances and for the general public.

The inaugural Salsa Fest is expected to attract participants from throughout the metro area to the first outdoor spring event of the season!  Tickets will be $10 for regular admission, $8 for college students with valid ID, and a special ticket price of $15 for admission plus one ticket voucher to a regular season Braves game, Sunday through Thursday. For further information, please visit www.SalsaFestAtl.com.

About Lanza Group:  

Lanza Group, LLC is an Atlanta-based Hispanic marketing, PR and events firm that provides bi-cultural marketing solutions; connecting marketers to Hispanics throughout the United States and beyond. Lanza Group produces Atlanta's official Cinco de Mayo celebration -- Fiesta Atlanta, as well as Georgia's Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration, Fiesta Georgia. For more information, please call us at 404.350.0200 or visit www.lanzagroup.com.

About Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch's support of the Latino community dates back more than a century and currently includes sponsorships of the Mexican National Soccer Team and Chivas.  In addition to marketing programs, the company supports approximately 400 community-based, local and national Latino organizations with contributions totaling nearly $50 million during the past two decades. To learn more about these efforts, please visit www.Latinobud.com.

SOURCE Lanza Group, LLC

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http://www.lanzagroup.com

Italy is known for its excellent wines, and a well-chosen wine list is the mainstay of any New York Italian eatery – but at Lusso, an Italian restaurant in SoHo, diners can experience a new flavor of Italian drinking: Italian craft beers. Lusso diners can choose from among 22 Italian-brewed craft beers and microbrews – the largest selection in New York.  

At Lusso, which opened in January 2009, Italian craft beers are typically served in 750mL bottles and range in price from $13 to $34 – comparable to a typical bottle of wine.  

"Many U.S. diners are more familiar with Italian wines, but Italy also offers a fast-growing beer movement," said Mike Carpiniello, Lusso's owner. "Italian craft beers are a unique offering for our customers, and it's a growing trend in New York dining. Beer is the new wine, so to speak." 

Lusso is also at the vanguard of the new trend toward "beer dinners" featuring pairings of menu items and select beers. And while other well known beer-brewing countries, such as Germany and England, have strict brewing guidelines, Italian brewers have no such restriction.  Brewers may use any ingredients growing on their estate, so the flavors and ingredients in Italian beer are often more inventive and unique to their region, making them ideal for pairing with different dinner menus. 

Head Chef Louis Santos is a trained expert in pairing beers with food. Two of the beer pairings include:

• Rex Grue, which is brewed by Birrificio Montegioco and has notes of sweet tobacco, peppers and sage, paired with Lusso's sage-infused veal stuffed with pistachios smoked mozzarella and lardo.
• Genziana saison, brewed by Birra del Borgo with notes of coriander and gentian root, paired with the Branzino whole-grilled sea bass with cerignola olives, capers, grilled lemon and pine nuts and drizzled with olive oil.

"Many New Yorkers are not familiar with the quality and varieties of Italian beers that are out there, but you can have the same kind of diversity of flavors and aromas and food pairings with Italian beers as you would traditionally experience with wine," said Carpiniello.  

Lusso (http://www.lussonyc.com) is located at 331 W. Broadway at the corner of Grand.  

Lusso is a contemporary Italian restaurant in SoHo, New York City, specializing in classic Italian flavors with modern flourishes, and offering New York's most extensive selection of Italian craft beers. Founded in January 2009, Lusso strives to serve as an extension of its guests' homes - with a warm, comfortable atmosphere, the ambiance of a Tuscan wine bar, and a talented, inventive kitchen staff. Lusso is located at 331 W. Broadway at the corner of Grand. Visit Lusso online at http://www.lussonyc.com.

SOURCE Lusso

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http://www.lussonyc.com

Premium Asian Wine & Spirits Company, TY KU, proudly announces its newest Ambassador, renowned Chef Ming Tsai.  TY KU teams up with the celebrated Chef/Owner of Blue Ginger and host of "Simply Ming" to create a partnership combining the strength of the 5-Star Diamond Award-winning TY KU portfolio with the James Beard Award-winning Chef Ming Tsai, to help bring Asian wine & spirits education to mainstream America.

In celebration of this new partnership, TY KU and Chef Ming will pair up to present Dim Sum & Disco on February 27th during South Beach Food & Wine Festival 2010 at The Setai Hotel. Guests will be treated to delicacies by Chef Ming Tsai and TY KU cocktails created by Master Mixologist, Tony Abou Gamin.  

TY KU and Chef Ming are both champions of the East-West movement and the collaboration is a unique opportunity to raise awareness and appreciation for TY KU's modern take on traditional Asian wine & spirits. Chef Ming Tsai joins an impressive team of TY KU Ambassadors including celebrity Chef Todd English, Ne-Yo, Brian Vickers (NASCAR) and Dhani Jones (NFL & TV Host).

Trenton Ulicny, Co-Founder of TY KU, says of the Ambassador, "Chef Ming embodies TY KU's core philosophy of respecting traditional methods while embracing the future.  We are very proud of his tremendous success to date and are enthusiastic about this partnership. With Chef Ming, TY KU will have the ability to educate even more individuals on the wonderful culture, cuisine and spirits the East has to offer."

Blue Ginger, Ming's celebrated restaurant in Wellesley, MA, was one of the first restaurants in the country to carry the entire TY KU portfolio, including TY KU White, an Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake - the very best in the world.  Ming has always been a huge fan of Asian wine & spirits, particularly soju/shochu.  Blue Ginger has two delicious low calorie TY KU Soju cocktails on the menu - the Jasmine Iced Tea-ni and Pear Soju Martini. Additionally, Chef Ming Tsai has appeared on both "The Today Show" and his Emmy-nominated show, "Simply Ming," using TY KU products in his innovative Asian inspired recipes.

TryTYKU.com

SOURCE TY KU Asian Wine & Spirits

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http://www.trytyku.com

Shot Spirits Corporation (Pink Sheets: SSPT) is pleased to announce that the Company will be hosting a Nationwide Teleconference on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 4:15 PM EST. (Eastern Standard Time) to update the financial community on recent events that affect Shot Spirits Corporation and its shareholders. The Company will be discussing new sales opportunities and strategic partnerships it has developed over the last six months, as well as its initiatives to increase sales.

The Nationwide Teleconference will be hosted and moderated by Marc Jablon, CEO of Big Apple Consulting USA. The featured speakers will be Brian Barrett, President & Director of Shot Spirits Corporation and Tammy Posten, Secretary/Treasurer & Director of Shot Spirits.

There is expected to be a high demand for the call-in lines for this Nationwide Teleconference and space will be limited. If you would like to participate in the Nationwide Teleconference with Shot Spirits Corporation, please call 407-389-5900 and ask for investor relations to reserve your place and receive the information which will enable you to participate in the conference. If you have a particular question for Mr. Barrett or Ms. Posten, please email your question to ir@guestmetrics.com.

About Shot Spirits Corporation:

Shot Spirits Corporation through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shot Spirits International and GuestMetrics, Inc., is focused on delivering products and services to the multi-billion dollar hospitality industry.  Shot Spirits, through their partnership with Beverage Pouch Group, is an innovator in the beverage industry with the flavors of the ShotPak® brand.  ShotPak® Cocktails and STR8UP Spirits brands are packed in their patented "Green no Landfill" StandUp pouch with easy-tear open feature. Shot Spirits is focused on distribution in supermarkets, liquor stores, as well as bars, restaurants, and sporting venues across the globe.  GuestMetrics is a data services company specializing in the collection and cleansing of data from restaurants, bars and hotels.  From top-line reporting on the state of the industry to specific brand information, suppliers can access consumer spending information not only on their specific brands, but their competitors as well.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control.

SOURCE Shot Spirits Corporation

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World-renowned singer/songwriter/author Jimmy Buffett, along with Corner Partnership, have unveiled plans to bring "Margaritaville to Music City" by opening the first Margaritaville Restaurant in Tennessee in downtown Nashville. Visitors and residents will both enjoy the atmosphere of adventure and escape, live music, island inspired menu and of course those famous "frozen concoctions".  "It's much more than a restaurant; it's a state of mind" and an exceptionally good time for anyone from families to "Parrot Heads".

"Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is one of the most iconic and beloved brand names in the world, and we are excited to partner with Margaritaville Enterprises in this venture," said Mark Bloom, a partner in Nashville-based Corner Partnership, along with Ronnie Scott and Larry Papel, who owns the building at 322 Broadway. "This is another important step in the ongoing private investment and development of downtown Nashville."

The new Margaritaville Nashville will be housed in a historic building on the corner of 4th and Broadway, just across from the famous Ryman Auditorium.

On the first level will be the "License to Chill Bar", inspired by Jimmy's hit country album of the same name. "Chill's" window walls will slide back, opening up to the streets, allowing the passing crowds to catch a bit of music and the guests inside to enjoy the action on the Avenue.

The heart of the ground level space will be "Conky Tonkin' Dining", expressing Jimmy's love of boating, flying and adventure.  Jimmy's famous flying Albatross Sea Plane will glide over, a regatta of exotic vessels including sailboats, fishing boats, and a shrimp boat inspired by Jimmy's Shrimp Boat Studios in Key West.  Banquette seating along with a collection of "floating tables" will provide great views to the ground level Performance Stage with its metal canopy, rustic wood deck and incredible sound system.

Adjacent to "Conky Tonkin' Dining" will be the "Tiki Room". This area (which is also ideal for small private parties and functions) will provide guests with the ultimate exotic dining and drinking experience. Palm trees, thatch roofs, bamboo and escapism murals will transport guests to their private "getaway".

The second level will have the feel of a rockin' country concert hall with tall ceilings and ornate windows. The main room will have the potential to be divided for multiple events and parties. The Concert Stage itself will be large enough to host major bands and concert performances and will have a state of the art sound and lighting system. Traditional seating arrangements will be available for dining, but on those special nights when one of Nashville's emerging artists, a country music legend or Jimmy hits the Margaritaville stage the entire floor can be set up to increase capacity and provide a wonderful concert environment.

The upper level will also be home to the "Cowboy in The Jungle Bar". Here guest will be treated to the perfect blend of country and the tropics. Unique saddle seating, tropical vegetation, murals, and dimensional artifacts will offer a wonderful place for a private party and great views of the Concert Stage.

"I've been thinking about opening in Nashville for a long time, it's where my music career began.  It's a very diverse place, and it's a natural thing to put a stage in.  You never know who's going to show up," said Buffett, who formerly lived in Nashville and is committed to offering a venue for up-and-coming musicians to showcase their musical talents through Margaritaville's nightly entertainment showcases. Jimmy Buffett's restaurant will provide more of what visitors and residents want – a great place for music and entertainment.

"Margaritaville coming to Nashville will be great for our city, not only in terms of tourism, but also in creating jobs and boosting the local economy," said Mayor Karl Dean. "This restaurant will fit in perfectly with our fantastic music scene, and I'm happy to add Margaritaville to the growing list of things downtown Nashville has on the horizon."

About Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

The atmosphere is inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, whose evocative songs inspire a cross-generational yearning for an island adventure.  The Margaritaville experience invites guests to come and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of their favorite destination without leaving town.

The Margaritaville Nashville location will be the 10th in the United States.  Located in some of the most popular destinations,  Jimmy Buffett's restaurants in the U.S. include Margaritaville Restaurants  in:  Key West, Orlando and Panama City Beach, FL.; Myrtle Beach, SC; at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CN.; New Orleans; Las Vegas; and Glendale, AZ and Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber in Honolulu. Additional locations can be found in Jamaica, Mexico, Grand Turk, Grand Cayman and coming soon, Niagara Falls, Canada and Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.margaritaville.com. It's not just a restaurant; it's a state of mind!

       

SOURCE Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

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Lanza Group, LLC, proudly announces Bud Light as the official beer sponsor of Salsa Fest for 2010. An outdoor Salsa festival celebrating Latino culture, music and food, Salsa Fest takes place on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 12 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Turner Field.

"We're excited to have Anheuser-Busch sponsor Salsa Fest," said Ralph E. Herrera, President of Lanza Group, LLC. "We thank them for their strong continued commitment to the Hispanic community here in Atlanta." Bud Light has also sponsored Lanza Group's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, Fiesta Atlanta.

Salsa Fest is partnering local Atlanta salsa groups, Paso Fino, SalsAtlanta, Hotlanta Salsa, and Salsa ATL. These dance groups will present short dance lessons and exhibition performances throughout the day. Local DJs and salsa bands will also be entertaining the crowds all afternoon on the main stage. To enjoy throughout the day, Salsa Fest will have a dance floor for salsa performances and for the general public.

The inaugural Salsa Fest is expected to attract participants from throughout the metro area to the first outdoor spring event of the season!  Tickets will be $10 for regular admission, $8 for college students with valid ID, and a special ticket price of $15 for admission plus one ticket voucher to a regular season Braves game, Sunday through Thursday. For further information, please visit www.SalsaFestAtl.com.

About Lanza Group:  

Lanza Group, LLC is an Atlanta-based Hispanic marketing, PR and events firm that provides bi-cultural marketing solutions; connecting marketers to Hispanics throughout the United States and beyond. Lanza Group produces Atlanta's official Cinco de Mayo celebration -- Fiesta Atlanta, as well as Georgia's Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration, Fiesta Georgia. For more information, please call us at 404.350.0200 or visit www.lanzagroup.com.

About Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch's support of the Latino community dates back more than a century and currently includes sponsorships of the Mexican National Soccer Team and Chivas.  In addition to marketing programs, the company supports approximately 400 community-based, local and national Latino organizations with contributions totaling nearly $50 million during the past two decades. To learn more about these efforts, please visit www.Latinobud.com.

SOURCE Lanza Group, LLC

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http://www.lanzagroup.com

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (Other OTC: GDHI) http://www.gdfbhk.com an international food and beverage distributor specializing in the distribution of US and International food & beverage brands to the Chinese market, today announces that it has consolidated a 40ft container of Spanish wine.  The consolidation consists of the following wine vendors: Centum Vitis from Bodegas Valdelana www.bodegasvaldelana.com, Neo, Vivir Vivir, Disco 2008, Crazy Tempranillo and the Motivo Brand from Bodegas Conde www.bodegasconde.es, www.zonaneo.com/index.php.

The company estimates the gross sales for this 40ft container around $125,000USD.  The company will focus on shipping one 40ft container every quarter to China during this year.  The primary market for the sales of wine will be directly to the restaurants in Beijing, selected supermarkets, international hotels and wine bars in Beijing.

Mr. Cesar Cuenca President stated, "with this container we are establishing a niche in the high end wine sector with Centum Vitis for the affluent wine connoisseur, Centum Vitis competes with wines like Chateau Perus from France and Pingus from Spain. Then our 100Renminbi wine market for the 'Chuppies' Chinese Yuppies, this is the most exciting and the fastest growing market sector for wine in China, and where we believe we can be the leaders."

About Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. owns and operates Golden Dragon Food & Beverage Import & Export Company of Hong Kong, Ltd. (GDHK) in central Hong Kong and Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd in China (BFGD). Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. has agreements with U.S. food manufacturers. GDHI acts as a buying agent for GDHK, negotiating vendor contracts and services with U.S. food and beverage industry partners. The Hong Kong Company plays a strategic role in the importation of products into the Chinese market by leveraging the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with China. Through this arrangement, Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd distributes some of the most popular U.S. food and beverage brand products directly into the hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores in China. The Company is responsible for order fulfillment for its clients in China, as well as providing advertising and promotion (A&P) services for its U.S. food and beverage products.

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements.' Statements describing objectives or goals or the Company's future plans are also forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the financial performance of the Company and market valuations of its stock, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

SOURCE Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

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http://www.gdfbhk.com

Twenty years after Philippe Drouhin first began introducing organic practices to the vineyards making up the family company's domaine (estate), Maison Joseph Drouhin (MJD), the highly regarded producer of Burgundy wines, has been awarded organic certification for all grapes grown within its vineyards beginning with the 2009 vintage.  Announcement of the certification was made by Frederic Drouhin, chief executive officer and president of Joseph Drouhin.

Although the Drouhin vineyards have been organic for years, official regulations require a three-year "conversion" period during which the rules of organic production are applied and verified in the vineyards.  The certification process began in August 2006 with a lengthy application to Ecocert, one of several registered companies documenting organic production.

While 2009 is the official vintage year for organic certification, Philippe Drouhin, one of the four siblings running MJD and the one in charge of the company's 73-hectare (182.5-acre) estate, including 38 hectares (just under 93 acres) of Chablis, now known as Chablis Drouhin Vaudon, began introducing organic practices back in 1990, shortly after joining the family firm.  His father, Robert, had already returned to "culture raisonnee," more traditional viticultural practices, in the late '70s, but, as he says, "Philippe went further than I."

Since he took over, Philippe has moved away from all but the most simple and natural treatments of the vine toward a non-interventionist approach and, beginning in 1997, has instituted many of the practices of biodynamie. Considered a leader in the field by fellow Burgundians, Philippe's credo – and that of the entire family and company – is to bring natural responses to natural problems.  Some vineyards are plowed by horses in the steepest areas; grass grows between vines to keep down weeds, fertilization is with natural compost; and treatments are done with herb infusions.

While many wine marketers trumpet organic and "green" credentials with seals, stickers, neckers and brochures, Maison Joseph Drouhin, in its principled and understated way, will confine its achievement only to press releases and web site information.  Consumers may be assured, however, that beginning with the 2009 vintage, wines from Joseph Drouhin vineyards, most bearing the words "propriete de famille" on the label, are officially organic – as they actually have been for the past 20 years.

Known and appreciated for their elegant, refined style, the wines of Joseph Drouhin are imported into the U.S. and distributed nationally by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., based in New York City, whose mission as an importer is to maintain loyalty to all that is special about family-owned and -operated wineries.

For more information please visit www.drouhin.com.

SOURCE Joseph Drouhin

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http://www.drouhin.com

Michelin Star chefs Michael Mina and Tom Aikens are among an impressive roster set to share their specialties aboard two Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery Crystal cruises this fall.  Aboard the back-to-back Mediterranean voyages, foodies can sate their palates with cuisine and demos from the chefs, savor the nuances of wine pairings with guest sommeliers and wine experts and learn the art of the perfect cocktail from guest mixologists.  The 12-day, star-studded sailings depart September 5 and 17 on award-winning Crystal Serenity.

Wine and food highlights include:

September 5, Istanbul to Barcelona

• Michael Mina – Founder of the Mina Group, with 11 concept restaurants including two-Michelin-Starred Michael Mina in San Francisco;
• Chris L'Hommedieu – Chef de Cuisine at Michael Mina in San Francisco;
• Aglaia Kremezi – Writer and publisher of Greek and Mediterranean cookbooks;
• Victoria Ordonez – Her family is Spain's largest wine wholesaler and exporter to the U.S.;
• Tony Abou-Ganim – Master mixologist and mastermind behind Crystal's cocktail program.

September 17, Barcelona to Venice

• Tom Aikens – Youngest British chef ever awarded two Michelin Stars; owner of Tom Aikens Restaurant in the U.K., named eighth best restaurant in the world;
• Gerhard Retter – Renowned wine & cheese sommelier at 2-3-star Michelin restaurants worldwide;
• Francesco La Franconi – Co-founder of the U.S. Bartenders Guild (Nevada); National Director of Mixology & Spirits for Southern Wine & Spirits.

