Skyy Spirits Hits Hot Streak: SKYY Infusions® Named “Best New Product,” Three Brands Dubbed “Hot Prospects”

SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-September 25, 2009 - The year 2008 was a monumental one for Skyy Spirits, LLC (www.skyyspirits.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. And, that fact has now been recognized by IMPACT Newsletter and Market Watch Magazine, the industry’s top sources for data, trends, and analysis. This month, three of the company’s brands, SKYY Infusions®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Wild Turkey® American Honey®, were named among IMPACT’s “2008 Hot Prospect Brands.” SKYY Infusions was also named Market Watch’s “2008 Best New Product” for its stellar performance in the market place.

The second annual “Hot Prospect” survey recognized brands with US sales between 50,000 and 200,000 nine-liter cases in 2008, while achieving growth of at least 15 percent, after recording solid progress in 2006 and 2007 (where applicable). The All Natural SKYY Infusions vodka line, which was introduced in 2008, sold an impressive 170,000 cases in the first year. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur showed a 44 percent growth over 2007 with sales of 88,000 cases. American Honey, part of the Gruppo Campari’s purchase of Wild Turkey, posted sales of 85,000 cases, a 107 percent increase over 2007. Skyy Spirits is one of just two spirits companies that had three or more products represented on IMPACT’s annual round up of new best performing brands.

Market Watch’s “2008 Best New Product” title was awarded to the brand first introduced in the US during the calendar year with the highest nine-liter case depletions, with SKYY Infusions easily outpacing the next closest competitor by nearly 100,000 cases.

“We knew we had something special with each of these brands before we even took them to the street,” said Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO of Skyy Spirits. “It is extremely gratifying to see the success we’ve had with SKYY Infusions and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur recognized. And keep your eye on American Honey; we are very fortunate to have such a terrific American icon like Wild Turkey in our portfolio.”

About the Skyy Spirits Hot Prospect Brands of 2008:

Say good-bye to traditional, artificial tasting, boring flavored vodkas. All Natural SKYY Infusions is a unique infused experience made with premium SKYY Vodka and succulent real fruit, creating a delectable sensation ranked number-one in taste by the prestigious Beverage Testing Institute. The SKYY Infusions line includes Citrus, Grape, Cherry, Raspberry, Passion Fruit and NEW Pineapple, introduced in 2009.
X-Rated Fusion Liqueur is a sensuous, flirty blend of ultra premium French vodka and Sicilian blood oranges, mingled with mango from India and passion fruit from South America. On the rocks or as a flavorful addition to champagne or any cocktail, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur blends tropical fruit flavors with edgy citrus notes to deliver a long, smooth, semi-sweet finish. A favorite for any “Girls Night Out,” X-Rated Fusion Liqueur is as delicious as it is eye-catching, with a vibrant pink color to liven any occasion.
Wild Turkey American Honey is an exceptionally smooth liqueur blended with pure honey and real Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey; perfect served chilled straight from the freezer, over rocks, it is the sweeter, smoother side of Wild Turkey. A deep golden hue, American Honey has a nose of ripe citrus and an exceptionally smooth palate of sweet honey and caramel with subtle bourbon notes and a long, rich finish. Wild Turkey American Honey was named “Best in Class” at the 2008 World Whiskey Awards.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur^TM and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari

Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the USA and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated, Zedda Piras and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com