Puerto de Indias, the original and best-selling Strawberry Gin from Seville Spain, has established a team of State Managers to guide the launch and expansion of the company’s signature gin in the U.S. Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin is taking the category by storm globally, quickly rising to the #4 selling gin in Spain[1] and #9 on the world stage[2]. As of February 2019, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin is poised continue its phenomenal ascent stateside in New York, Florida and Illinois.
The newly established team, lead by industry veteran Mike Ginley, includes two State Managers in both the New York and Florida markets and one State Manager in Illinois. In their role, the State Managers will liaise with the Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits distributor team to introduce and develop the brand in the three launch markets. Specifically, they will oversee local programming and key account activations along with consumer and trade tasting events and merchandising. The team includes:
Mike Ginley, U.S. General Manager, is a beverage industry expert with an extensive marketing and sales background who has been recognized as one of the country’s most prominent marketers by Adweek and Reveries Magazine. Most recently Mike has founded First Choice Brands to provide clients with a more comprehensive level of strategic brand building services.
Karen Lay, FL State Manager based in Miami, brings 6+ years of B2B Marketing experience delivering solutions that help drive sales and attract and sustain customers. Karen has previously worked with LIQS Cocktail Shots and Sazerac brands.
Frank Andreu, FL State Manager based in Coral Gables, FL, brings 15+ years of experience, orchestrating the launch and optimization of brands in the beverage alcohol industry. Frank has held positions with Pernod Ricard, Southern Wine & Spirits, The Edrington Group and EG Vodka.
Ryan Dacquel, NY State Manager, based in (location), NY brings a wealth of experience in beverage sales development for a variety of companies including Cutwater Spirits and Union Beer. In addition Ryan has spent time immersed in advertising and marketing roles in Asia and New York.
Brigette Stark, NY State Manager based in Brooklyn, NY has more than eight years of experience managing spirits sales growth in both the retail and on-premise sectors for top tier suppliers at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits in Anchorage, AK.
Nelson Vindell – IL State Manager based in Chicago brings experience in brand sales development most recently for St. Petersburg Distillery in South Florida and Tanduay Rum throughout IL. Nelson also has extensive experience in restaurant management in the Miami market area.
“I am thrilled to lead this enthusiastic team of Puerto de Indias State Managers at this exciting time,” said Ginley. “2019 marks the debut of this game-changing gin in the U.S. Our team has a breadth and depth of industry experience that has allowed us to hit the ground running. We are thrilled to play a key role in establishing the brand’s footprint beginning in FL, NY & IL with plans to expand to new markets throughout the year.”
Puerto de Indias, a true pioneer in innovation, has crafted this extraordinary Strawberry Gin through the expert blending of delicate citrus and juniper Gin with fresh distilled strawberries. The result is a wonderfully accessible gin with a deliciously fresh and subtle taste of strawberry and a visually stunning color that dares to be different.
Puerto de Indias is distributed by Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits. It retails for a suggested price of $26.99/750ml.
[1] IWSR Global Gin Insights 2013 – 2017 data
[2] IWSR Global Gin Insights 2013 – 2017 data