Calling in cities throughout Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Monaco and France, the voyages feature tasteful experiences ashore, from exclusive private tours and tastings at a farm and wine cellar in Sorrento to a classic Spanish tapas feast in Barcelona.  

"Wine and food are integral to the culture of the Mediterranean, and a great way to immerse oneself in these spectacular destinations," says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food and beverage.

Double occupancy two-for-one cruise fares start at $5,940 per person, and include $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive – As You Wish' shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests.  

Guests can extend their culinary vacation and save up to 10% by combining the two voyages.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4304, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com

VISIT:  www.crystalcruises.com/MediaCenter.aspx

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

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http://www.crystalcruises.com

Maisons Marques & Domaines (MMD), the United States importer and distributor specializing in fine wines and champagnes from distinguished family-owned estates from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and California, has just added four Bordeaux chateaux (Petrus, Certan de May, de Sales and Puy-Blanquet) from the Right Bank to its portfolio from Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, the world renowned "negociant" from Libourne, France. Effective immediately and beginning with the 2008 vintage, MMD has leading representation of Chateau Petrus, Chateau Hosanna and Chateau de Sales as well as exclusive importing, marketing and distribution rights in the United States for Chateau Certan de May, Pomerol, and Chateau Puy-Blanquet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.

In announcing the agreement, Gregory Balogh, president and chief executive officer of MMD, states: "With the addition of these esteemed properties to our portfolio, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of a successful relationship with Christian Moueix, president of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, and his family. For us, Christian is not only one of the most respected people in the wine industry, but he is also an outstanding business partner and a friend. We are both proud and humbled by his renewed token of confidence in Maisons Marques & Domaines. Our company, as a key player in the high-end segment of the market and a trusted partner of the wine trade for over 20 years, is committed to the continuing success of Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix in the U.S. market."

"Wine enthusiasts are attracted to the famous names of Petrus, Hosanna, Certan de May and Magdelaine because of their reputation, their history and their extraordinary quality," says Christian Moueix. "With that said, when it comes to a great value proposition from Bordeaux, wines like Chateau Puy-Blanquet, St. Emilion Grand Cru, and Chateau de Sales, Pomerol, offer to any consumer the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fruit and the fine balance of a flawless Bordeaux wine at an affordable price. We are confident in MMD's ability to further build the reputation and to maximize the distribution of the wines of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix."

MMD is proud to represent the following wines from the esteemed portfolio of Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix: Chateau Petrus, Chateau Hosanna, Chateau Magdelaine, Chateau Certan de May, Chateau Lafleur Gazin, Chateau Puy-Blanquet and Chateau de Sales.

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc.

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc. (MMD), www.mmdusa.net, is headquartered in Oakland, Calif., and has an office in New York. It was founded in 1987 as the marketing company for Champagne Louis Roederer (Reims, France), www.champagne-roederer.com, and Roederer Estate (Philo, California), www.roedererestate.com. MMD also represents the French properties of Champagne Deutz, Domaines Ott, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Chateau de Pez, Chateau Haut-Beausejour, Delas Freres, Domaines Schlumberger, de Ladoucette, Albert Pic, Regnard and a selection of Bordeaux wines from Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix. Also in the MMD portfolio are Christian Moueix's Dominus Estate; Scharffenberger Cellars; Portugal's Adriano Ramos Pinto; the South African properties of Meerlust and Fleur du Cap; Italy's Pio Cesare and Querciabella; and Spain's Marques de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrantes.

Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix

Situated in Libourne along the Dordogne River, the Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, founded in 1937, is internationally known for its expertise in the Bordeaux wines of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. The Company began its history as a wine merchant, specializing in the wines from the right bank of Bordeaux. Its founder, the late Jean-Pierre Moueix, became one of the most influential people of the area when he began investing in properties of the region in 1952. At this time, the vineyard owners had no control over the finished product, since the "negoce" (negociants) of Bordeaux controlled the bottling and the sales. Mr. Moueix understood the market and what needed to be done. He was a visionary. The Company is now being managed by his son, Christian, President, and his grandson Edouard, Director of Sales.

SOURCE Maisons Marques & Domaines

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.mmdusa.net

Twenty years after Philippe Drouhin first began introducing organic practices to the vineyards making up the family company's domaine (estate), Maison Joseph Drouhin (MJD), the highly regarded producer of Burgundy wines, has been awarded organic certification for all grapes grown within its vineyards beginning with the 2009 vintage.  Announcement of the certification was made by Frederic Drouhin, chief executive officer and president of Joseph Drouhin.

Although the Drouhin vineyards have been organic for years, official regulations require a three-year "conversion" period during which the rules of organic production are applied and verified in the vineyards.  The certification process began in August 2006 with a lengthy application to Ecocert, one of several registered companies documenting organic production.

While 2009 is the official vintage year for organic certification, Philippe Drouhin, one of the four siblings running MJD and the one in charge of the company's 73-hectare (182.5-acre) estate, including 38 hectares (just under 93 acres) of Chablis, now known as Chablis Drouhin Vaudon, began introducing organic practices back in 1990, shortly after joining the family firm.  His father, Robert, had already returned to "culture raisonnee," more traditional viticultural practices, in the late '70s, but, as he says, "Philippe went further than I."

Since he took over, Philippe has moved away from all but the most simple and natural treatments of the vine toward a non-interventionist approach and, beginning in 1997, has instituted many of the practices of biodynamie. Considered a leader in the field by fellow Burgundians, Philippe's credo – and that of the entire family and company – is to bring natural responses to natural problems.  Some vineyards are plowed by horses in the steepest areas; grass grows between vines to keep down weeds, fertilization is with natural compost; and treatments are done with herb infusions.

While many wine marketers trumpet organic and "green" credentials with seals, stickers, neckers and brochures, Maison Joseph Drouhin, in its principled and understated way, will confine its achievement only to press releases and web site information.  Consumers may be assured, however, that beginning with the 2009 vintage, wines from Joseph Drouhin vineyards, most bearing the words "propriete de famille" on the label, are officially organic – as they actually have been for the past 20 years.

Known and appreciated for their elegant, refined style, the wines of Joseph Drouhin are imported into the U.S. and distributed nationally by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., based in New York City, whose mission as an importer is to maintain loyalty to all that is special about family-owned and -operated wineries.

For more information please visit www.drouhin.com.

SOURCE Joseph Drouhin

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.drouhin.com

As a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I love this commonwealth. My family has built our business here. We employ more than 7,800 Pennsylvania residents. We are proud of the contributions our family and our employees make every day in our communities.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061212/CLTU039LOGO )

However, as passionate as I am about Pennsylvania, I am appalled at some of the ridiculous laws still on the books. For example:

• If a "Restaurant" or "Eating Place" wants to sell beer or alcohol for take-home consumption, they also must allow customers to drink it on-site;
• You cannot buy beer at the same location where you buy gas. However, you can drive home from a beer distributor with a case of beer on your front seat;
• If you sell beer or alcohol, you cannot give away a free lunch, but you can give away complimentary food.

The rules are mind boggling, embarrassing and too restrictive. That's why Sheetz and other members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) support legislation proposed by State Senator John Rafferty to overhaul the state's outdated beer laws.  

Senator Rafferty's responsible approach includes the following:

• "Carding" or electronic age verification for all sales;
• Maintaining the current number of licenses, but allowing supermarkets and convenience stores to purchase existing licenses;
• Beefing up enforcement of underage drinking laws;
• Allowing distributors to sell six-packs and 12-packs.

The bottom line is convenience. People of legal age who choose to buy beer will be able to do so in more convenient locations, as is the standard in 48 other states.

Of course, the distributors, who currently have a monopoly on beer sales, are opposed to most of this proposed legislation. I will give them credit. They are transparent in their reasoning. They claim this law change will "hurt their business." To them, consumers don't matter as long as they can keep their monopoly.

We believe no group should have a monopoly. Why should distributors be allowed to sell beer at inflated prices, when opening up the competition will lower prices? Why should beer cost several dollars per case more in Pennsylvania than it does in nearby states?

In 2006, the distributors claimed to be watching out for consumers when supporting a move to allow them to sell smaller quantities. At that time, David Shipula, president of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association, said, "It's unfair to Pennsylvania's consumers to pay high costs for a 12-pack at a tavern or delicatessen when, if permitted by law, their local beer distributor could provide the same package at a much lower price." Why then, is it fair for Pennsylvania consumers to be forced to pay higher prices at a distributor, if a grocery or convenience store could offer beer for less?

For years, consumers have overwhelmingly said, "Free My Beer!" We listened and that's why we are taking this stand. You also have a unique opportunity to make your voice heard. Before the May election, study the facts, and then ask your candidate where he or she stands on the issue. Sheetz and the PFMA stand ready to help. We have information available at www.sixpacktogo.org.

I invite you to visit and separate fact from fiction. We all will profit from that.

SOURCE Sheetz, Inc.

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.sheetz.com

Bota Box, a portfolio of premium California bag-in-box wines, will team up with the Arbor Day Foundation for the second consecutive year to support U.S. reforestation. This April, Bota Box will reinforce its environmental stewardship by helping the Arbor Day Foundation plant 10,000 trees nationwide. Bota Box will fund the Earth Day reforestation program by donating a portion of its April sales proceeds to the Arbor Day Foundation. In addition, Bota Box will donate $2.00 for each new Facebook user who becomes a Bota Box Fan during the month of April.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100218/SF56867)

"We are honored to partner with one of the world's largest nonprofit conservation organizations dedicated to planting trees," said John Garaventa, Senior Brand Manager for Bota Box. "We take great care to package our wines using environmentally friendly materials to protect the nation's forests. In working with the Arbor Day Foundation, we now have the opportunity to rally consumer support for the vitally important cause of reforestation."

Bota Box is already the green choice for wine enthusiasts. The packaging in printed on recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber and the box itself is 100% recyclable. Soy-based inks and coatings are printed directly on non-bleached Kraft paper, which is bonded together with cornstarch instead of glue. The bag does not contain phthalate plasticizers or Bisphenol-A (BPA).

According to recent studies, bag-in-box wines, like Bota Box, have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional glass bottles. Bag-in-box wines create 85% less landfill waste than glass wine bottles. The transport of Bota Box reduces greenhouse gas emissions because the packaging is 35% lighter on average than glass as well as 44% smaller in size.

About Bota Box

Bota Box is crafted by DFV Wines, a family-owned winery with 85 years of experience in California winemaking and winegrowing. Bota Box, launched in 2003, produces premium California wine in 3-liter boxes made from 100% recyclable, unbleached, post-consumer fiber. Using state of the art FlexTap™ technology, Bota Box wines are kept fresh for up to six weeks after opening, allowing consumers to enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about waste or spoilage. Bota Box offers six popular California varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Shiraz and Old Vine Zinfandel. For more information about Bota Box, visit www.botabox.com or find Bota Box on Facebook at www.facebook.com/botabox.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

SOURCE DFV Wines

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.dfvwines.com

Maisons Marques & Domaines (MMD), the United States importer and distributor specializing in fine wines and champagnes from distinguished family-owned estates from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and California, has just added four Bordeaux chateaux (Petrus, Certan de May, de Sales and Puy-Blanquet) from the Right Bank to its portfolio from Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, the world renowned "negociant" from Libourne, France. Effective immediately and beginning with the 2008 vintage, MMD has leading representation of Chateau Petrus, Chateau Hosanna and Chateau de Sales as well as exclusive importing, marketing and distribution rights in the United States for Chateau Certan de May, Pomerol, and Chateau Puy-Blanquet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.

In announcing the agreement, Gregory Balogh, president and chief executive officer of MMD, states: "With the addition of these esteemed properties to our portfolio, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of a successful relationship with Christian Moueix, president of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, and his family. For us, Christian is not only one of the most respected people in the wine industry, but he is also an outstanding business partner and a friend. We are both proud and humbled by his renewed token of confidence in Maisons Marques & Domaines. Our company, as a key player in the high-end segment of the market and a trusted partner of the wine trade for over 20 years, is committed to the continuing success of Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix in the U.S. market."

"Wine enthusiasts are attracted to the famous names of Petrus, Hosanna, Certan de May and Magdelaine because of their reputation, their history and their extraordinary quality," says Christian Moueix. "With that said, when it comes to a great value proposition from Bordeaux, wines like Chateau Puy-Blanquet, St. Emilion Grand Cru, and Chateau de Sales, Pomerol, offer to any consumer the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fruit and the fine balance of a flawless Bordeaux wine at an affordable price. We are confident in MMD's ability to further build the reputation and to maximize the distribution of the wines of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix."

MMD is proud to represent the following wines from the esteemed portfolio of Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix: Chateau Petrus, Chateau Hosanna, Chateau Magdelaine, Chateau Certan de May, Chateau Lafleur Gazin, Chateau Puy-Blanquet and Chateau de Sales.

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc.

Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc. (MMD), www.mmdusa.net, is headquartered in Oakland, Calif., and has an office in New York. It was founded in 1987 as the marketing company for Champagne Louis Roederer (Reims, France), www.champagne-roederer.com, and Roederer Estate (Philo, California), www.roedererestate.com. MMD also represents the French properties of Champagne Deutz, Domaines Ott, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Chateau de Pez, Chateau Haut-Beausejour, Delas Freres, Domaines Schlumberger, de Ladoucette, Albert Pic, Regnard and a selection of Bordeaux wines from Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix. Also in the MMD portfolio are Christian Moueix's Dominus Estate; Scharffenberger Cellars; Portugal's Adriano Ramos Pinto; the South African properties of Meerlust and Fleur du Cap; Italy's Pio Cesare and Querciabella; and Spain's Marques de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrantes.

Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix

Situated in Libourne along the Dordogne River, the Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, founded in 1937, is internationally known for its expertise in the Bordeaux wines of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. The Company began its history as a wine merchant, specializing in the wines from the right bank of Bordeaux. Its founder, the late Jean-Pierre Moueix, became one of the most influential people of the area when he began investing in properties of the region in 1952. At this time, the vineyard owners had no control over the finished product, since the "negoce" (negociants) of Bordeaux controlled the bottling and the sales. Mr. Moueix understood the market and what needed to be done. He was a visionary. The Company is now being managed by his son, Christian, President, and his grandson Edouard, Director of Sales.

SOURCE Maisons Marques & Domaines

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.mmdusa.net

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and its Florida chapter today called upon Florida Senator Bill Nelson not to introduce legislation that attempts to kill two U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) public-private partnerships with the territory's rum producers. In their letter to Sen. Nelson, they expressed strong concerns about Sen. Nelson's draft bill that might force a major company to leave the United States for a foreign country.

"The legislation would overturn the agreements with Diageo and Fortune Brands which strengthen America's rum industry, would catastrophically harm the USVI's economy at a time of great need, and would jeopardize the USVI's hardworking residents' wellbeing," NBCC President Harry Alford and Florida Black Chamber of Commerce President Eugene Franklin wrote in the letter to Senator Nelson.

The partnerships use a key economic development tool, the rum excise tax cover-over, provided by Congress to keep a historic industry – and its jobs and economic impact – in the United States. They will strengthen the USVI's economy, generate long-term revenue for an American territory that needs fiscal stability, and build clean, environmentally friendly rum production facilities, in contrast to Puerto Rico's history of EPA violations. Several hundred million dollars of bonds have already been issued by the USVI government under the agreements.  

"We don't know why Senator Nelson is involved in a business dispute between two territories," said Franklin. "The Senator's proposal comes at a time when we should be helping the USVI's economy, not hurting it. These are Americans affected here, who contribute to our country and serve in our military. Blocking the USVI's economic development efforts will cause U.S. jobs and economic growth to head overseas and reverse the positive progress underway in the territory."

The National and Florida Black Chambers of Commerce also questioned Senator Nelson's intentions in aligning with Puerto Rican interests who are actively working to overturn the USVI's agreements. Under the rum excise tax cover-over program, Puerto Rico would receive additional revenue if Diageo relocates rum production to a foreign country. Puerto Rican leaders have instituted a smear campaign to force the company off U.S. soil, even if their efforts are anti-American and bad for the country's economy.

"It is unclear why Bill Nelson is working alongside Puerto Rico to damage the USVI's economic development strategy and potentially force a company to leave the United States," Alford commented. "The territory has a plan that enables it to recover from the global recession and thrive in the future. The USVI deserves full support for the proactive steps it is taking to improve its economy the way Congress intended through the rum cover-over program."

Full text of the NBCC's letter to Senator Nelson reads as follows:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Honorable Bill Nelson

United States Senate

716 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Nelson:

On behalf of the United States' and Florida's African-American business communities, we write about a public policy matter of great importance to us and to those we represent. We strongly encourage you to abandon your draft legislation regarding Congress' longstanding rum excise tax cover-over economic development program.

Your proposed legislation targets two long-term public-private partnerships secured by the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The USVI has played by the rules, reaching agreements that significantly benefit the country's only African-American-majority state or territory and the United States as a whole. The legislation would retroactively overturn the agreements with Diageo and Fortune Brands which strengthen America's rum industry, would catastrophically harm the USVI's economy at a time of great need, and would jeopardize the USVI's hardworking residents' wellbeing. We urge you to respect these economic development agreements between the USVI and its partners.

According to the recently released report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Congress created the cover-over program to generate economic growth and business activity in the territories. The USVI's long-term agreements follow Congress' objectives and instructions. CRS also reviewed the House of Representatives version of your legislation (H.R. 2122), developed by Puerto Rico's delegate to Congress Pedro Pierluisi. CRS found that the effort to dictate how the territories can use cover-over revenue contradicts the program's intent and would be damaging to both Puerto Rico and the USVI. We do not understand why and do not feel it is appropriate for you to choose to intervene in this local dispute between two territories.

CRS also identified the troubling motive of the Puerto Rican leaders who are promoting H.R. 2122 in order to destroy the USVI's agreement with Diageo. Under the rum excise tax cover-over program, the excise tax revenue on rum produced in foreign countries in the Caribbean Basin Initiative is rebated back to the U.S. territories. A vast majority of this money goes to Puerto Rico. CRS stated that Puerto Rico would prefer that Diageo locate in a foreign country rather than the USVI, because it will generate more revenue for the Puerto Rican government. Regardless of how disturbing or un-American it is, Puerto Rico's desired outcome is that Diageo be forced overseas.

The impact of retroactive legislation on the USVI is particularly destructive. Hundreds of millions of dollars of bonds have been issued by the USVI, following the explicit instruction in the original cover-over legislation that bonds be collateralized with future cover-over revenue. Construction of modern, environmentally sustainable facilities in the USVI is underway, American jobs have been and continue to be created, and improvements to infrastructure like schools and roads are planned. Your legislation halts this progress and inflicts undue harm on a territory that has effectively and creatively utilized the tool granted by the very Congress you wish to enlist in battle on this issue.

The effort to block these agreements sends a troubling message about Congress' willingness to look out for the country's territories. Moreover, Congressional interference with these local investment decisions sets a dangerous precedent. Should your legislation be enacted, any state with no stake in the business decisions of another U.S. jurisdiction could attempt to bring any public-private partnership under federal scrutiny.

