Pernod Ricard Partners with Tequila Avion

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Pernod Ricard USA is celebrating the announcement regarding the agreement granting the company exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the ultra premium Tequila Avion, as well as a minority interest in the growing brand.

Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, said the agreement is “strategically important, and an excellent complement to Pernod Ricard USA’s leading portfolio of premium brands. We see great opportunity in the ultra premium segment of the tequila category, and great potential for Avion to lead the way.” He also added, “Roughly one year after its introduction, the brand already has created unprecedented and impressive levels of awareness and velocity in the USA, the world’s leading tequila market. That’s because Avion has established itself as a true lifestyle brand, with rising popularity among tastemakers and connoisseurs. We are anxious to leverage the entrepreneurial spirit, passionate devotion to excellence and creativity behind Avion, and look forward to working with Tequila Avion Founder and Chairman Ken Austin, Jenna Fagnan, President, and their team to build Avion into the next iconic spirits brand.”

Tequila Avion is currently sold in 23 states as well as in Ontario, Canada, and has enjoyed exponential growth over its first year, and sales continue to accelerate. In the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Tequila Avion Silver was awarded Double Gold, Avion Anejo a Gold medal and Avion Reposado a Bronze medal.

“Pernod Ricard was the ideal choice for three reasons: its global reach, its global premium portfolio and its exemplary management team and professional organization,” said Ken Austin, Founder and Chairman, Tequila Avion. “Pernod Ricard USA brings a powerful route to market, and a strong track record of building premium spirit brands. Together, we will capture a meaningful share of the ultra premium tequila category. This partnership is a validation and a testament to our highly entrepreneurial and disruptive marketing strategy, along with the brand being embraced and praised on multiple levels by bartenders, the Mixology community, retailers and consumers.”