Moet Hennessy USA and Marnier Lapostolle Inc., Agree to End U.S. Distribution Agreement for Wines

NEW YORK, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet Hennessy USA and Marnier Lapostolle Inc., have mutually agreed that effective July 1, 2012, Moet Hennessy USA will no longer act as the U.S. distributor for Marnier Lapostolle Inc.'s, Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre wines. Moet Hennessy USA will continue to be the U.S. distributor for Marnier Lapostolle Inc.'s Grand Marnier liqueur.

"Moet Hennessy USA has been proud to represent the Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre wines over the years and to contribute to their success," said Jim Clerkin, President and CEO of Moet Hennessy USA. "We appreciate the exceptional quality of these wines and wish them well in the future. Moet Hennessy USA is committed to focusing on the growth of our exceptional portfolio of core Champagne, wine and spirit brands, including Grand Marnier, which remains a very important part of our business."

Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, President of Marnier Lapostolle Inc., said, "We are grateful to Moet Hennessy for their partnership and dedication during the past 15 years in building all of our brands in the U.S. We have built the Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre brands together, and thanks to Moet Hennessy's commitment, established their premium position in the marketplace. As we continue to develop the Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre brands, we are delighted to announce our new distribution partnership with Terlato Wines International, which has extensive experience in the wine category.

"We will continue our successful partnership with Moet Hennessy to continue to grow the Grand Marnier brand, including the launch of two new line extensions - GM Titanium and Grand Marnier Cherry - in the Fall of 2012."

About Moet Hennessy USA:

MOET HENNESSY USA is the leading importer and marketer of luxury wines, spirits and champagnes in the U.S. The Moet Hennessy portfolio includes renowned brands such as: Hennessy Cognac; Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart Champagnes; Belvedere vodka; 10 Cane rum; Grand Marnier; Glenmorangie and Ardbeg single malt Scotch whiskies; and fine wines, including Chateau d'Yquem, Cape Mentelle, Cloudy Bay, Newton Vineyard, Numanthia, Terrazas and Domaine Chandon California sparkling and still wines. Moet Hennessy has a strong consumer focus with an uncompromising commitment to building luxury brands.  CONTACT: Samantha Barnes for Moёt Hennessy USA, 212-251-8430 or [email protected].  

About Marnier-Lapostolle North America:

The House of Marnier-Lapostolle North America is a family owned and operated luxury spirit and wine producer and operates as the direct importer in the United States. The portfolio includes: Grand Marnier Liqueurs, GM Titanium, KAPPA Pisco, Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre wines.  Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, the great granddaughter of the creator and founder of Grand Marnier, has served as President of Marnier-Lapostolle since 2007.  CONTACT: Pamela Broyles for Marnier Lapostolle NA, 917-496-0360 or [email protected].   

SOURCE Moet Hennessy USA