The partnerships with Diageo and Fortune Brands lock in exclusive production of three of the top five selling rums in the United States for 30 years, ensuring the companies' jobs and economic impact last for decades. The USVI's investments will transform the Caribbean rum industry, build modern, environmentally sustainable facilities, and generate substantial revenue returns as rum production grows each year. This strategy will create a stable fiscal foundation for the territory's government, to the tune of billions of dollars in the coming decades that the USVI government will reinvest in its economy and residents. As Congress searches for solutions to our nation's economic challenges, it should praise the USVI's agreements, not seek to undo them.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce empower African-American businesses to succeed at a time when African-Americans continue to face extraordinary economic hurdles. The USVI's strategic partnerships set the territory on the path of immediate recovery and future growth, which helps businesses and their employees, the local community, and the United States. We are proud to recognize USVI Governor John deJongh as an innovative African-American leader who is finding solutions to the global economic crisis. We ask you to join us in respecting and supporting the USVI's public-private partnerships.

Sincerely,

Harry C. Alford

President/CEO  

National Black Chamber of Commerce®

Eugene Franklin

President

Florida Black Chamber of Commerce

SOURCE Florida Black Chamber of Commerce; National Black Chamber of Commerce

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T.G.I. Friday's restaurants today announced it will feature half-price appetizers and new drinks tomorrow for its Mardi Gras Party at participating restaurants in the U.S.

"We're T.G.I. Friday's so it's always a party but on Fat Tuesday, we'll turn up the music a little louder and keep the party going a little longer because Mardi Gras is one of the craziest parties of the year and as always, we are your party headquarters," said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's USA. "At 4 p.m. local time tomorrow, our restaurants across the U.S. will be rockin' with the excitement and atmosphere of a New Orleans parade. Be sure to check with your local Friday's to see what they have planned for your party."

In keeping with its heritage and legacy of beverage innovation, T.G.I. Friday's also developed and will feature the following specialty drinks for the Mardi Gras Party:

• SoCo Hurricane – Southern Comfort mixed with our own hurricane mix, topped off with a splash of orange juice.  (Very classic using SoCo which is from The French Quarter).
• Bacardi Passion Splash – Bacardi Rum and Tuaca mixed with passion fruit puree, and fresh lime and cranberry juice.

Members of T.G.I. Friday's Give Me More Stripes® guest recognition program (www.givememorestripes.com) will receive double stripes on food purchases all day long.

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100215/DA54849)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's USA

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

As a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I love this commonwealth. My family has built our business here. We employ more than 7,800 Pennsylvania residents. We are proud of the contributions our family and our employees make every day in our communities.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061212/CLTU039LOGO )

However, as passionate as I am about Pennsylvania, I am appalled at some of the ridiculous laws still on the books. For example:

• If a "Restaurant" or "Eating Place" wants to sell beer or alcohol for take-home consumption, they also must allow customers to drink it on-site;
• You cannot buy beer at the same location where you buy gas. However, you can drive home from a beer distributor with a case of beer on your front seat;
• If you sell beer or alcohol, you cannot give away a free lunch, but you can give away complimentary food.

The rules are mind boggling, embarrassing and too restrictive. That's why Sheetz and other members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) support legislation proposed by State Senator John Rafferty to overhaul the state's outdated beer laws.  

Senator Rafferty's responsible approach includes the following:

• "Carding" or electronic age verification for all sales;
• Maintaining the current number of licenses, but allowing supermarkets and convenience stores to purchase existing licenses;
• Beefing up enforcement of underage drinking laws;
• Allowing distributors to sell six-packs and 12-packs.

The bottom line is convenience. People of legal age who choose to buy beer will be able to do so in more convenient locations, as is the standard in 48 other states.

Of course, the distributors, who currently have a monopoly on beer sales, are opposed to most of this proposed legislation. I will give them credit. They are transparent in their reasoning. They claim this law change will "hurt their business." To them, consumers don't matter as long as they can keep their monopoly.

We believe no group should have a monopoly. Why should distributors be allowed to sell beer at inflated prices, when opening up the competition will lower prices? Why should beer cost several dollars per case more in Pennsylvania than it does in nearby states?

In 2006, the distributors claimed to be watching out for consumers when supporting a move to allow them to sell smaller quantities. At that time, David Shipula, president of the Malt Beverage Distributors Association, said, "It's unfair to Pennsylvania's consumers to pay high costs for a 12-pack at a tavern or delicatessen when, if permitted by law, their local beer distributor could provide the same package at a much lower price." Why then, is it fair for Pennsylvania consumers to be forced to pay higher prices at a distributor, if a grocery or convenience store could offer beer for less?

For years, consumers have overwhelmingly said, "Free My Beer!" We listened and that's why we are taking this stand. You also have a unique opportunity to make your voice heard. Before the May election, study the facts, and then ask your candidate where he or she stands on the issue. Sheetz and the PFMA stand ready to help. We have information available at www.sixpacktogo.org.

I invite you to visit and separate fact from fiction. We all will profit from that.

SOURCE Sheetz, Inc.

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.sheetz.com

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and its Florida chapter today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid calling for him to join the African-American business community in support of the U.S. Virgin Islands' (USVI) public-private partnerships with the territory's rum producers.

"These agreements with Diageo and Fortune Brands significantly help the economy of this African-American-majority U.S. territory at a time of great need, while simultaneously keeping these companies on American soil and preserving their jobs and economic impact," NBCC President Harry Alford and Florida Black Chamber of Commerce President Eugene Franklin wrote in the letter to Senator Reid that announced their backing of the USVI.

The USVI's partnerships use a decades-old tool provided by Congress, the rum excise tax cover-over program, to generate revenue for economic development and infrastructure needs and to strengthen the United States' rum industry. The agreements will invest in clean, environmentally sustainable rum production facilities, stabilize the USVI government's finances, and provide a long-term foundation for local business activity. Several hundred million dollars of bonds have already been issued by the USVI government under the agreements, with construction now underway.

"Times are tough for everyone. When you see a governor create innovative partnerships that help his residents, improve the local business climate and strengthen the fiscal health of the nation's only majority-black territory, you realize that economic recovery is possible," commented Alford. "The NBCC stands behind these deals that grow the U.S. economy the right way and benefit African-American small businesses and employees."

In the letter, the Black Chambers of Commerce expressed concern about legislation promoted by Puerto Rican officials seeking to overturn the USVI's agreements. Puerto Rico has launched a misinformation campaign to undermine the USVI's long-term development strategy. Puerto Rico's anti-USVI legislation was criticized by the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) as counter to the cover-over program's intent and damaging to both the USVI and Puerto Rico. CRS also reaffirmed that USVI has full control of its cover-over funds, which are considered local revenue.

"The USVI's plan enables it to recover from the global recession and thrive in the future using the tools Congress provided," Franklin said. "The territory deserves Congress' support for its proactive vision to improve its economy using the rum cover-over program. Bonds have been issued and construction has begun in the USVI, so this retroactive anti-USVI legislation cannot move forward."

Full text of the letter to Senator Reid follows:

February 17, 2010

The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader

United States Senate

522 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Majority Leader Reid:

On behalf of the United States' African-American business community, we are writing about a public policy matter of great importance to us and those we represent. The National Black Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce encourage you to support the public-private partnerships created by the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) under the rum excise tax cover-over economic development program. These agreements with Diageo and Fortune Brands significantly help the economy of this African-American-majority U.S. territory at a time of great need, while simultaneously keeping these companies on American soil and preserving their jobs and economic impact.

Under your leadership, the Senate is pursuing legislation that rebuilds our economy through better collaboration with and support for companies that benefit the U.S. economy and hire American workers. The USVI's partnerships with Diageo and Fortune Brands do just that, by locking in exclusive production for 30 years in the United States of three of the top-five selling rums. The territory's investments will transform the Caribbean rum industry, build modern, environmentally sustainable facilities, and generate substantial revenue returns as rum production grows each year. Governor John deJongh's strategy will create a stable foundation for the territory's economy, with billions of dollars in the coming decades for the USVI government to reinvest in its economy and residents. These agreements also ensure America's rum industry stays ahead of growing competition in foreign countries where environmental standards and labor costs and protections are lower.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently reported that Congress created the cover-over program to generate economic growth in the territories. CRS reaffirmed that specific use of revenue is to be determined by the territories' governments, with no restrictions placed on local leaders. Finally, CRS stated that excise taxes on rum were implemented as equalization taxes on the territories' rum producers, so it is not considered a tax on U.S. consumers and is not intended to raise revenue for the U.S. Treasury. The USVI's long-term agreements follow Congress' intent and instructions.

Construction in the USVI is already underway, improvements to USVI infrastructure like schools and roads are planned, the American economy is growing because of these agreements, and U.S. jobs have been and continue to be created. In addition, hundreds of millions of dollars of bonds have been issued by the USVI, following the explicit instruction in the original cover-over legislation that bonds may be collateralized with future cover-over revenue.

We are well aware that Puerto Rico and its allies are working in retaliation against the USVI's partnerships. Legislation proposed in the House of Representatives by Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (H.R. 2122) attempts to undo these agreements out of spite. Puerto Rico lost a business due to its own failure to provide competitive market terms. That does not justify the vitriolic and reprehensible attacks by Puerto Rico's leaders.

Moreover, CRS reported that this legislation would inflict undue harm on both the USVI and Puerto Rico. Federal efforts to block the USVI's partnerships send a distressing message about Congress' willingness to look out for all the territories' economic future. Congressional involvement in these local investment decisions is not needed and sets a dangerous precedent. Should the proposed anti-USVI legislation be enacted, any state with no stake in the business decisions of another U.S. jurisdiction could attempt to bring any public-private partnership under federal scrutiny. This type of intervention creates uncertainty and risk in operating in the United States, a troubling possibility as we try to keep Americans at work and strengthen the health of our businesses.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our Florida chapter, empowers African-American companies and helps them find opportunities that will make them stronger in the future. The USVI has established strategic partnerships that set the territory on the path of immediate recovery and long-term, sustainable growth, while also benefiting the United States by creating new economic activity. We are proud to recognize USVI Governor John deJongh as an innovative African-American leader who is finding solutions to the global economic crisis. We hope you will join us in supporting the USVI's public-private partnerships.

Sincerely,

Harry C. Alford

President/CEO  

National Black Chamber of Commerce®

Eugene Franklin

President and CEO

Florida Black Chamber of Commerce

SOURCE National Black Chamber of Commerce

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Twenty years after Philippe Drouhin first began introducing organic practices to the vineyards making up the family company's domaine (estate), Maison Joseph Drouhin (MJD), the highly regarded producer of Burgundy wines, has been awarded organic certification for all grapes grown within its vineyards beginning with the 2009 vintage.  Announcement of the certification was made by Frederic Drouhin, chief executive officer and president of Joseph Drouhin.

Although the Drouhin vineyards have been organic for years, official regulations require a three-year "conversion" period during which the rules of organic production are applied and verified in the vineyards.  The certification process began in August 2006 with a lengthy application to Ecocert, one of several registered companies documenting organic production.

While 2009 is the official vintage year for organic certification, Philippe Drouhin, one of the four siblings running MJD and the one in charge of the company's 73-hectare (182.5-acre) estate, including 38 hectares (just under 93 acres) of Chablis, now known as Chablis Drouhin Vaudon, began introducing organic practices back in 1990, shortly after joining the family firm.  His father, Robert, had already returned to "culture raisonnee," more traditional viticultural practices, in the late '70s, but, as he says, "Philippe went further than I."

Since he took over, Philippe has moved away from all but the most simple and natural treatments of the vine toward a non-interventionist approach and, beginning in 1997, has instituted many of the practices of biodynamie. Considered a leader in the field by fellow Burgundians, Philippe's credo – and that of the entire family and company – is to bring natural responses to natural problems.  Some vineyards are plowed by horses in the steepest areas; grass grows between vines to keep down weeds, fertilization is with natural compost; and treatments are done with herb infusions.

While many wine marketers trumpet organic and "green" credentials with seals, stickers, neckers and brochures, Maison Joseph Drouhin, in its principled and understated way, will confine its achievement only to press releases and web site information.  Consumers may be assured, however, that beginning with the 2009 vintage, wines from Joseph Drouhin vineyards, most bearing the words "propriete de famille" on the label, are officially organic – as they actually have been for the past 20 years.

Known and appreciated for their elegant, refined style, the wines of Joseph Drouhin are imported into the U.S. and distributed nationally by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., based in New York City, whose mission as an importer is to maintain loyalty to all that is special about family-owned and -operated wineries.

For more information please visit www.drouhin.com.

SOURCE Joseph Drouhin

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.drouhin.com

Members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) and the Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council (PCSC) today joined state Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) as he unveiled legislation that would make sweeping and historic changes to the state's beer laws.  

In addition to announcing its support of the beer bill, PFMA/PCSC revealed its new website, www.sixpacktogo.org which provides a forum for Pennsylvania's adult beer drinkers who want to join the state's "Beer Revolution."  

"I support Senator Rafferty's bill because it treats adults like adults and protects their rights as beer drinkers," said Stan Sheetz, CEO of Sheetz Inc., who presented Rafferty with the signatures of more than 125,000 Pennsylvanians who signed petitions calling for changes to the state's prohibition-era beer laws.

Sheetz, who also unveiled the Pennsylvania Beer Drinkers' Bill of Rights (att.), said he was attending today's rally "as a conduit" for his customers.

"Before you even launch your bill, you already have more than 125,000 supporters," Sheetz told Rafferty as he presented the petitions.  "These, Senator, are the members of the Beer Brigade who are willing to follow you into battle as you begin the fight for Better Beer Laws."  

Rafferty's bill provides more consumer convenience and increases protection against selling to minors.  Among other provisions, the bill:

• Helps prevent sales to minors by requiring 100 percent carding for all beer sales or the use of an Electronic Age Verification (EAV) device by beer retailers;
• Allows supermarkets and large convenience stores to purchase an existing license and convert it to a Food Merchant License (F); and,
• Maintains the number of existing licenses.

"Selling beer, including Pennsylvania-produced microbrews, in stores gives consumers greater choices, and the protections in this bill will actually help stop sales to minors," Rafferty said at today's rally.

Rafferty said the Pennsylvania State Police have conducted hundreds of age compliance checks at beer distributors and in 2008 found that beer distributors sell to minors 40 percent of the time.   Rafferty believes that his bill will help 'crack down' on underage beer sales.

Joining Rafferty were several PFMA/PCSC members who commented on the landmark legislation, including John Otway, owner of Dutch's Family Markets, located in Greentown, PA.   Otway, who has sold beer for more than eight years, said he is concerned with the pending state Supreme Court case whereby the issue of interior connections is being addressed.  

"I can't predict how the court will rule, but I do know that my customers have told me that they want to be able to continue buying beer from me -- and I certainly want to continue selling it to them," Otway said.  "Sen. Rafferty's bill would allow me to continue selling beer regardless of the court's ruling."

Otway also noted that because his store is located in a high-tourist area, he suspects that a fair amount of state tax revenue is being lost because visitors are bringing in beer from out of state.  "Sen. Rafferty's bill will lighten their load," Otway quipped.

Greg TenEyck, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Safeway's Eastern Division, which includes Genuardi's, located in SE Pennsylvania also spoke at the rally.

"We currently operate more than 1,700 stores across the U.S. and Canada," TenEyck said. "And we have had a lot of experience selling alcohol in our stores over the years.  In fact, we sell beer in 34 states but not in Pennsylvania."

TenEyck said he wants to dispel the proposition, or the myth, that selling beer in supermarkets will put others who sell beer out of business.  "I think those who believe that are giving supermarkets far too much credit," he said.  

"To the contrary, we have found that supermarkets that sell beer and other forms of alcohol can peacefully co-exist with other business that do the same," TenEyck added.  "In many shopping centers, we have independent liquor stores operating next door to a Safeway that sells many of the same products."

Randy St. John, Sr. Vice President of Association Services for PFMA/PCSC said, "Rafferty's bill respects those who sell beer now, recognizes the rights of those who want to sell beer, and answers the call of consumers who deserve more choice and convenience."

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council represents more than 1,100 corporate members in Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.sixpacktogo.org

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce today called on Florida's Senator George LeMieux to abandon his support for legislation that would severely damage the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).

Sen. LeMieux recently joined a campaign promoting federal legislation to undo two economic development agreements in the USVI at the behest of a group of Puerto Rican leaders and lobbyists. The campaign consistently disseminates misinformation and falsehoods to gain support and to pressure federal leaders to join its efforts targeting the USVI. The National and Florida Black Chambers of Commerce urge Sen. LeMieux to see the merits of the USVI's economic strategy, which uses tools provided by Congress to benefit the territory and United States.

The USVI has signed public-private partnerships with Diageo, maker of Captain Morgan rum, and Fortune Brands, maker of Cruzan Rum and Ronrico, that ensure both companies stay in the United States for the next 30 years. Sen. LeMieux voiced his support for Puerto Rico's attempts to unwind the agreements, even if it forces Diageo off American soil to a foreign country, taking jobs and economic impact overseas. This is bad for America's economy and the USVI's residents.

The letter from NBCC President Harry Alford and Florida Black Chamber of Commerce President Eugene Franklin raised questions about Puerto Rico's attacks against the USVI. It asked Sen. LeMieux to confirm he has reviewed the recent Congressional Research Service report that stated Puerto Rico's legislation is counter to the rum excise tax cover-over economic development program's intent and would ultimately damage both Puerto Rico and the USVI.

"Senator LeMieux's backing of Puerto Rican interests deeply concerns African-American business leaders and their employees," said Alford. "The USVI's agreements keep companies in the United States and help the USVI recover from the fiscal downturn.

"Bonds have been issued by the USVI and construction is underway. The economic future of nation's only black-majority territory is under threat of implosion if LeMieux gets his way in Congress," commented Franklin. "Florida's African-American community needs to stand up to Senator LeMieux and the campaign targeting the USVI. Harming the USVI simply to please a faction of powerful Puerto Ricans is bad for African-Americans, bad for both territories' rum industries, and bad for the U.S. economy."

Full text of the letter to Senator LeMieux follows:

------------------------------------------------------------

The Honorable George LeMieux

United States Senate

356 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator LeMieux:

The Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, along with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, is deeply troubled by your public support for Puerto Rican legislation (H.R. 2122) targeting the U.S. Virgin Islands' (USVI) economic development agreements. Puerto Rican officials are waging a campaign against the USVI based on misinformation and demagoguery. On behalf of Florida's African-American business community, we stand behind the USVI's public-private partnerships benefiting the United States, the companies, their employees and their communities.

The USVI's rum partnerships are good for America's economy, modernize the U.S. rum industry, improve the environment with cleaner and more sustainable facilities, and provide new hope for one of America's poorest jurisdictions. These investments with Diageo (Captain Morgan's owner) and Fortune Brands (Cruzan Rum's owner) preserve and create U.S. jobs and economic impact by keeping exclusive production of the rum brands in the United States for 30 years. At a time of national economic challenges, we believe that our leaders should be praising these deals, not criticizing them.    

