FIJI® Water Announces Acquisition of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- FIJI® Water, the country's leading premium imported bottled water, announced today that it has acquired the award-winning JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles, California. Known for its Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals, combining Old World tradition with New World techniques, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is a critically-acclaimed, world class premium wine brand that FIJI Water and its parent company, Roll International, are proud to add to their portfolio.

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"FIJI Water and JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery are both industry leaders with super premium products, strong branding and state-of-the-art operations with a dedication to unprecedented quality," said John Cochran, President and COO, FIJI Water. "We're proud to be adding the JUSTIN folks to our family at FIJI Water. JUSTIN's winemaking knowledge and exceptional team coupled with FIJI Water's outstanding global sales force, offers an opportunity to carefully achieve mutual growth and success for both brands."

"Deborah and I are honored to be partnering with FIJI Water and Roll International to help JUSTIN achieve broader distribution and sales success," said Justin Baldwin, Founder of JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery. "Roll International is highly regarded for its California-based agricultural operations and its ability to build world-class iconic brands, like FIJI Water and POM Wonderful. We look forward to working alongside the FIJI Water team to bring JUSTIN wines to the global marketplace."

FIJI Water plans to maintain the operations of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in its current location of Paso Robles, California. Both Justin and Deborah Baldwin will be staying on and working closely with the companies' senior executives to increase production and distribution in upcoming years. Fred Holloway, vice president, director of production and winemaking, will also continue to create world-class vintages in his current capacity.

Advising on the transaction on behalf of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery was San Francisco-based investment bank, Demeter Group.  "As the preferred advisor of the industry's most prominent ultra-premium winery transactions, we are thrilled to have been a part of the joining of two great brands," said Jeff Menashe, Chairman, Demeter Group.  "The deal between JUSTIN Vineyards and FIJI Water is truly unique."

ABOUT FIJI WATER

FIJI® Water, a natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is known for its soft mouthfeel and iconic square bottle loved by discerning consumers, well-known celebrities, and quality-conscious chefs. FIJI Water is committed to reducing its environmental impact and preserving the planet for future generations. Through our membership in 1% for the Planet and partnership with Conservation International, FIJI Water supports environmental efforts around the world and in our backyard; our FIJI Water Foundation is dedicated to providing access to clean water, health care, and education for the people of Fiji. To learn more, please visit www.fijiwater.com.

ABOUT JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Justin and Deborah Baldwin's family-owned and operated winery making estate grown and produced wines in the heart of the Paso Robles appellation. JUSTIN's emphasis is on making Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals, combining Old World tradition with New World techniques. JUSTIN offers wine sampling in both the Tasting Room and Wine Society Lounge, in addition to sensory evaluation and cave tours in the ISOSCELES Center, epicurean lunch and dinner at Deborah's Room, and overnight retreats at JUST Inn.

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, California, 93446. The tasting room is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours daily by appointment at 10:30am and 2:30pm. For additional information, you may visit the website at www.justinwine.com.

SOURCE FIJI Water