Norway's Arcus AS Names Kobrand Corporation U.S. Importer for Vikingfjord Vodka

OSLO, Norway, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcus AS has named Kobrand Corporation exclusive U.S. importer for Vikingfjord Vodka. The agreement, jointly announced by Arcus CEO Jan Oluf Skarpnes, and Kobrand CEO Bob DeRoose, will become effective August 1. Vikingfjord will be Kobrand's only vodka.

Vikingfjord is made with water that has been frozen for more than 5,000 years in the pristine Jostedal glacier in Arctic Norway. It is sold worldwide, and has been available in the U.S. since 2001.

"Kobrand's seven decades of developing and marketing great wine and spirits brands in the United States represents a giant step forward for us, as we grow Vikingfjord from what has been a successful niche brand to an important mainstream product," said Mr. Skarpnes.

"We look for three things in our partners," Mr. DeRoose said. "Quality of product, quality of people and quality of relationships. On all counts, we are delighted to welcome Arcus and Vikingfjord into the Kobrand family."

The Kobrand portfolio includes more than 40 of the world's finest wines and spirits, including Alize, Appleton Jamaican Rum and Delamain Cognac. "We are prepared to devote the full effort of our spirits sales force and our strong relationships throughout the United States to making Vikingfjord a leader in the vodka category," Mr. DeRoose said. Kobrand is headquartered in Purchase, NY.

Arcus is Norway's number one supplier and producer of wines and spirits, including award-winning Line Aquavit, which will also be represented by Kobrand. Mr. Skarpnes praised Vikingfjord's previous importer, St. Petersburg-based Capstone International, Inc., which he said "had more than lived up to its promise of making Vikingfjord a viable brand in the vodka category over the last 10 years."

SOURCE Arcus AS