We sincerely hope you will reconsider your position on H.R. 2122 and will not use this serious economic and public policy issue to advance your own political career. Puerto Rico's overt and vitriolic attacks are merely sour grapes because that territory lost out in the marketplace when Diageo decided to move Captain Morgan production from Puerto Rico. The public-private partnerships with the USVI ensure Puerto Rico's business failures do not result in Diageo heading offshore.

We respectfully would like to request answers from you on the following questions:

• You publicly state your support for H.R. 2122. Are you aware that a recent analysis by the independent and reputable Congressional Research Service concluded that H.R. 2122 is counter to the intent of the original rum excise tax cover-over program, that the legislation would hurt both the USVI and Puerto Rico, and that cover-over revenue does not constitute U.S. taxpayer dollars?
• Were you aware that Diageo has publicly stated it will not return to Puerto Rico? Given their business-driven decision, by advocating the Puerto Rican position, you are supporting Puerto Rico's desire to see Diageo locate in a foreign country. Are you willing to lose U.S. jobs and economic impact to satisfy Puerto Rican interests?
• Puerto Rico and its lobbyists and allies have launched a campaign against the USVI and have issued demands of Congress. Are you aware of the extent of the attacks and deliberate spread of misinformation used to promote H.R. 2122? Have you closely examined the self-interested motivations of the Puerto Ricans involved?

We appreciate your quick response to these questions.  

Public-private partnerships like the USVI's benefit the United States by boosting economic activity, maximizing local government revenue and improving residents' lives. We hope you will reconsider your support for H.R. 2122 and will closely evaluate the legislation's negative impact on the USVI, a territory facing severe economic challenges that has found a proactive solution to these difficulties, and on the United States as a whole. H.R. 2122 hurts economic development efforts at a time when government and business leaders need to be aligned in doing everything possible to stabilize and grow our country's economy.

Sincerely,

Eugene Franklin

President and CEO

Florida Black Chamber of Commerce

Harry C. Alford

President and CEO  

National Black Chamber of Commerce

SOURCE Florida Black Chamber of Commerce / National Black Chamber of Commerce

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Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ("FEMSA") announced today its operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009.

Fourth Quarter 2009 Highlights:

• Consolidated total revenues and income from operations grew 19.8% and 21.5%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter 2008. In spite of a challenging economic environment, FEMSA again delivered a quarter of strong growth in revenues and income from operations, mainly driven by double-digit performance at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio.
• Coca-Cola FEMSA total revenues and income from operations increased 27.6% and 19.1%, respectively. Driven by double-digit income from operations growth in Latincentro and Mercosur operations.
• FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 7.6%. Top-line growth mainly due to higher price per hectoliter in Mexican pesos, combined with operating expense containment offsetting raw material cost pressures due to year-over-year increases, resulting in growth of 8.6% in income from operations.
• FEMSA Comercio continued its pace of strong growth and margin expansion. Income from operations increased 45.3%, resulting in an operating margin expansion of 240 basis points to reach an all-time high of 11.7% during 4Q09.

2009 Full Year Highlights:

• Consolidated total revenues increased 17.3%. All operating units contributed to this top-line growth.
• Consolidated income from operations increased 19.1%, driven by double-digit growth at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio.
• Coca-Cola FEMSA total revenue and income from operations increased 23.9% and 15.6%, respectively. Strong growth in Latincentro and Mercosur, as well as more tempered growth in Mexico drove these results.
• FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 9.3%, mainly as a result of increases in average price per hectoliter across all our operations in local currencies. Income from operations increased 9.3%, as a result of top-line growth combined with operating expense containment offsetting continued raw material cost pressures.
• FEMSA Comercio income from operations increased 44.8%, reaching an all-time-high operating margin of 8.3% and resulting in 180 basis points of expansion. For the 8th consecutive year, income from operations increased over 25%, driven by the opening of 960 new stores during the year and a 1.3% increase in same store sales.
• Ordinary dividend of Ps. 2.600 billion proposed by FEMSA's Board of Directors, to be paid in 2010 and subject to approval at the annual shareholders meeting in April, 2010, representing a 60% increase over the prior year.

Jose Antonio Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of FEMSA, commented: "At the outset of 2010, we should highlight the benefit of having not one, but two distinct reasons to be very optimistic about FEMSA. On the operating front, we closed a very challenging 2009 that nevertheless saw us grow, improve, and ultimately succeed in delivering a very robust set of results. On the strategic front, as you know, we announced a definitive agreement under which we are exchanging FEMSA's beer operations for a 20% economic interest in Heineken, which will allow our shareholders to participate in the value creation we believe will come from aligning FEMSA Cerveza with Heineken. At the same time, we increase FEMSA's operational and financial flexibility, and we will be able to focus our attention and resources on the significant opportunities for Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio. We are confident that FEMSA has the right skill set and the right people to continue its path of growth and operational excellence in soft drinks and convenience retail, two businesses that hold tremendous promise and opportunities for growth and value creation, while also adding value to Heineken as we move forward."

To obtain the full text of this earnings release, please visit our Investor Relations website at www.femsa.com/investor under the Financial Reports section.

This report may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning our future performance that should be considered as good faith estimates made by us.  These forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based upon currently available data.  Actual results are subject to future events and uncertainties, which could materially impact our actual performance.

FEMSA is the leading beverage company in Latin America. It controls an integrated beverage platform that comprises Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the region; FEMSA Cerveza, one of the leading brewers in Mexico, with presence in Brazil, and an important beer exporter to the United States and other countries; and Oxxo, the largest and fastest growing convenience store chain in Mexico with over 7,300 stores.

SOURCE Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.femsa.com/investor

Gracianna Winery was awarded three top medals at the 2010 San Francisco Wine Competition, the largest in the United States. More than 60 professional wine experts from across the United States traveled to Sonoma County, California to evaluate 4,913 entries.

Unprecedented for a first vintage, Gracianna was awarded a medal for every wine submitted by the world's best wine judges.

• 2007 Gracianna Bacigalupi Zinfandel GOLD!
• 2007 Gracianna Bacigalupi Pinot SILVER!
• 2008 Gracianna Bacigalupi Pinot SILVER! (releasing soon, spring 2010)

Ashley Amador, partner for Gracianna Winery, said, "We all wept when we heard the news - even though the 2007 is our first vintage, we have been dreaming about this for almost 6 years. We are honored to receive three medals from this prominent panel. Gracianna Wines are created for those who have something to be grateful for. With today's news, we are the ones who are grateful. We are overwhelmed with joy and pass along our gratitude to the Bacigalupis for growing such brilliant fruit."

Gracianna's award winners are online at SF Chronicle's Wine Competition website:

http://www.winejudging.com/medal_winners_2010/415.htm

http://www.winejudging.com/medal_winners_2010/405.htm

The public tasting for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is at Fort Mason in San Francisco on Saturday, February 20, 2010, where Gracianna will be pouring its gold medal winning 2007 Gracianna Russian River Bacigalupi Zinfandel at the master table.

For more on the story of gratitude, visit the Gracianna website at http://www.gracianna.net or go direct to "Buy Wine."

Gracianna's home is in Healdsburg, CA on the part of Westside Road that local experts call "The Miracle Mile." The first small production release is now available, with the second vintage available this spring 2010. Along with their pinot noir and zinfandel, Gracianna will release their first chardonnay, which is "gorgeous with bright pears, complex and beautiful," according to winemaker Trini Amador. Following this success, the Amadors expect an estate vineyard designated "Mercedes' Vineyard" planted to pinot noir scheduled to release in 2013.

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Gracianna Winery

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.gracianna.net

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce today called on Florida's Senator George LeMieux to abandon his support for legislation that would severely damage the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).

Sen. LeMieux recently joined a campaign promoting federal legislation to undo two economic development agreements in the USVI at the behest of a group of Puerto Rican leaders and lobbyists. The campaign consistently disseminates misinformation and falsehoods to gain support and to pressure federal leaders to join its efforts targeting the USVI. The National and Florida Black Chambers of Commerce urge Sen. LeMieux to see the merits of the USVI's economic strategy, which uses tools provided by Congress to benefit the territory and United States.

The USVI has signed public-private partnerships with Diageo, maker of Captain Morgan rum, and Fortune Brands, maker of Cruzan Rum and Ronrico, that ensure both companies stay in the United States for the next 30 years. Sen. LeMieux voiced his support for Puerto Rico's attempts to unwind the agreements, even if it forces Diageo off American soil to a foreign country, taking jobs and economic impact overseas. This is bad for America's economy and the USVI's residents.

The letter from NBCC President Harry Alford and Florida Black Chamber of Commerce President Eugene Franklin raised questions about Puerto Rico's attacks against the USVI. It asked Sen. LeMieux to confirm he has reviewed the recent Congressional Research Service report that stated Puerto Rico's legislation is counter to the rum excise tax cover-over economic development program's intent and would ultimately damage both Puerto Rico and the USVI.

"Senator LeMieux's backing of Puerto Rican interests deeply concerns African-American business leaders and their employees," said Alford. "The USVI's agreements keep companies in the United States and help the USVI recover from the fiscal downturn.

"Bonds have been issued by the USVI and construction is underway. The economic future of nation's only black-majority territory is under threat of implosion if LeMieux gets his way in Congress," commented Franklin. "Florida's African-American community needs to stand up to Senator LeMieux and the campaign targeting the USVI. Harming the USVI simply to please a faction of powerful Puerto Ricans is bad for African-Americans, bad for both territories' rum industries, and bad for the U.S. economy."

Full text of the letter to Senator LeMieux follows:

------------------------------------------------------------

The Honorable George LeMieux

United States Senate

356 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator LeMieux:

The Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, along with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, is deeply troubled by your public support for Puerto Rican legislation (H.R. 2122) targeting the U.S. Virgin Islands' (USVI) economic development agreements. Puerto Rican officials are waging a campaign against the USVI based on misinformation and demagoguery. On behalf of Florida's African-American business community, we stand behind the USVI's public-private partnerships benefiting the United States, the companies, their employees and their communities.

The USVI's rum partnerships are good for America's economy, modernize the U.S. rum industry, improve the environment with cleaner and more sustainable facilities, and provide new hope for one of America's poorest jurisdictions. These investments with Diageo (Captain Morgan's owner) and Fortune Brands (Cruzan Rum's owner) preserve and create U.S. jobs and economic impact by keeping exclusive production of the rum brands in the United States for 30 years. At a time of national economic challenges, we believe that our leaders should be praising these deals, not criticizing them.    

We sincerely hope you will reconsider your position on H.R. 2122 and will not use this serious economic and public policy issue to advance your own political career. Puerto Rico's overt and vitriolic attacks are merely sour grapes because that territory lost out in the marketplace when Diageo decided to move Captain Morgan production from Puerto Rico. The public-private partnerships with the USVI ensure Puerto Rico's business failures do not result in Diageo heading offshore.

We respectfully would like to request answers from you on the following questions:

• You publicly state your support for H.R. 2122. Are you aware that a recent analysis by the independent and reputable Congressional Research Service concluded that H.R. 2122 is counter to the intent of the original rum excise tax cover-over program, that the legislation would hurt both the USVI and Puerto Rico, and that cover-over revenue does not constitute U.S. taxpayer dollars?
• Were you aware that Diageo has publicly stated it will not return to Puerto Rico? Given their business-driven decision, by advocating the Puerto Rican position, you are supporting Puerto Rico's desire to see Diageo locate in a foreign country. Are you willing to lose U.S. jobs and economic impact to satisfy Puerto Rican interests?
• Puerto Rico and its lobbyists and allies have launched a campaign against the USVI and have issued demands of Congress. Are you aware of the extent of the attacks and deliberate spread of misinformation used to promote H.R. 2122? Have you closely examined the self-interested motivations of the Puerto Ricans involved?

We appreciate your quick response to these questions.  

Public-private partnerships like the USVI's benefit the United States by boosting economic activity, maximizing local government revenue and improving residents' lives. We hope you will reconsider your support for H.R. 2122 and will closely evaluate the legislation's negative impact on the USVI, a territory facing severe economic challenges that has found a proactive solution to these difficulties, and on the United States as a whole. H.R. 2122 hurts economic development efforts at a time when government and business leaders need to be aligned in doing everything possible to stabilize and grow our country's economy.

Sincerely,

Eugene Franklin

President and CEO

Florida Black Chamber of Commerce

Harry C. Alford

President and CEO  

National Black Chamber of Commerce

SOURCE Florida Black Chamber of Commerce / National Black Chamber of Commerce

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This February, ABSOLUT® VODKA gives cocktail connoisseurs everywhere a new reason to drink exceptionally.  The eleventh unique flavor in the ABSOLUT portfolio, ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI is an on-trend blend of acai, blueberry and pomegranate with an elegant focused berry aroma; a pure, vital and slightly juicy taste; and a smooth expressive, fresh and berry finish.  The new spirit is now available at bars, restaurants and retailers nationwide.

"At ABSOLUT, we seek creativity and innovation in everything we do - in our collaborations, our marketing and most importantly, in our products. As such, we are thrilled to introduce ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI to the market and look forward to watching bartenders and consumers alike enjoy the unique mixability and taste ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI  will bring to each cocktail," said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT VODKA. "With ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI we hope to inspire consumers and show them how easy and delicious mixology can be."

Featuring a tangy and ripe berry-flavor that's smooth and fresh with a natural sweetness, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI draws upon the characters of three of today's most popular berry flavors – acai, blueberry and pomegranate.  Like all ABSOLUT flavors, it creates exceptional cocktails when combined with anything from juices and sodas to muddled fruit and champagne.  Mixed with club soda, it conjures up a lazy summer afternoon, even in the winter.  Shake with cranberry juice and orange liqueur, it becomes an exceptionally flirty and delicious version of the Cosmopolitan.  Similar to its predecessors, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI  made from all-natural ingredients, and contains no sugar and no added preservatives.

ABSOLUT introduced ABSOLUT® PEPPAR (1986) and ABSOLUT® CITRON (1988) at a time when no other brands thought of flavored vodka, and single handedly helped propel two highly popular cocktails into the consumer psyche – the Bloody Mary and the Cosmopolitan.  Since then, ABSOLUT has been a pioneer within the category, and with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, ABSOLUT continues its tradition of developing flavors that inspire cocktail creations and takes mixology to a new level.

Celebrating in Style

To celebrate the launch of the new flavor, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will join Robert Verdi for his 2010 Fashion Week retreat in New York City from February 12 - 18, 2010.  As Robert Verdi invites his guests to explore the Future of Fashion, ABSOLUT invites guests to enjoy the future of exceptional cocktails with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI Signature Cocktail Recipes

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI SOUR

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

3/4 part simple syrup

1 part fresh lemon juice

Shake and strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries.

BERRI RICKY

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part agave nectar (or simple syrup)

4 parts club soda

Build ingredients over fresh ice in a highball. Stir. Garnish with a lime wheel.

BERRI SOPHISTICATED

1 part ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

5 blueberries

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part simple syrup

4 parts Perrier-Jouet® NV Champagne

Muddle blueberries in mixing glass. Add ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Shake & strain in a champagne flute. Top with chilled Perrier-Jouet NV Champagne. Garnish with 3 blueberries on a stick.

Visit absolutdrinks.com, or use the Drinkspiration application for iPhone or Android for recipes and inspiration.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will be available in 750ml, 1L and 50ml sizes. The suggested retail price is $19.99/750ml.

The other products in the ABSOLUT VODKA family are: ABSOLUT® MANGO, ABSOLUT® PEARS, ABSOLUT® 100, ABSOLUT® RUBY RED, ABSOLUT® APEACH, ABSOLUT® RASPBERRI, ABSOLUT® VANILIA, ABSOLUT® MANDRIN, ABSOLUT® KURANT, ABSOLUT® CITRON, ABSOLUT® PEPPAR and ABSOLUT® VODKA.

ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®.

ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI. VODKA WITH natural ACAI BLUEBERRY POMEGRANATE Flavor.  Product of Sweden. 40% Alc./Vol. © 2010  Imported by Absolut Spirits Co., New York, NY.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA.  In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.  

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.absolutdrinks.com

In light of Margarita Day on February 22, Dos Lunas Tequila encourages you (21 and older only!) to kick your shoes off, lay back and enjoy a delicious Dos Lunas Margarita.

The original Margarita recipe was invented in Ciudad Juarez-El Paso region (where Dos Lunas is headquartered) on July 4, 1942 by Francisco "Pancho" Morales. Morales was a bartender at a bar named Tommy's Place, according to The Old Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide (a book that professional and home bartenders alike call the "Bible of Booze"). Morales improvised the drink after a customer ordered a Magnolia, a drink recipe that he did not know, other than the fact that it contained Cointreau. The drink's popularity immediately grew after Morales, who was an instructor at the local bartender's school, began teaching the Margarita recipe to his students. The name Margarita is Spanish for "daisy."

The original recipe is very simple (2 parts silver tequila, 1 part Triple Sec, 1 part fresh lime juice); however, tequila lovers everywhere now enjoy variations of this delicious recipe. Happy Margarita Day!

Recipe: Dos Agaves Margarita

Here is a healthy, modern version of an excellent classic Margarita recipe

• 1/2 ounce Agave Nectar (available at your local grocery or health food store)
• 2 ounces Dos Lunas Reposado Tequila, all natural and made from 100 percent Blue Agave
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

In cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Dos Lunas Reposado Tequila, agave nectar and lime juice. Shake vigorously, and then strain into a glass.

Makes 1 Margarita

About Dos Lunas Spirits

Launched in 2006, Dos Lunas Tequila produces a line of award-winning ultra-premium handcrafted tequila made from 100% Blue Agave. Each Dos Lunas product is bottled and filled by hand: Dos Lunas Silver ($36.99), Dos Lunas Reposado ($44.99), Dos Lunas Anejo ($49.99), and Dos Lunas Grand Reserve ($2,500). Headquartered in El Paso, TX, Dos Lunas Tequila is all-natural and chemical free. Dos Lunas is also 100% pesticide free and is available in over 25 states in the United States and Canada. For more information, please visit www.doslunas.com or call 866.DE.AGAVE.

SOURCE Dos Lunas Spirits

RELATED LINKS
http://www.doslunas.com

(http://www.myprgenie.com) -- Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: DKAM) a leading owner, developer and marketer of premium beverages associated with renowned icons, reiterated that it will hold an earnings call on February 17, 2010 in order to review quarterly results from the second quarter 2010, and to offer a preliminary view of results for the third quarter 2010. The Company will also discuss its reduction of debt and overhead, as well as the recent material developments in its venture with Mexcor International Wine and Spirits.

As previously reported, due to capital constraints, the Company's second quarter shipments and resulting revenue were only $15,000.  In the third quarter 2010 ended January 31, 2010, the Company shipped and sold approximately $400,250 in product.

As a result of various negotiations, the Company has reduced its payables and short term debt, which will be reflected in third quarter reporting.  As a result of the reconfiguration of the Company's business model, Drinks' annual overhead will be reduced from an historical run rate of more than $4.8 million annually to approximately $1.2 million annually.

The Company recently announced a venture with Mexcor International Wine and Spirits to accelerate the production and distribution of its products, which will be discussed during the Feb 17th call.  Drinks will publish a shareholder letter that will be posted on www.drinksamericas.com following the call describing this new venture.  

