Twenty-nine of the world’s best bartenders braved arctic temperatures high atop the world in Finland in hopes of capturing the 11th Annual International Finlandia Vodka Cup. When all mixing was done, Raditya Dimas, an Indonesian born bartender who represented United Arab Emirates, won the contest by attaining the highest cumulative score, 298 points of a possible 312, in the three drink categories: the aperitif, long drink and “Quick Mix”.
Finlandia managing director Maureen Brekka revealed that Finlandia Vodka has broken a major milestone by achieving three million annual case-sales with a growth rate of 30 percent in December 2008. The brand has been experiencing double digit growth every year for the past several years.
The most impressive growth for the Finlandia Vodka brand has come from Central and Eastern Europe and the success of its flavored vodkas. The portfolio includes Finlandia cranberry, lime, mango and grapefruit.
“It took Finlandia 23 years to reach one-million cases, 12 years to reach two-million cases, and only three years to reach three-million cases. This is a great achievement for the Finlandia Vodka brand and its parent company, Brown-Forman, which acquired the brand four years ago," said Maureen.
Alan C. Anastacio, Regional Commercial Manager, Brown-Forman Thailand, L.L.C., said that Thailand is the most promising growth market for Finlandia in South East Asian Region.
In Thailand, the brand has focused on activities with Thai bartenders making them brand ambassadors for Finlandia and drinking responsibly program.
“Joining the International Finlandia Vodka Cup for the 1st time by sending a representative will help us improve the standard of our competition in Thailand and raise the standard of Thai bartender competition.
Our Thai bartender competed with other national champions from 29 countries worldwide in this global contest and joined the bartender skill development program to increase his capability in making cocktail and cocktail recipe.” said Alan”.
Finlandia Vodka Cup is the annual global drink contest where the best bartenders who won the national competitions from around the world gather to showcase their talent in Finland, the origins of Finlandia Vodka. During the finals, the competitors must create a new drink in three categories: Aperitif, Long Drink and Quick Mix. Points from all three categories are then added up and the bartender with the highest combined score wins the coveted title “Finlandia Bartender of the Year”.
About Brown-Forman Thailand, L.L.C.
Brown-Forman Thailand, L.L.C. was set up in February 2005 to be the sole importer of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Finlandia Vodka, Pepe Lopez Tequila and Southern Comfort.
Brown-Forman Thailand, L.L.C. is responsible for the promotional activities in the entertainment venues and restaurants, run by the working marketing team in Bangkok and other tourism provinces, such as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai etc.
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Jarinthorn Thanasinlapakul (Rin)
Let’s Celebrate Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0-2804-3380, 0-2413-0645, 0-1803-3757
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