As previously announced, the Conference Call and Webcast on Wednesday, February 17 begins at 11:00AM Eastern Time.  The dial-in number for the conference call is 1-480-629-9868 or toll free 1-888-561-1721, access code 4230250.  Begin dialing in 10 minutes prior to the conference start time.

To listen to the live Webcast, go to:

http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=194189&s=1&k=17959216EB9325744D13FA646F1D3EB8

The call will also be available for replay for seven days by dialing 1-303-590-3030 or toll free 1-800-406-7325, access code 4230250.

About Drinks Americas

Drinks Americas develops, owns, markets, and nationally distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic premium beverages associated with renowned icon celebrities, including Olifant Vodka, Kid Rock's American BADASS Beer, Trump Super Premium Vodka and Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon. The Company also has a partnership with Universal Music's Interscope, Geffen, A&M Records to jointly develop and launch beverage products. Other products owned by Drinks Americas include Aguila Tequila from Mexico and Rheingold Beer.

For further information, please visit our new website at www.drinksamericas.com.

Safe Harbor

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this release, including the description of the company and its product offerings, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the historical volatility and low trading volume of our stock, the risk and uncertainties inherent in the early stages of growth companies, the company's need to raise substantial additional capital to proceed with its business, risks associated with competitors, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To see press release go to http://myprgenie.com/4429

SOURCE Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.drinksamericas.com

Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ("FEMSA") announced today its operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009.

Fourth Quarter 2009 Highlights:

• Consolidated total revenues and income from operations grew 19.8% and 21.5%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter 2008. In spite of a challenging economic environment, FEMSA again delivered a quarter of strong growth in revenues and income from operations, mainly driven by double-digit performance at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio.
• Coca-Cola FEMSA total revenues and income from operations increased 27.6% and 19.1%, respectively. Driven by double-digit income from operations growth in Latincentro and Mercosur operations.
• FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 7.6%. Top-line growth mainly due to higher price per hectoliter in Mexican pesos, combined with operating expense containment offsetting raw material cost pressures due to year-over-year increases, resulting in growth of 8.6% in income from operations.
• FEMSA Comercio continued its pace of strong growth and margin expansion. Income from operations increased 45.3%, resulting in an operating margin expansion of 240 basis points to reach an all-time high of 11.7% during 4Q09.

2009 Full Year Highlights:

• Consolidated total revenues increased 17.3%. All operating units contributed to this top-line growth.
• Consolidated income from operations increased 19.1%, driven by double-digit growth at Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio.
• Coca-Cola FEMSA total revenue and income from operations increased 23.9% and 15.6%, respectively. Strong growth in Latincentro and Mercosur, as well as more tempered growth in Mexico drove these results.
• FEMSA Cerveza total revenues increased 9.3%, mainly as a result of increases in average price per hectoliter across all our operations in local currencies. Income from operations increased 9.3%, as a result of top-line growth combined with operating expense containment offsetting continued raw material cost pressures.
• FEMSA Comercio income from operations increased 44.8%, reaching an all-time-high operating margin of 8.3% and resulting in 180 basis points of expansion. For the 8th consecutive year, income from operations increased over 25%, driven by the opening of 960 new stores during the year and a 1.3% increase in same store sales.
• Ordinary dividend of Ps. 2.600 billion proposed by FEMSA's Board of Directors, to be paid in 2010 and subject to approval at the annual shareholders meeting in April, 2010, representing a 60% increase over the prior year.

Jose Antonio Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of FEMSA, commented: "At the outset of 2010, we should highlight the benefit of having not one, but two distinct reasons to be very optimistic about FEMSA. On the operating front, we closed a very challenging 2009 that nevertheless saw us grow, improve, and ultimately succeed in delivering a very robust set of results. On the strategic front, as you know, we announced a definitive agreement under which we are exchanging FEMSA's beer operations for a 20% economic interest in Heineken, which will allow our shareholders to participate in the value creation we believe will come from aligning FEMSA Cerveza with Heineken. At the same time, we increase FEMSA's operational and financial flexibility, and we will be able to focus our attention and resources on the significant opportunities for Coca-Cola FEMSA and FEMSA Comercio. We are confident that FEMSA has the right skill set and the right people to continue its path of growth and operational excellence in soft drinks and convenience retail, two businesses that hold tremendous promise and opportunities for growth and value creation, while also adding value to Heineken as we move forward."

To obtain the full text of this earnings release, please visit our Investor Relations website at www.femsa.com/investor under the Financial Reports section.

This report may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning our future performance that should be considered as good faith estimates made by us.  These forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based upon currently available data.  Actual results are subject to future events and uncertainties, which could materially impact our actual performance.

FEMSA is the leading beverage company in Latin America. It controls an integrated beverage platform that comprises Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the region; FEMSA Cerveza, one of the leading brewers in Mexico, with presence in Brazil, and an important beer exporter to the United States and other countries; and Oxxo, the largest and fastest growing convenience store chain in Mexico with over 7,300 stores.

SOURCE Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.femsa.com/investor

After an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International and a member of the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team.  

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for all aspects of our International business, leading the International management team, and continuing to refine and execute our aggressive growth strategy.  He comes to Friday's® with extensive global food service experience and a track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business results in the global marketplace.  

Prior to joining Friday's, Ian was with Papa John's International, Inc. where he most recently served as Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Prior to Papa John's, Ian spent six years in General Management roles within the UK-based Geest Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of produce and fresh prepared foods to the food service and retail sector, and fifteen years in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Inc. Ian's formative years were spent working in the casual dining sector with London-based Grand Metropolitan PLC and Whitbread PLC.

"Adding Ian to our international business and our Executive Team is a huge win for us," said Shepherd.  "Ian's extensive global knowledge and innovative thinking combined with his successful track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business growth in the global marketplace, make him the ideal candidate for this key role in our business."

Saunders, who received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Surrey, and his Master of Business Administration from United Kingdom's Cranfield University, will reside in the United Kingdom.  Saunders first day in his new position will be March 1.  

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."  

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/DA51439)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's International

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

Pasternak Wine Imports, (PWI) one of the nation's leading importers of fine wines from around the world, has extended their commercial relationship with the noted and celebrated French negociant firm of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, Libourne.

Pasternak's established successful nine year relationship with Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, has now broadened PWI's offerings to include: Chateau Lafleur, Pensees de Lafleur, Chateau La Grave-a-Pomerol as the exclusive US Importer as well as the Chateaux of Chateau Hosanna and Chateau Petrus all from the famous Pomerol appellation.

In making the announcement, PWI's President and CEO James Galtieri commented, "We are delighted to have so many offerings from what we consider the foremost personality on the right bank of Bordeaux, Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in our portfolio."

Christian Moueix, President of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, notes, "We have always enjoyed working with Pasternak and it is with immense pleasure that we add to their portfolio of top Pomerol chateaux. These new offerings should make them a powerhouse for Pomerol wines."

The appointments were effective January 21, 2009.

About Pasternak

Founded in 1988, Pasternak Wine Imports is a national importer of fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and California. Headquartered in Harrison, NY, the company distributes its products in all fifty states through wholesalers and state boards.  Their producers are leaders in their regions and their portfolios are all exceptional in quality and value.   For further information, please visit www.pasternakwine.com.

SOURCE Pasternak Wine Imports

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pasternakwine.com

Gracianna Winery was awarded three top medals at the 2010 San Francisco Wine Competition, the largest in the United States. More than 60 professional wine experts from across the United States traveled to Sonoma County, California to evaluate 4,913 entries.

Unprecedented for a first vintage, Gracianna was awarded a medal for every wine submitted by the world's best wine judges.

• 2007 Gracianna Bacigalupi Zinfandel GOLD!
• 2007 Gracianna Bacigalupi Pinot SILVER!
• 2008 Gracianna Bacigalupi Pinot SILVER! (releasing soon, spring 2010)

Ashley Amador, partner for Gracianna Winery, said, "We all wept when we heard the news - even though the 2007 is our first vintage, we have been dreaming about this for almost 6 years. We are honored to receive three medals from this prominent panel. Gracianna Wines are created for those who have something to be grateful for. With today's news, we are the ones who are grateful. We are overwhelmed with joy and pass along our gratitude to the Bacigalupis for growing such brilliant fruit."

Gracianna's award winners are online at SF Chronicle's Wine Competition website:

http://www.winejudging.com/medal_winners_2010/415.htm

http://www.winejudging.com/medal_winners_2010/405.htm

The public tasting for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is at Fort Mason in San Francisco on Saturday, February 20, 2010, where Gracianna will be pouring its gold medal winning 2007 Gracianna Russian River Bacigalupi Zinfandel at the master table.

For more on the story of gratitude, visit the Gracianna website at http://www.gracianna.net or go direct to "Buy Wine."

Gracianna's home is in Healdsburg, CA on the part of Westside Road that local experts call "The Miracle Mile." The first small production release is now available, with the second vintage available this spring 2010. Along with their pinot noir and zinfandel, Gracianna will release their first chardonnay, which is "gorgeous with bright pears, complex and beautiful," according to winemaker Trini Amador. Following this success, the Amadors expect an estate vineyard designated "Mercedes' Vineyard" planted to pinot noir scheduled to release in 2013.

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Gracianna Winery

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gracianna.net

T.G.I. Friday's restaurants today announced it will feature half-price appetizers and new drinks tomorrow for its Mardi Gras Party at participating restaurants in the U.S.

"We're T.G.I. Friday's so it's always a party but on Fat Tuesday, we'll turn up the music a little louder and keep the party going a little longer because Mardi Gras is one of the craziest parties of the year and as always, we are your party headquarters," said John Neitzel, president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's USA. "At 4 p.m. local time tomorrow, our restaurants across the U.S. will be rockin' with the excitement and atmosphere of a New Orleans parade. Be sure to check with your local Friday's to see what they have planned for your party."

In keeping with its heritage and legacy of beverage innovation, T.G.I. Friday's also developed and will feature the following specialty drinks for the Mardi Gras Party:

• SoCo Hurricane – Southern Comfort mixed with our own hurricane mix, topped off with a splash of orange juice.  (Very classic using SoCo which is from The French Quarter).
• Bacardi Passion Splash – Bacardi Rum and Tuaca mixed with passion fruit puree, and fresh lime and cranberry juice.

Members of T.G.I. Friday's Give Me More Stripes® guest recognition program (www.givememorestripes.com) will receive double stripes on food purchases all day long.

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100215/DA54849)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

Leaders of the Global beer industry will be meeting at Canadean's 7th International Beer Conference, being held at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam on 26th and 27th May 2010. An exceptionally strong line up of speakers including Khalil Younes, Senior VP, Marketing and Innovation at Carlsberg; Stuart Fletcher, President, International at Diageo; Tony Hicks, Global VP - Strategy at Molson Coors; and Dr Werner Wolf, Sales & Marketing Director at Bitburger, will discuss the challenges facing the beer industry as we enter the second decade of the 21st Century. "We are delighted that so many senior industry figures have accepted the invitation to take part in our conference" said Kevin Baker, Director of Canadean's Beer Division.

2009 was a dramatic year for the global beer industry. Not only did the industry have to weather the economic storms unleashed by the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the crisis in the global banking system, it also witnessed a dramatic reshaping of the competitive landscape as the effects of the acquisition of S&N by Carlsberg and Heineken, and of Anheuser-Busch by InBev were felt. Just four companies, Anheuser-Busch InBev, SABMiller, Heineken and Carlsberg now account for around 45% of total global beer consumption. The recent acquisition of FEMSA by Heineken, suggests that the appetite for acquisition may not yet be sated. The second decade of the 21st Century holds many challenges: increasing health concerns, ever stricter drink-driving legislation, the continuing competitive threat from other beverages and the increasing power of retailers amongst them.

Therefore the theme of this year's conference is "Volume, Value, Profitability: The Post-Consolidation World" and speakers will address how brewers can compete in the face of these challenges.

Other key speakers include Ernst Faltermeier from fermented soft drinks, Bios, Chresten Christensen, from Vitamalt (Royal Unibrew), Philippe Stassen from Belgian Cider makers, Stassen SA, Brian Roberts from Planet Retail, Peter Basten from Alcan and Frank Embs from PET producer Invista.

"The uncertain times we are living through mean that the value of the industry meeting and discussing the key issues, is greater than ever" says Baker. "We will shortly be announcing the participation of other key speakers, and believe that this year's conference will provide the ideal venue for delegates to get together and debate these issues with other industry leaders and experts ."

For further details on Canadean's International Beer Conference please contact Canadean's Corporate Marketing Department on tel: +44(0)1256-394210 or visit http://www.canadean.com.

Editor's Note:

Canadean is the beverage industry information specialist, providing market research, reports, databases and consulting on the global beverage and beverage packaging industries.

With headquarters in the UK and regional offices around the world, Canadean has built a reputation as the benchmark for global beverage market intelligence. Local operations are now based in Madrid, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney.

Issued by the Corporate Marketing Department of Canadean Ltd, the leading global beverage research company.

    Canadean Ltd
    12 Faraday Court
    Rankine Road
    Basingstoke
    RG24 8PF
    United Kingdom

    Tel: +44(0)1256-394210
    Fax: +44(0)1256-394201
    Email: sales@canadean.com

    Website: http://www.canadean.com

SOURCE Canadean Limited

The most important Chinese holiday, Chinese New Year, begins on Sunday, February 14, 2010, with celebrations running for 15 days in honor of the Year of the Tiger. The holiday marks a great time to celebrate Chinese food and culture, and Tsingtao beer, the No. 1 Chinese beer in the U.S., is providing tips to ring in the New Year with authentic Chinese food, beer and traditional customs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100210/NY52965 )

Tips for celebrating Chinese New Year include:

• Identify Your Chinese Zodiac: This year marks the Year of the Tiger, one of twelve Chinese calendar years. Tigers are characterized as aggressive, courageous, candid and sensitive, and are said to pair best with Horses and Dogs.  Famous people born in the Year of the Tiger include: Bill Murray, Demi Moore, Hugh Hefner, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Penelope Cruz, Tom Cruise and Victoria Beckham.
• Prepare Authentic Cuisine: Authentic Chinese food is essential to any Chinese New Year celebration. Celebrity chef Martin Yan of the popular PBS television show Yan Can Cook, and Jaden Hair, author of The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook, have created great recipes for Year of the Tiger celebrations, with a Tsingtao twist. Inspired by the flavors of Tsingtao, they have each created recipes that pair with the beer, such as Steamed Clams in Garlic Beer Sauce and Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry. All recipes are available at www.tsingtaobeer.com.
• Drink Chinese Beer: The Tsingtao Brewery in Qingdao, China, was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest in China. Tsingtao Lager and Tsingtao Pure Draft are produced with spring water from Laoshan, a mountain area famous throughout China for the purity of its water. Tsingtao Lager has a crisp, slightly malty flavor and nutty sweet taste and Tsingtao Pure Draft is a smooth, light-tasting beer.
• Decorate for Prosperity: Decorate in red and gold, the Chinese colors of prosperity that signify good luck and wealth; adorn your home with red balloons and gold streamers from a party store and red lanterns easily found in Asian stores. According to ancient tradition, every corner of your home should be swept and cleaned in preparation for your New Year's celebration.
• Spread Goodwill: Buy small red envelopes and fill with coins, in even dollar amounts, to give to friends and family as goodwill gestures. Guarantee good fortune in the New Year by assembling a centerpiece made from fresh flowers, oranges and tangerines, all symbols of good luck and wealth.

For more information on Chinese New Year or samples of Tsingtao beer, please contact Kelly Harfoot at 312-829-8326 x250 or kelly@teamworksmedia.com.  Chefs Martin Yan and Jaden Hair are also available for interview, with additional recipes available on request.

Tsingtao Lager is the number one Chinese beer exported from China and is brewed and bottled by the Tsingtao Brewery in China. Monarch Import Company (Crown Imports) is the exclusive importer of Tsingtao Beer in the United States.

Crown Imports is a 50-50 joint venture between the Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. (MX: GMODELOC), Mexico's leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer, and Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), a leading international beverage alcohol producer, importer and marketer.  For more information, visit www.crownimportsllc.com.  For more information on Tsingtao, please visit www.tsingtaobeer.com.

SOURCE Crown Imports

After an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International and a member of the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team.  

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for all aspects of our International business, leading the International management team, and continuing to refine and execute our aggressive growth strategy.  He comes to Friday's® with extensive global food service experience and a track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business results in the global marketplace.  

Prior to joining Friday's, Ian was with Papa John's International, Inc. where he most recently served as Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Prior to Papa John's, Ian spent six years in General Management roles within the UK-based Geest Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of produce and fresh prepared foods to the food service and retail sector, and fifteen years in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Inc. Ian's formative years were spent working in the casual dining sector with London-based Grand Metropolitan PLC and Whitbread PLC.

"Adding Ian to our international business and our Executive Team is a huge win for us," said Shepherd.  "Ian's extensive global knowledge and innovative thinking combined with his successful track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business growth in the global marketplace, make him the ideal candidate for this key role in our business."

Saunders, who received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Surrey, and his Master of Business Administration from United Kingdom's Cranfield University, will reside in the United Kingdom.  Saunders first day in his new position will be March 1.  

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."  

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/DA51439)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's International

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

Matti Anttila, Founder and President of Brazilian spirits brand Cabana Cachaca, and Philippe Houdard, Founder and President of Developing Minds Foundation, announced a year-long commitment to a program that raises funds for the Foundation, whose mission includes funding education projects aimed at children in Brazil's impoverished favelas.

As part of the effort to support Developing Minds Foundation's projects, Cabana Cachaca has committed to donating $1 per bottle sold in 2010 to the Foundation. The funds will be earmarked for the Foundation's education projects in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Cabana Cachaca will also be working with its partners in the hospitality industry, from wholesalers and accounts to marketing partners, to create impactful programs that educate consumers and trade on the issue of poverty in Brazil, multiplying the ultimate benefit to the Foundation.

"Last week I had the opportunity to visit an education project supported by Developing Minds in Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro. The conditions in Rocinha are difficult to fathom, with its desperate living conditions and lack of opportunity. But there, amongst abject poverty and dreadful circumstances, projects like the one I visited are striving in extraordinarily difficult conditions to provide hope and guidance to the children of the favela," said Anttila.

"As the leading artisanal version of Brazil's national spirit, we have always strived to promote the beauty of Brazil, its people and its culture. With Carnaval in Rio about to kick off, Brazil's prospects have never been as great as they are today. However, with great success comes great responsibility. I feel the same applies to us at Cabana. While we're a small, but growing brand, I'm confident that in partnership with Developing Minds Foundation and the support of our loyal customers and industry partners, our impact on a vitally important issue will be significant. My goal is not merely donating money, but making a lasting impact that remains true to our roots as a company and helps promote meaningful progress and opportunity for those who need it most."  

"We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Cabana Cachaca and help foster the company's commitment to philanthropy," said Houdard. "This will have a direct impact on the lives of many children in the favelas of Rio and provide them with an opportunity to join in with the rest of Brazil for a better life."      

About Cabana Cachaca:

The ultimate version of Brazil's national spirit, Cabana Cachaca is an artisanal pure cane spirit that proves that all cachacas are not created equal. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and rated 94 points by renowned spirits critic Anthony Dias Blue in The Tasting Panel, Cabana is the first single-estate cachaca to be double-distilled in copper pot stills and mellowed for nine months in native Brazilian Jequitiba Rosa barrels for unmatched quality and versatility. Whether served in Brazil's national cocktail the Caipirinha or in any handcrafted cocktail, Cabana is cachaca redefined. http://www.cabanacachaca.com

Image: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-Cabana-Bottle.jpg

About Developing Minds Foundation:

Developing Minds Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds schools and sponsors education programs in areas affected by violence and poverty. To date, the Foundation has helped educate over 12,000 children in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and in rural areas of Colombia. More information may be found at: http://www.developingmindsfoundation.org.  

Image: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-Developing-Minds.jpg

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Cabana Cachaca; Developing Minds Foundation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cabanacachaca.com

This February, ABSOLUT® VODKA gives cocktail connoisseurs everywhere a new reason to drink exceptionally.  The eleventh unique flavor in the ABSOLUT portfolio, ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI is an on-trend blend of acai, blueberry and pomegranate with an elegant focused berry aroma; a pure, vital and slightly juicy taste; and a smooth expressive, fresh and berry finish.  The new spirit is now available at bars, restaurants and retailers nationwide.

"At ABSOLUT, we seek creativity and innovation in everything we do - in our collaborations, our marketing and most importantly, in our products. As such, we are thrilled to introduce ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI to the market and look forward to watching bartenders and consumers alike enjoy the unique mixability and taste ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI  will bring to each cocktail," said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT VODKA. "With ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI we hope to inspire consumers and show them how easy and delicious mixology can be."

Featuring a tangy and ripe berry-flavor that's smooth and fresh with a natural sweetness, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI draws upon the characters of three of today's most popular berry flavors – acai, blueberry and pomegranate.  Like all ABSOLUT flavors, it creates exceptional cocktails when combined with anything from juices and sodas to muddled fruit and champagne.  Mixed with club soda, it conjures up a lazy summer afternoon, even in the winter.  Shake with cranberry juice and orange liqueur, it becomes an exceptionally flirty and delicious version of the Cosmopolitan.  Similar to its predecessors, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI  made from all-natural ingredients, and contains no sugar and no added preservatives.

ABSOLUT introduced ABSOLUT® PEPPAR (1986) and ABSOLUT® CITRON (1988) at a time when no other brands thought of flavored vodka, and single handedly helped propel two highly popular cocktails into the consumer psyche – the Bloody Mary and the Cosmopolitan.  Since then, ABSOLUT has been a pioneer within the category, and with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, ABSOLUT continues its tradition of developing flavors that inspire cocktail creations and takes mixology to a new level.

Celebrating in Style

To celebrate the launch of the new flavor, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will join Robert Verdi for his 2010 Fashion Week retreat in New York City from February 12 - 18, 2010.  As Robert Verdi invites his guests to explore the Future of Fashion, ABSOLUT invites guests to enjoy the future of exceptional cocktails with ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI Signature Cocktail Recipes

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI SOUR

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

3/4 part simple syrup

1 part fresh lemon juice

Shake and strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries.

BERRI RICKY

2 parts ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part agave nectar (or simple syrup)

4 parts club soda

Build ingredients over fresh ice in a highball. Stir. Garnish with a lime wheel.

BERRI SOPHISTICATED

1 part ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI

5 blueberries

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part simple syrup

4 parts Perrier-Jouet® NV Champagne

Muddle blueberries in mixing glass. Add ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Shake & strain in a champagne flute. Top with chilled Perrier-Jouet NV Champagne. Garnish with 3 blueberries on a stick.

Visit absolutdrinks.com, or use the Drinkspiration application for iPhone or Android for recipes and inspiration.

ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI will be available in 750ml, 1L and 50ml sizes. The suggested retail price is $19.99/750ml.

The other products in the ABSOLUT VODKA family are: ABSOLUT® MANGO, ABSOLUT® PEARS, ABSOLUT® 100, ABSOLUT® RUBY RED, ABSOLUT® APEACH, ABSOLUT® RASPBERRI, ABSOLUT® VANILIA, ABSOLUT® MANDRIN, ABSOLUT® KURANT, ABSOLUT® CITRON, ABSOLUT® PEPPAR and ABSOLUT® VODKA.

ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®.

ABSOLUT® BERRI ACAI. VODKA WITH natural ACAI BLUEBERRY POMEGRANATE Flavor.  Product of Sweden. 40% Alc./Vol. © 2010  Imported by Absolut Spirits Co., New York, NY.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA.  In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.  

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.absolutdrinks.com

Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. ("FEMSA") (NYSE: FMX; BMV: FEMSAUBD) announced today that Javier Astaburuaga, FEMSA Chief Financial Officer, and Carlos Salazar, Coca-Cola FEMSA CEO, will present at this year's Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference being held in Boca Raton, Florida on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. ET. The public can access the event via live webcast and presentation through the company's Investor Relations web site at www.femsa.com/investor

FEMSA is the leading beverage company in Latin America. It controls an integrated beverage platform that comprises Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coca- Cola bottler in the region; FEMSA Cerveza, one of the leading brewers in Mexico, with presence in Brazil, and an important beer exporter to the United States and other countries; and OXXO, the largest and fastest growing convenience store chain in Mexico with over 7,300 stores.

SOURCE FEMSA

Leaders of the Global beer industry will be meeting at Canadean's 7th International Beer Conference, being held at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam on 26th and 27th May 2010. An exceptionally strong line up of speakers including Khalil Younes, Senior VP, Marketing and Innovation at Carlsberg; Stuart Fletcher, President, International at Diageo; Tony Hicks, Global VP - Strategy at Molson Coors; and Dr Werner Wolf, Sales & Marketing Director at Bitburger, will discuss the challenges facing the beer industry as we enter the second decade of the 21st Century. "We are delighted that so many senior industry figures have accepted the invitation to take part in our conference" said Kevin Baker, Director of Canadean's Beer Division.

2009 was a dramatic year for the global beer industry. Not only did the industry have to weather the economic storms unleashed by the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the crisis in the global banking system, it also witnessed a dramatic reshaping of the competitive landscape as the effects of the acquisition of S&N by Carlsberg and Heineken, and of Anheuser-Busch by InBev were felt. Just four companies, Anheuser-Busch InBev, SABMiller, Heineken and Carlsberg now account for around 45% of total global beer consumption. The recent acquisition of FEMSA by Heineken, suggests that the appetite for acquisition may not yet be sated. The second decade of the 21st Century holds many challenges: increasing health concerns, ever stricter drink-driving legislation, the continuing competitive threat from other beverages and the increasing power of retailers amongst them.

Therefore the theme of this year's conference is "Volume, Value, Profitability: The Post-Consolidation World" and speakers will address how brewers can compete in the face of these challenges.

Other key speakers include Ernst Faltermeier from fermented soft drinks, Bios, Chresten Christensen, from Vitamalt (Royal Unibrew), Philippe Stassen from Belgian Cider makers, Stassen SA, Brian Roberts from Planet Retail, Peter Basten from Alcan and Frank Embs from PET producer Invista.

"The uncertain times we are living through mean that the value of the industry meeting and discussing the key issues, is greater than ever" says Baker. "We will shortly be announcing the participation of other key speakers, and believe that this year's conference will provide the ideal venue for delegates to get together and debate these issues with other industry leaders and experts ."

For further details on Canadean's International Beer Conference please contact Canadean's Corporate Marketing Department on tel: +44(0)1256-394210 or visit http://www.canadean.com.

Editor's Note:

Canadean is the beverage industry information specialist, providing market research, reports, databases and consulting on the global beverage and beverage packaging industries.

With headquarters in the UK and regional offices around the world, Canadean has built a reputation as the benchmark for global beverage market intelligence. Local operations are now based in Madrid, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney.

Issued by the Corporate Marketing Department of Canadean Ltd, the leading global beverage research company.

    Canadean Ltd
    12 Faraday Court
    Rankine Road
    Basingstoke
    RG24 8PF
    United Kingdom

    Tel: +44(0)1256-394210
    Fax: +44(0)1256-394201
    Email: sales@canadean.com

    Website: http://www.canadean.com

SOURCE Canadean Limited

The most important Chinese holiday, Chinese New Year, begins on Sunday, February 14, 2010, with celebrations running for 15 days in honor of the Year of the Tiger. The holiday marks a great time to celebrate Chinese food and culture, and Tsingtao beer, the No. 1 Chinese beer in the U.S., is providing tips to ring in the New Year with authentic Chinese food, beer and traditional customs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100210/NY52965 )

Tips for celebrating Chinese New Year include:

• Identify Your Chinese Zodiac: This year marks the Year of the Tiger, one of twelve Chinese calendar years. Tigers are characterized as aggressive, courageous, candid and sensitive, and are said to pair best with Horses and Dogs.  Famous people born in the Year of the Tiger include: Bill Murray, Demi Moore, Hugh Hefner, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Penelope Cruz, Tom Cruise and Victoria Beckham.
• Prepare Authentic Cuisine: Authentic Chinese food is essential to any Chinese New Year celebration. Celebrity chef Martin Yan of the popular PBS television show Yan Can Cook, and Jaden Hair, author of The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook, have created great recipes for Year of the Tiger celebrations, with a Tsingtao twist. Inspired by the flavors of Tsingtao, they have each created recipes that pair with the beer, such as Steamed Clams in Garlic Beer Sauce and Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry. All recipes are available at www.tsingtaobeer.com.
• Drink Chinese Beer: The Tsingtao Brewery in Qingdao, China, was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest in China. Tsingtao Lager and Tsingtao Pure Draft are produced with spring water from Laoshan, a mountain area famous throughout China for the purity of its water. Tsingtao Lager has a crisp, slightly malty flavor and nutty sweet taste and Tsingtao Pure Draft is a smooth, light-tasting beer.
• Decorate for Prosperity: Decorate in red and gold, the Chinese colors of prosperity that signify good luck and wealth; adorn your home with red balloons and gold streamers from a party store and red lanterns easily found in Asian stores. According to ancient tradition, every corner of your home should be swept and cleaned in preparation for your New Year's celebration.
• Spread Goodwill: Buy small red envelopes and fill with coins, in even dollar amounts, to give to friends and family as goodwill gestures. Guarantee good fortune in the New Year by assembling a centerpiece made from fresh flowers, oranges and tangerines, all symbols of good luck and wealth.

For more information on Chinese New Year or samples of Tsingtao beer, please contact Kelly Harfoot at 312-829-8326 x250 or kelly@teamworksmedia.com.  Chefs Martin Yan and Jaden Hair are also available for interview, with additional recipes available on request.

Tsingtao Lager is the number one Chinese beer exported from China and is brewed and bottled by the Tsingtao Brewery in China. Monarch Import Company (Crown Imports) is the exclusive importer of Tsingtao Beer in the United States.

Crown Imports is a 50-50 joint venture between the Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. (MX: GMODELOC), Mexico's leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer, and Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), a leading international beverage alcohol producer, importer and marketer.  For more information, visit www.crownimportsllc.com.  For more information on Tsingtao, please visit www.tsingtaobeer.com.

SOURCE Crown Imports

After an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International and a member of the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team.  

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for all aspects of our International business, leading the International management team, and continuing to refine and execute our aggressive growth strategy.  He comes to Friday's® with extensive global food service experience and a track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business results in the global marketplace.  

Prior to joining Friday's, Ian was with Papa John's International, Inc. where he most recently served as Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Prior to Papa John's, Ian spent six years in General Management roles within the UK-based Geest Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of produce and fresh prepared foods to the food service and retail sector, and fifteen years in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Inc. Ian's formative years were spent working in the casual dining sector with London-based Grand Metropolitan PLC and Whitbread PLC.

"Adding Ian to our international business and our Executive Team is a huge win for us," said Shepherd.  "Ian's extensive global knowledge and innovative thinking combined with his successful track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business growth in the global marketplace, make him the ideal candidate for this key role in our business."

Saunders, who received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Surrey, and his Master of Business Administration from United Kingdom's Cranfield University, will reside in the United Kingdom.  Saunders first day in his new position will be March 1.  

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."  

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/DA51439)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's International

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

Pasternak Wine Imports, (PWI) one of the nation's leading importers of fine wines from around the world, has extended their commercial relationship with the noted and celebrated French negociant firm of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, Libourne.

Pasternak's established successful nine year relationship with Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, has now broadened PWI's offerings to include: Chateau Lafleur, Pensees de Lafleur, Chateau La Grave-a-Pomerol as the exclusive US Importer as well as the Chateaux of Chateau Hosanna and Chateau Petrus all from the famous Pomerol appellation.

In making the announcement, PWI's President and CEO James Galtieri commented, "We are delighted to have so many offerings from what we consider the foremost personality on the right bank of Bordeaux, Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in our portfolio."

Christian Moueix, President of Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix, notes, "We have always enjoyed working with Pasternak and it is with immense pleasure that we add to their portfolio of top Pomerol chateaux. These new offerings should make them a powerhouse for Pomerol wines."

The appointments were effective January 21, 2009.

About Pasternak

Founded in 1988, Pasternak Wine Imports is a national importer of fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and California. Headquartered in Harrison, NY, the company distributes its products in all fifty states through wholesalers and state boards.  Their producers are leaders in their regions and their portfolios are all exceptional in quality and value.   For further information, please visit www.pasternakwine.com.

SOURCE Pasternak Wine Imports

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pasternakwine.com

The most important Chinese holiday, Chinese New Year, begins on Sunday, February 14, 2010, with celebrations running for 15 days in honor of the Year of the Tiger. The holiday marks a great time to celebrate Chinese food and culture, and Tsingtao beer, the No. 1 Chinese beer in the U.S., is providing tips to ring in the New Year with authentic Chinese food, beer and traditional customs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100210/NY52965 )

Tips for celebrating Chinese New Year include:

• Identify Your Chinese Zodiac: This year marks the Year of the Tiger, one of twelve Chinese calendar years. Tigers are characterized as aggressive, courageous, candid and sensitive, and are said to pair best with Horses and Dogs.  Famous people born in the Year of the Tiger include: Bill Murray, Demi Moore, Hugh Hefner, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Penelope Cruz, Tom Cruise and Victoria Beckham.
• Prepare Authentic Cuisine: Authentic Chinese food is essential to any Chinese New Year celebration. Celebrity chef Martin Yan of the popular PBS television show Yan Can Cook, and Jaden Hair, author of The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook, have created great recipes for Year of the Tiger celebrations, with a Tsingtao twist. Inspired by the flavors of Tsingtao, they have each created recipes that pair with the beer, such as Steamed Clams in Garlic Beer Sauce and Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry. All recipes are available at www.tsingtaobeer.com.
• Drink Chinese Beer: The Tsingtao Brewery in Qingdao, China, was founded in 1903 and is one of the oldest in China. Tsingtao Lager and Tsingtao Pure Draft are produced with spring water from Laoshan, a mountain area famous throughout China for the purity of its water. Tsingtao Lager has a crisp, slightly malty flavor and nutty sweet taste and Tsingtao Pure Draft is a smooth, light-tasting beer.
• Decorate for Prosperity: Decorate in red and gold, the Chinese colors of prosperity that signify good luck and wealth; adorn your home with red balloons and gold streamers from a party store and red lanterns easily found in Asian stores. According to ancient tradition, every corner of your home should be swept and cleaned in preparation for your New Year's celebration.
• Spread Goodwill: Buy small red envelopes and fill with coins, in even dollar amounts, to give to friends and family as goodwill gestures. Guarantee good fortune in the New Year by assembling a centerpiece made from fresh flowers, oranges and tangerines, all symbols of good luck and wealth.

For more information on Chinese New Year or samples of Tsingtao beer, please contact Kelly Harfoot at 312-829-8326 x250 or kelly@teamworksmedia.com.  Chefs Martin Yan and Jaden Hair are also available for interview, with additional recipes available on request.

Tsingtao Lager is the number one Chinese beer exported from China and is brewed and bottled by the Tsingtao Brewery in China. Monarch Import Company (Crown Imports) is the exclusive importer of Tsingtao Beer in the United States.

Crown Imports is a 50-50 joint venture between the Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. (MX: GMODELOC), Mexico's leading company in the brewing, distribution and sale of beer, and Constellation Brands, Inc. ( STZ, ASX: CBR), a leading international beverage alcohol producer, importer and marketer.  For more information, visit www.crownimportsllc.com.  For more information on Tsingtao, please visit www.tsingtaobeer.com.

SOURCE Crown Imports

Europe's leading drinks publication, The Drinks Business, last night named an Australian family owned and operated winery winner of the Best Green Launch at the 2010 Green Awards in London.

Wakefield Wines won the award at The Drinks Business Green Awards which recognises and rewards drinks businesses for significant environmental, sustainable and climate change initiatives. The inaugural event comes at quite possibly the most crucial time for environmental awareness across commercial industries.

The Best Green Launch is awarded to a beer, wine, spirit or soft drink launch that has promoted an environmentally friendly cause, has sustainable issues at its core and clearly demonstrates a reduction in its environmental impact during production.

Mitchell Taylor, third generation Managing Director for Wakefield Wines is thrilled to win such a prestigious environmental award.

"This award is a major honour for our family business. Our environmental commitment is something we all hold very dear to our hearts and for many years, we have made a concerted effort to protect the future of the Australian and global wine industry and ultimately future generations of our family. Winning Best Green Launch is confirmation that we're doing the right thing," said Taylor.

Mitchell was unable to attend the event though accepted the award via video cross - saving precious emissions at the same time.

Wakefield Wines, known as Taylors Wines in Australia and New Zealand was the only Australian entrant in the international Best Green Launch category(1) and won for its September 2009 launch of Eighty Acres - the world's first 100% carbon neutral range of wines based on a complete cradle to the grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) compliant to ISO14044.

The LCA approach, maintained by The Australian Wine Research Institute, allowed Wakefield to define an accurate total carbon footprint and subsequently work to minimise emissions prior to off-setting the balance. To assist with the reduction of emissions, Wakefield has moved the Eighty Acres range into O-I's new Lean + Green™ lightweight bottles that are 40% lighter than normal bottles and reduce CO2e per bottle by more than 15%(2).

Wakefield then selected Carbon Neutral, an Australian not-for-profit organisation which provides carbon offsets including Verified Emission Reduction Units (VERs), to offset the sum of carbon emissions. Wakefield Wines and Carbon Neutral are committed to purchasing their VERs through domestic projects, independently certified by the Australian Federal Government, ensuring the avoided emissions maximise the benefit to the local environment.

For more information on The Drinks Business 2010 Green Awards, please visit www.thedrinksbusiness.com or for details about Wakefield's 100% carbon neutral Eighty Acres wines, go to www.eightyacres.com.au.

Wakefield Eighty Acres is available in select retail outlets for RRP US$15. Please direct all stockist enquiries to Justin Taylor: (404) 314 2988 / Justin_Taylor@b-f.com

Mitchell Taylor is available for interview in Australia throughout February

    
    
    Media contact:  Gillian Martin from Liquid Ideas on
                    +61 2 9667 4211
                    E: gillianmartin@liquidideas.com.au

Please note due to international trademark restrictions Taylors is marketed under the Wakefield brand in the northern hemisphere.

After four decades in the Clare Valley, Wakefield Wines remains proudly family-owned and run. The vision to build Australia's most successful family owned wine company was set by Bill Taylor who, in 1969, purchased land with his brother John and father Bill Taylor senior by the Wakefield River in Auburn. This vision has been nurtured and expanded by the next generation, Mitchell, Justin and Clinton Taylor, who all have key roles in the organisation. Wakefield challenges world standards through its progressive practices, most evident in the family's commitment to bottling all wines from the 2004 vintage under screw cap, the first major Australian wine company to do so. Wakefield's ability to meld tradition and innovation results in regular recognition, both in Australia and on the highly competitive world stage.

(1) Contestants of the Best Green Launch category included:

• Vina Ventisquero, Yali
• Wakefield Wines, Eighty Acres
• The Pure Green Vodka Company, Pure Green Vodka
• The Wine People, Purato
• Guy Anderson Wines, CanCan
• Vranken-Pommery Monopole, Pop Earth

(2) OI-30570 and OI-30571 versus OI-30163

SOURCE Wakefield Wines

RELATED LINKS
http://www.eightyacres.com.au

Patrick J. Moty, President & CEO of Bank of Commerce Holdings (Nasdaq: BOCH), a $813 million financial services holding company, and parent company of Redding Bank of Commerce™, Roseville Bank of Commerce™, and Bank of Commerce Mortgage™ today announced that the Company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an offering of $30 million of its common stock.  Bank of Commerce Holdings expects to sell its common stock in an underwritten public offering with Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett, Inc. acting as manager. The Company intends to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $4.5 million of common stock offered to cover over-allotments, if any.  The common stock will be issued pursuant to a prospectus filed as part of the Company's registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes including ongoing and anticipated growth, including potential acquisition opportunities.

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.  A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  

These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus which is a part of such registration statement.  When available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett, Inc. at 222 S. Riverside Plaza, 7th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Telephone 1-800-800-4693.

About Bank of Commerce Holdings

Bank of Commerce Holdings, with administrative offices in Redding, California is a financial service holding company that owns Redding Bank of Commerce™, Roseville Bank of Commerce™, and Bank of Commerce Mortgage™.  The bank is a federally insured California banking corporation and opened on October 22, 1982.  BOCH is a NASDAQ Global Market listed stock.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ materially from the results in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among other matters, changing market conditions, the Company's ability to complete the offering; and other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and in its other filings with the SEC.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Bank of Commerce Holdings

RELATED LINKS
http://reddingbankofcommerce.com

Six Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliates were selected from a nationwide field of nearly 40 entries for the Keep America Beautiful/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grant Program, which announced winners today. The KAB/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grants awarded $50,000 in total to programs sponsored by the following KAB affiliates: "Keep Casper Beautiful" (Casper, Wyo.); "Keep Nassau Beautiful" (Fernandina Beach, Fla.); "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful" (Port Allen, La.); "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful" (West Palm Beach, Fla.); "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest" (Greensburg, Pa.) and "Keep Phoenix Beautiful" (Phoenix, Ariz.).

The grant applicants were matched up with their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers to support a variety of environmental programs, including increasing awareness of the need to recycle beverage containers and providing infrastructure to do so.

"We want to congratulate these six Keep America Beautiful affiliates and their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers who have been selected from so many worthy candidates from across the country," said Hugh Share, director of environmental sustainability for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Local recycling efforts, such as these, are making a lasting impact on protecting our environment for future generations and Anheuser-Busch is proud to support these initiatives."

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

The grants will help support the following programs:

• "Keep Casper Beautiful"/Casper Beverage – Platte River Revival Volunteer Day
• "Keep Nassau Beautiful"/North Florida Sales – Fernandina Beach Park Recycling Program
• "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful"/Mockler Beverage Company – Don't Crawfish Backward, Recycle Forward Program
• "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful"/Brown Distributing Company – Boaters Recycling Program
• "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest"/ Fuhrer Wholesale – Illegal Dump Cleanups in Washington County, Pa.
• "Keep Phoenix Beautiful"/Hensley Beverage Company – Special event recycling program

"We want to thank Anheuser-Busch for their continued support of our local Keep America Beautiful affiliates," said Matt McKenna, president and CEO of KAB. "The partnerships between our affiliates and Anheuser-Busch's wholesalers have truly made an impact in promoting recycling and the responsible disposal of used beverage containers."

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

SOURCE Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kab.org/

Shot Spirits Corporation (Pink Sheets: SSPT) is pleased to announce that Beverage Pouch Group's ShotPak® Pouched Cocktails will be included as a feature product in the VIP bags for the 10^th annual Player Networking Event™ (PNE), a sanctioned NFL Super Bowl event, hosted by Troupe 21 & Associates. The 2010 event is being held at the Hyatt Regency Miami, Florida on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The Company's product will be presented to over 250 active and former NFL players, sports media, family members of NFL players, and sports industry executives. The event is sponsored by Marvel Entertainment, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Advisors, and 3D Eye Solutions, amongst others.

The Player Networking Event™, created by Troupe 21 & Associates, helps active and former NFL players with their transition from football. Each year active and former players attend the PNE to network with business executives and corporations. Working collaboratively with the NFL and its member clubs, their goal is to help players explore and identify post-football opportunities that are realistic and meaningful. Approximately 13,000 former players are part of the NFLPA (players union) and NFL Alumni clubs.

"We are excited about the opportunity to promote the ShotPak® premium pouched beverages with NFL personnel, sports industry executives, and members of sports media within the backdrop of the Super Bowl," stated Brian P. Barrett, President, CEO of Shot Spirits Corporation. "The PNE is an important part of the post season player development strategy, and we feel that our product provides a great co-branding opportunity for the athletes."

About Shot Spirits Corporation:

Shot Spirits Corporation through its two wholly owned subsidiaries, Shot Spirits International and GuestMetrics, Inc., is focused on delivering products and services to the multi-billion dollar hospitality industry.  Shot Spirits, through their partnership with Beverage Pouch Group, is an innovator in the beverage and service industry with the flavors of the ShotPak® brand.  ShotPak® Cocktails and STR8UP Spirits brands are packed in their patented "Green no Landfill" StandUp pouch with easy-tear open feature. Shot Spirits is focused on distribution in supermarkets, liquor stores, as well as bars, restaurants, and sporting venues across the globe.

For more information on the ShotPak®, please go to www.shotpakinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control.

SOURCE Shot Spirits Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.shotpakinc.com

Today, Buonitalia SpA and Vinitaly mark the close of VINO 2010 Italian Wine Week, the largest Italian wine event ever held outside of Italy.  The inaugural press luncheon and gala dinner for the wine trade — hosted by Buonitalia and Vinitaly — opened a well attended and exciting program of events.  The press lunch at the Waldorf Astoria followed a press conference organized by the Italian Trade Commission under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.  The high profile gala dinner was held at Del Posto, New York City's most acclaimed Italian restaurant, and hosted by Joseph Bastianich — noted restaurateur, television personality, and wine expert.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100205/NY50538LOGO )

"We've taken great pride in showcasing the unparalleled quality and diversity of Italian wine during VINO 2010 Italian Wine Week," said Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Veronafiere, leading organizers of high profile events in Italy, including Vinitaly.  "This extraordinary event, the largest of its kind outside of Italy, is the result of several Italian organizations and regional entities working together to promote Italian wine around the world.  The program, which included a wide variety of interesting events with key wine industry personalities, has been a great success."

VINO 2010 serves as a preview to Vinitaly 2010, the largest wine event in the world, held annually in Verona.  This year's event marks the 44th edition of Vinitaly.  In 2009, the event attracted 151,216 visitors, including 45,083 international attendees from more than 100 countries.

In addition to presenting the finest wines from the many regions of Italy, high quality, authentic foods were spotlighted during the week's tastings, including DOP and IGP products. "Our organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of authentic and indigenous Italian food and wine," said Walter Brunello, Chairman of Buonitalia SpA.  "Although the American consumer has become increasingly knowledgeable about regional products from Italy, presenting these special foods during such an expansive event goes to the heart of Buonitalia's core mission."

"We were happy to work with our partners at Veronafiere and Buonitalia SpA to make VINO 2010 the best expression ever of Italian wines in the U.S.," said Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner, Executive Director for the USA.

SOURCE Vinitaly; Buonitalia SpA

Pennsylvania-based dessert company Sweet Street Desserts will introduce its lusciousness to Miami Beach during the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, February 25-28. 

The highly anticipated annual festival which attracts foodies and wine connoisseurs from around the world will get a soul-satisfying experience as attendees sample Sweet Streets' luscious dessert line in South Florida.  Sweet Street Desserts has become the world renowned foodservice gourmet dessert leader, served in the finest restaurants and cafes worldwide. The familiar taste of these gourmet desserts, once considered the best kept secret in the foodservice industry, are now available directly to consumers. 

"We are excited to be a part of such a fun event and are thrilled to be going mobile as we spread the word and taste of Sweet Street to the people of Miami," says Founder and CEO Sandy Solmon.  "I am certain that we will help create memorable moments of sweet indulgence at some of the top events throughout the weekend."

During the festival, Sweet Street will debut it's dessert bar at the sold out Perrier-Jouet Bubble Q on Friday, February 26 presented by Allen Brothers and hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Friends. Also the dessert company will offer sweets at the official after party of the Wine + Dine + Design on Saturday, February 27 sponsored by Bertolli, Carbonell and Carapelli Olive Oil Brands in the Design District. Taking to the streets, Sweet Street Desserts will have a customized "dessert mobile" roving around town sharing their most recent inspired creation, Pipeables Mousse.  With 11 richly flavored mousses including Butterscotch, Chocolate Mud Pie and Vanilla Bean, to name a few, these ready-to-pipe mousses answer the call of foodies that crave an easy to personalize, artful dessert that screams gourmet.

For more information visit www.sweetstreet.com.

SOURCE Sweet Street Desserts

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sweetstreet.com

In front of packed house of close to 500 beverage executives, Ruby Tuesday was awarded Cheers' 2010 Beverage Excellence Award for Best Chain Overall Beverage Program. This top honor was accepted by Ken Lennox, the restaurant's director of quality beverage, at the annual Cheers Beverage Conference, held on January 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami.

New York restaurateur Danny Meyer, CEO of the Union Square Hospitality Group, also was honored with the Raising the Bar Award for his role as an industry innovator. He was presented with the award following his keynote speech addressing how operators can prepare for better economic times.

Cheers magazine, the only beverage business publication devoted to full-service restaurants, bars and hotels, presented the 2010 Cheers Beverage Excellence Awards to eleven operators and two individuals at a gala awards ceremony at the conference. These awards are among the most prestigious for beverage operators in the restaurant, bar and hotels business. They are chosen by former Beverage Excellence Award winners and a panel of operators that serve on the Cheers editorial board.

The 2010 Cheers Beverage Excellence Award winners are:

1. Best Chain Beverage Menu: Bar Louie for the Passport Program, sponsored by Island Oasis
2. Best Chain Beverage Merchandising: Hilton for its Tiki program, sponsored by Diageo
3. Best Chain Signature Drink: InterContinental Hotels Group for its Sno Cones line of drinks
4. Best Chain Drink Program: Cheeseburger in Paradise, sponsored by Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc.
5. Best Chain Beer Program: Ram International, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Inc.
6. Best Chain Spirits Program: The Phoenician, sponsored by Pernod Ricard USA
7. Best Chain Wine Program: Bellagio
8. Best Chain Adult Alcohol-Free Drink Program: Hard Rock Cafe, sponsored by Monin Gourmet Flavorings
9. Best Chain Hotel Beverage Program: Loews Hotels
10. Best Chain Multi-Concept Beverage Program: O'Charley's, sponsored by American Beverage Marketers, Inc.
11. Best Chain Overall Beverage Program: Ruby Tuesday
12. Raising the Bar Award: Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group
13. Beverage Industry Innovator of the Year: Thomas "Mac" Gregory of The Phoenician

For more information about Cheers magazine, the Cheers Beverage Conference or the Cheers Awards for Beverage Excellence, visit www.cheersconference.com or www.bevinfogroup.com.

SOURCE Cheers Magazine

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cheersconference.com

After an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International and a member of the Carlson Restaurants Worldwide executive team.  

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for all aspects of our International business, leading the International management team, and continuing to refine and execute our aggressive growth strategy.  He comes to Friday's® with extensive global food service experience and a track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business results in the global marketplace.  

Prior to joining Friday's, Ian was with Papa John's International, Inc. where he most recently served as Regional Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Prior to Papa John's, Ian spent six years in General Management roles within the UK-based Geest Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of produce and fresh prepared foods to the food service and retail sector, and fifteen years in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands, Inc. Ian's formative years were spent working in the casual dining sector with London-based Grand Metropolitan PLC and Whitbread PLC.

"Adding Ian to our international business and our Executive Team is a huge win for us," said Shepherd.  "Ian's extensive global knowledge and innovative thinking combined with his successful track record of driving and sustaining aggressive business growth in the global marketplace, make him the ideal candidate for this key role in our business."

Saunders, who received his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management from the University of Surrey, and his Master of Business Administration from United Kingdom's Cranfield University, will reside in the United Kingdom.  Saunders first day in his new position will be March 1.  

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's™ attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."  

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of February 2010, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100208/DA51439)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's International

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fridays.com

Six Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliates were selected from a nationwide field of nearly 40 entries for the Keep America Beautiful/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grant Program, which announced winners today. The KAB/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grants awarded $50,000 in total to programs sponsored by the following KAB affiliates: "Keep Casper Beautiful" (Casper, Wyo.); "Keep Nassau Beautiful" (Fernandina Beach, Fla.); "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful" (Port Allen, La.); "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful" (West Palm Beach, Fla.); "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest" (Greensburg, Pa.) and "Keep Phoenix Beautiful" (Phoenix, Ariz.).

The grant applicants were matched up with their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers to support a variety of environmental programs, including increasing awareness of the need to recycle beverage containers and providing infrastructure to do so.

"We want to congratulate these six Keep America Beautiful affiliates and their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers who have been selected from so many worthy candidates from across the country," said Hugh Share, director of environmental sustainability for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Local recycling efforts, such as these, are making a lasting impact on protecting our environment for future generations and Anheuser-Busch is proud to support these initiatives."

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

The grants will help support the following programs:

• "Keep Casper Beautiful"/Casper Beverage – Platte River Revival Volunteer Day
• "Keep Nassau Beautiful"/North Florida Sales – Fernandina Beach Park Recycling Program
• "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful"/Mockler Beverage Company – Don't Crawfish Backward, Recycle Forward Program
• "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful"/Brown Distributing Company – Boaters Recycling Program
• "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest"/ Fuhrer Wholesale – Illegal Dump Cleanups in Washington County, Pa.
• "Keep Phoenix Beautiful"/Hensley Beverage Company – Special event recycling program

"We want to thank Anheuser-Busch for their continued support of our local Keep America Beautiful affiliates," said Matt McKenna, president and CEO of KAB. "The partnerships between our affiliates and Anheuser-Busch's wholesalers have truly made an impact in promoting recycling and the responsible disposal of used beverage containers."

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

SOURCE Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kab.org/

Today Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world's No. 1-selling Bourbon, kicks off "Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America," a program designed to welcome home the troops returning from tours of duty, support those still on duty overseas, and give service members and their friends memorable experiences throughout the year.

As part of the program, Jim Beam® Bourbon has launched a contest in which those of legal drinking age may nominate service members who are 21 years of age or older for a chance to win VIP, legendary experiences at a high-profile sporting or music event. To help announce the contest, Jim Beam® Bourbon and military charity Operation Homefront® have teamed up and invited select soldiers and their buddies to experience the biggest football game of the year in person, and to provide an example of the types of VIP packages contest entrants will have the opportunity to win.

Through June 21, friends and families of the troops can submit nominations of up to 250 words, in English, at www.jimbeam.com or the Jim Beam Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/jimbeam) describing why their friend or family member in the military deserves to be honored by Jim Beam(1).

The Grand Prize winners and their nominees will receive special treatment and exclusive access to one of the following events:

• The famous thoroughbred stakes race at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2010 as well as a visit to the Jim Beam distillery and a VIP bourbon tasting and meal with Fred Noe, seventh-generation Jim Beam distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam.
• The final two days of a major golf championship at Pebble Beach on June 19 and 20, 2010.
• A home game for a professional baseball team on Chicago's South Side on July 10, 2010.
• A Kid Rock concert and the opportunity to meet Kid Rock in 2010.

Additionally, Americans can show their support by simply texting the word SALUTE to 90999 to add $5 to their phone bills as a donation to Operation Homefront(2), a nonprofit organization providing emergency and morale assistance to troops, to the families they leave behind while they serve, and to wounded warriors when they return home. They can also share their own virtual toasts (or personal messages) on the Jim Beam Facebook fan page.

Jim Beam and Operation Homefront

Jim Beam is initiating the opportunity for troops to experience these extraordinary events with a trip to the biggest football game of the year. The participating soldiers, nominated randomly through Operation Homefront, were selected to help announce the contest based on their character, integrity and desire to bond with a friend/family member at the game.

"At Jim Beam we want to ensure that returning soldiers' welcome home is not only memorable, but that it includes exciting experiences shared with family and friends," said Kelly Doss, senior director of bourbon and whiskeys, Beam Global. "By giving returning soldiers the chance to enjoy great times with loved ones we hope they'll learn just how much we appreciate the sacrifices they've made on America's behalf."

Jim Beam will continue its commitment to Operation Homefront, as well, with an initial donation this year of $150,000 to the organization. Most recently Jim Beam distributed 50,000 cases of a commemorative Operation Homefront bottle to help raise awareness of the organization. To learn more about the Jim Beam relationship with Operation Homefront, please visit www.jimbeam.com/partnerships/operation-homefront.  

"Opportunities like this mean a lot to our troops, who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf," said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront. "As part of Team USA, they love being able to cheer on the teams at the biggest football game of the year! I applaud Jim Beam for its steadfast support of our nation's military."

Jim Beam is committed to social responsibility and advises legal purchase age consumers to drink smart®. Through drinksmart.com, Beam Global educates legal purchase age consumers about how to make responsible choices about alcohol.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront® provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.

Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol.

©2010 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

(1)  No purchase necessary. Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. (except CA) and 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules, available at www.JimBeam.com or www.Facebook.com/JimBeam. Contest started February 2, 2010 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET"). On-line entries must be transmitted and received by June 21, 2010 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Enter online at www.JimBeam.com or www.Facebook.com/JimBeam.

(2)  A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. You will also receive up to 1 message per day from Operation Homefront Alerts. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of Operation Homefront by the mGive Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mGive.com/A. To unsubscribe text STOP to 90999, for help text HELP to 90999.

Contact: Fallon O'Connor, +1-312-240-2884, fallon.oconnor@edelman.com.

SOURCE Beam Global Spirits & Wine

RELATED LINKS
http://www.jimbeam.com
http://www.beamglobal.com

While race fans gear up for one of the biggest spectacles of the season at Daytona International Speedway®, the makers of Crown Royal Canadian whisky, a subsidiary of Diageo plc (NYSE: DEO), today announced fans will also have the opportunity to choose one of America's true heroes to receive naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway on May 1, 2010.

As part of the Crown Royal "Your Name Here" 400 contest, five finalists from various branches of the armed services have been selected to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Daytona to participate in a special ceremony to unveil the grand-prize winner, as well as attend the historic Daytona 500. The finalists, in no specific order, are:

• Heath Calhoun, Army (retired), Clarksville, Tenn.
• Chris Dempsey, Army National Guard, Yuma, Ariz.
• Rick Hudson, Navy, Gulfport, Miss.
• Georgia Powell, Air National Guard, Harrisburg, Pa
• Brian Speach, Army National Guard, Clifton Park, N.Y.

Crown Royal begins the season as a primary sponsor of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion, driven by reigning Daytona 500 Champion Matt Kenseth. Along with all the activities surrounding the race in Richmond, Crown Royal will continue to fully integrate its "Please Drink Responsibly" messages into all of its NASCAR-themed initiatives, including its signature "Safe Rides Home" designated-driver event that has provided thousands of race fans rides home throughout the years.

This marks the first time in the four-year history of the Crown Royal "Your Name Here" program that only military service members were chosen as finalists. It also signifies the first time ever that fans will be able to cast their votes on www.crownroyal.com for whose name they think should be incorporated into the annual Cup Series event in Richmond. All the finalists were nominated by their family, friends or fellow soldiers for their ability to demonstrate the core values of the military in performing a selfless act that made them a hero.

"Crown Royal is fully committed to showing its support for military individuals that serve our country and the entitlement in Richmond is the perfect platform for us to elevate our support to the next level," said Rob Mason, Senior Brand Manager, Crown Royal. "This year's finalists are truly first-class individuals that have accomplished amazing feats while they were serving overseas or at-home. We look forward to recognizing all their achievements to ensure they truly feel like Royalty throughout their time in Daytona." 

Some of the selfless acts of this year's finalists include resuscitating a boy after drowning and helping to save a group of local nationals who were critically injured.  Fans of legal drinking age are encouraged to visit www.crownroyal.com to read a complete background on the finalists and to cast a vote. Voting ends on February 10, 2010. Media are invited to submit their individual votes to representatives of Crown Royal so they have their own voice in determining the winner.

"Richmond International Raceway couldn't be more excited to be a part of this program with Crown Royal each season," said Doug Fritz, President, Richmond International Raceway. "Allowing fans to select the winner is a great way for Crown Royal to highlight all the truly touching stories of this year's finalists. We look forward to honoring another amazing individual with everything we do during the race in May."

The winner will be announced from Daytona on February 12 with all the finalists, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth and representatives from Crown Royal and Richmond International Raceway in attendance.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. The Crown Royal Company is a primary sponsor of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion driven by Matt Kenseth. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Richmond International Raceway

Richmond International Raceway, known as America's Premier Short Track, offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series under the lights on a ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what "Racing Perfection" truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online.

CROWN ROYAL Blended Canadian Whisky.  40% Alc./Vol. ©2010 The Crown Royal Company, Norwalk, CT.  PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

SOURCE Diageo

RELATED LINKS
http://www.crownroyal.com

It's anyone's guess who will win the game on Sunday, but among celebrities, athletes and other VIPs attending last night's GQ Pre-Bowl Bash in South Beach the choice was clear – it's the New Orleans Saints all the way!

Scores of Hollywood stars and top athletes walked the red carpet last evening to celebrate the start of the biggest weekend in sports. And as they entered the venue, the Surfcomber in Miami Beach, they were invited to debate which team they thought would deliver a "Simply Perfect" win on Sunday. For each vote cast, event sponsor Patron tequila made a donation to the St. Bernard Project, a non-profit organization in New Orleans dedicated to creating housing opportunities so that Hurricane Katrina survivors can return to their homes and communities. SBP can rebuild one house in 8-12 weeks for about $15,000. At the end of the evening, 63 percent of people chose the Saints, and 37 percent went for the Colts – and, most importantly, thousands of dollars were raised to help Louisiana families.

"Much has been celebrated that the Saints' bid for the championship is another sign that New Orleans is back on its feet," said Zack Rosenburg, who co-founded the St. Bernard Project with partner and 2008 CNN Hero of the Year Liz McCartney. "It's true, so much has been accomplished in the more than four years since the hurricanes, but it's important to realize there's still significantly more work to be done to help American families finally return to their badly devastated homes."

The St. Bernard Project (www.stbernardproject.org) is a community-based organization that began rebuilding homes in August 2006 that were damaged by floodwaters from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in St. Bernard Parish. In the Greater New Orleans area, more than 1,000 families live in FEMA trailers and more than 9,000 live in other forms of temporary housing. To date, the St. Bernard Project has rebuilt 262 homes in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish with help from 19,000+ volunteers. Using volunteer labor, skilled supervisors and donations for building supplies, it takes an average of 12 weeks and $15,000 worth of materials to completely rebuild a house.

"The Patron Spirits Company has been a longtime supporter of the critical work of the St. Bernard Project," said Pam Dzierzanowski, Patron's national events director.  "Along with most all of my colleagues at the company, we've spent several weeks with Zack and Liz raising funds and contributing our time to help rebuild houses. We're honored that we could use this occasion to further help their important efforts."

"It's especially exciting that my New Orleans Saints won the vote last night, let's hope that's a harbinger of Sunday's outcome!" added Rosenburg.

Simply Perfect in every way, Patron is the world's highest-quality ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patron is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. For information about The Patron Spirits Company and its portfolio of ultra-premium spirits (Patron tequilas, Pyrat rum and Ultimat vodka), visit www.patronspirits.com.

SOURCE The Patron Spirits Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.stbernardproject.org
http://www.patronspirits.com

Six Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliates were selected from a nationwide field of nearly 40 entries for the Keep America Beautiful/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grant Program, which announced winners today. The KAB/Anheuser-Busch Environmental Grants awarded $50,000 in total to programs sponsored by the following KAB affiliates: "Keep Casper Beautiful" (Casper, Wyo.); "Keep Nassau Beautiful" (Fernandina Beach, Fla.); "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful" (Port Allen, La.); "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful" (West Palm Beach, Fla.); "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest" (Greensburg, Pa.) and "Keep Phoenix Beautiful" (Phoenix, Ariz.).

The grant applicants were matched up with their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers to support a variety of environmental programs, including increasing awareness of the need to recycle beverage containers and providing infrastructure to do so.

"We want to congratulate these six Keep America Beautiful affiliates and their local Anheuser-Busch wholesalers who have been selected from so many worthy candidates from across the country," said Hugh Share, director of environmental sustainability for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Local recycling efforts, such as these, are making a lasting impact on protecting our environment for future generations and Anheuser-Busch is proud to support these initiatives."

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

The grants will help support the following programs:

• "Keep Casper Beautiful"/Casper Beverage – Platte River Revival Volunteer Day
• "Keep Nassau Beautiful"/North Florida Sales – Fernandina Beach Park Recycling Program
• "Keep West Baton Rouge Beautiful"/Mockler Beverage Company – Don't Crawfish Backward, Recycle Forward Program
• "Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful"/Brown Distributing Company – Boaters Recycling Program
• "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful - Southwest"/ Fuhrer Wholesale – Illegal Dump Cleanups in Washington County, Pa.
• "Keep Phoenix Beautiful"/Hensley Beverage Company – Special event recycling program

"We want to thank Anheuser-Busch for their continued support of our local Keep America Beautiful affiliates," said Matt McKenna, president and CEO of KAB. "The partnerships between our affiliates and Anheuser-Busch's wholesalers have truly made an impact in promoting recycling and the responsible disposal of used beverage containers."

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

Local Environmental Programs Receive Grants from A-B & KAB

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

SOURCE Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kab.org/

Redwood Creek wines is putting its money where the grass grows and committing $130,000 in the third annual Greater Outdoors Project. Nine nonprofit finalists will be selected from across the country, eight of which will be awarded $10,000 each. The title grant of $50,000 will go to one winner, based on a national, public vote. Redwood Creek wines is calling on outdoor organizations nationwide to apply for this year's grant to fund a specific outdoor project unique to that group. Interested organizations must apply by February 28, 2010 at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com.

Redwood Creek, known for crafting quality wines that offer a flavorful taste of the outdoors, established the Greater Outdoors Project in 2008 to recognize and support nonprofit organizations that share its commitment to preserve, protect and provide access to America's great outdoors.

"The Sierra Nevada mountain snowmelt nurtures our vineyards, making them rich and fertile grounds for grape production," says Cal Dennison, Redwood Creek winemaker and outdoor enthusiast. "Because nature directly influences our craft and the quality of our wines, we should do our part to give back to the outdoors."

A panel of judges made up of active members of the outdoor community, including Dennison, will review applications from hiking, water conservation and energy preservation groups, to name a few. Redwood Creek wines encourages applicants to be creative in their project submissions. Whether clearing pollution from Lake Erie, collecting litter from the trails of the Redwood Forests or sprucing up the appearance of the Everglades, any project dedicated to improving the outdoors is deemed appropriate.

From April 1 through August 31, 2010, outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nonprofit at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com. The winning organization will be announced in September 2010.

Last year's Greater Outdoors Project grant was presented to Friends of New Orleans City Park, after a nationwide vote of more than 38,000. The $50,000 grant is currently being used to reestablish 19 acres of ecosystems in the Couturie Forest, a popular woodland nestled at the center of the park's 1,300 acres, that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

To enter this year's Greater Outdoors Project, participants must complete the online application at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com, which includes a statement of purpose, detailed budget, timeline and photographs of the proposed project. All project work must be completed by December 2011. Only one application per organization will be considered and all submissions must be dedicated to a specific project. The grant applicant must be 21 years of age or older and a legal U.S. citizen. Only members or representatives of registered 501(c )(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For complete rules and additional information, visit www.RedwoodCreekWine.com.

About Redwood Creek:

Redwood Creek wines embody the adventurous spirit of the great outdoors.  Redwood Creek Winemaker Cal Dennison crafted a portfolio of eight food-friendly wines that consistently deliver outstanding quality at an attractive price.  Redwood Creek wines are available at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price ranging from $6.99 to $9.99.

About the Greater Outdoors Project:

No purchase necessary. Grants Application period ends February 28, 2010 and is void in TN, UT and PR and where prohibited by law.  Must be a legal resident of one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia and at least 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. See Official Terms and Conditions at www.RedwoodCreekWine.com.

California, French and Italian Table Wine, ©2010 Frei Bros. Vineyards, Modesto, CA.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE Redwood Creek Wines

RELATED LINKS
http://www.RedwoodCreekWine.com

Seven young people ages 10 to 25 were awarded prizes this evening for their compelling counter-alcohol ads at the Free The Bowl™ World Premiere 2010 in San Rafael, California. The competition drew entries from 19 different states yet all shared the same core message: seductive alcohol ads shown during the Super Bowl are inappropriate for the millions of vulnerable young viewers who watch the event.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100203/DC48836LOGO)  

In the second year of this contest, Marin Institute encourages youth to identify "Big Al" (i.e. "Big Alcohol") in their lives and in Anheuser-Busch InBev's eight Super Bowl XLIII beer commercials. It has been estimated that 30 million underage football fans watch the event.

"In this year's contest we asked young people to identify 'Big Al's' many faces, especially those that encourage underage drinking," stated Marin Institute Advocacy Director Michael Scippa.  We challenged young filmmakers to show us what Big Al looks like, where they see Big Al, and how Big Alcohol harms them, their friends, and families."

"Underage drinking is a very serious problem in this country," stated Mark Fishkin, Executive Director of the California Film Institute and one of the Free the Bowl™ 2010 judges. "As a parent, there is nothing more troubling than waiting up for your child, praying that they will come home safely."

Research estimates 85,000 American deaths are caused by alcohol consumption annually while economic costs exceed $220 billion. More than 10 million underage youth drink alcohol every year and 7 million binge drink. As a result, 5,000 youth under age 21 die, while hundreds of thousands more suffer alcohol-fueled sexual assaults, serious injuries, diseases and academic failure.  Meanwhile, Big Alcohol (global beer, wine, and spirits corporations) will place 2 million alcohol ads on TV this year. Foreign-based alcohol corporations will spend half a billion dollars advertising during TV sports programs alone.

Winners of the country's second Free the Bowl™ video contest are:

10 - 20 Age Group

First Prize – Ren Reed, 16, Pleasant Hill, CA for "No Second Chances"

Second Prize – Tanner Mitchell, 17, Grand Prairie, TX for "Big Al's Big Play"

Third Prize – Gabrielle Lewis, 18, Post Falls, ID, for "The Near Future"  (tied with)

Third Prize – Michael Huet, 17, Hollywood, FL, for "Alcohol Companies Want Your Kids"

21 - 25 Age Group

First Prize – Justin McBride, 24, Phoenix AZ, for "It's Time"

Second Prize – Eric Henriksen, 22, Oswego, IL for "Break the Hold"

Third Prize – Matt Fiedler, 21, Branchburg, NJ for "A Big Disappointment"

"The California Film Institute has always looked at film as a powerful medium to inspire, motivate and educate," Fishkin added. "It's wonderful that so many young adults have been able to use these short films as a social medium to send a powerful message."

The videos can be found at FreeTheBowl.com and background information on the effects of alcohol advertising on youth at MarinInstitute.org.

SOURCE Marin Institute

RELATED LINKS
http://marininstitute.org

The Saint James Company (OTC Bulletin Board: STJC) ("Saint James" or "the Company"), which specializes in the acquisition and distribution of New World wines, announced that since February 3, 2010, and through today, the Company has been at The World MoneyShow in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center.  

Saint James has received strong interest from attendees at its booth (#322), discussing the Company's business strategy. The Company is offering attendees complimentary samples of its Eos Estate wines.

"The feedback that we are receiving at The World MoneyShow is very encouraging as we launch our proactive investor relations campaign for 2010," commented Richard Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of The Saint James Company.

The World MoneyShow features more than 300 workshops, 150 speakers, and 200 exhibiting companies. Investors listen to leading finance industry professionals discuss topics including, The Markets, Politics, and the Economy; Global Investing; Mutual Funds, ETFs, and REITs; Futures, Commodities, and Options; and Stocks and Bonds.

About The Saint James Company  

The Saint James Company specializes in the acquisition and distribution of New World wines. The Company owns the Eos Estate Winery and Vineyards in Paso Robles, California and recently signed agreements for the acquisition of wineries and wine brands in New Zealand and for the distribution rights to Olivia Newton John's Koala Blue wine brand in North America. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://www.thesaintjamescompany.com .

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements related to the future anticipated direction of the industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned or required capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth, and potential contracts. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to development and expansion activities, dependence on existing management, financing activities, and domestic and global economic conditions.

SOURCE The Saint James Company

RELATED LINKS
http://thesaintjamescompany.com

Today, Buonitalia SpA and Vinitaly mark the close of VINO 2010 Italian Wine Week, the largest Italian wine event ever held outside of Italy.  The inaugural press luncheon and gala dinner for the wine trade — hosted by Buonitalia and Vinitaly — opened a well attended and exciting program of events.  The press lunch at the Waldorf Astoria followed a press conference organized by the Italian Trade Commission under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.  The high profile gala dinner was held at Del Posto, New York City's most acclaimed Italian restaurant, and hosted by Joseph Bastianich — noted restaurateur, television personality, and wine expert.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100205/NY50538LOGO )

"We've taken great pride in showcasing the unparalleled quality and diversity of Italian wine during VINO 2010 Italian Wine Week," said Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Veronafiere, leading organizers of high profile events in Italy, including Vinitaly.  "This extraordinary event, the largest of its kind outside of Italy, is the result of several Italian organizations and regional entities working together to promote Italian wine around the world.  The program, which included a wide variety of interesting events with key wine industry personalities, has been a great success."

VINO 2010 serves as a preview to Vinitaly 2010, the largest wine event in the world, held annually in Verona.  This year's event marks the 44th edition of Vinitaly.  In 2009, the event attracted 151,216 visitors, including 45,083 international attendees from more than 100 countries.

In addition to presenting the finest wines from the many regions of Italy, high quality, authentic foods were spotlighted during the week's tastings, including DOP and IGP products. "Our organization is dedicated to increasing awareness of authentic and indigenous Italian food and wine," said Walter Brunello, Chairman of Buonitalia SpA.  "Although the American consumer has become increasingly knowledgeable about regional products from Italy, presenting these special foods during such an expansive event goes to the heart of Buonitalia's core mission."

"We were happy to work with our partners at Veronafiere and Buonitalia SpA to make VINO 2010 the best expression ever of Italian wines in the U.S.," said Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner, Executive Director for the USA.

SOURCE Vinitaly; Buonitalia SpA

The Saint James Company (OTC Bulletin Board: STJC) ("Saint James" or "the Company"), which specializes in the acquisition and distribution of New World wines, announced that since February 3, 2010, and through today, the Company has been at The World MoneyShow in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center.  

Saint James has received strong interest from attendees at its booth (#322), discussing the Company's business strategy. The Company is offering attendees complimentary samples of its Eos Estate wines.

"The feedback that we are receiving at The World MoneyShow is very encouraging as we launch our proactive investor relations campaign for 2010," commented Richard Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of The Saint James Company.

The World MoneyShow features more than 300 workshops, 150 speakers, and 200 exhibiting companies. Investors listen to leading finance industry professionals discuss topics including, The Markets, Politics, and the Economy; Global Investing; Mutual Funds, ETFs, and REITs; Futures, Commodities, and Options; and Stocks and Bonds.

About The Saint James Company  

The Saint James Company specializes in the acquisition and distribution of New World wines. The Company owns the Eos Estate Winery and Vineyards in Paso Robles, California and recently signed agreements for the acquisition of wineries and wine brands in New Zealand and for the distribution rights to Olivia Newton John's Koala Blue wine brand in North America. For further information, visit the Company's website at http://www.thesaintjamescompany.com .

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements related to the future anticipated direction of the industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned or required capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth, and potential contracts. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to development and expansion activities, dependence on existing management, financing activities, and domestic and global economic conditions.

SOURCE The Saint James Company

RELATED LINKS
http://thesaintjamescompany.com

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor John J. deJongh, Jr., yesterday alerted Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and Ranking Member Charles Grassley to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on the rum excise tax cover-over economic development program and the USVI's long-term public-private partnerships. The CRS report refutes misinformation promoted by Puerto Rican officials and validates the USVI's economic development agreements with rum makers Diageo and Fortune Brands.

In letters to Senators Baucus and Grassley, Governor deJongh wrote that the CRS report reaffirms that:

• According to the rum cover-over law's original intent, the USVI can use its rum excise tax cover-over revenue as deemed appropriate by its local legislature;
• Legislation proposed by Puerto Rico's Delegate Pedro Pierluisi would limit both territories' autonomous power to allocate cover-over funds for economic development purposes;
• Rum excise taxes returned to the territories under the cover-over program are paid by the rum producers, not American taxpayers.

The report deals a serious blow to Delegate Pierluisi's proposed bill, and highlights that Puerto Rico would prefer Diageo locate in a foreign country – taking jobs and economic impact with it – than operate in the USVI.