Proximo Appoints The Kirkwood Group as New Canadian Representative for Jose Cuervo® Tequilas

TORONTO, July 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Proximo announced on March 1, 2013 that it was taking control of the Jose Cuervo brand in North America from Diageo.  Proximo is pleased to announce its appointment of The Kirkwood Group as the Canadian representative for the Jose Cuervo brand, effective as of July 1, 2013.

Proximo's CEO and President, Mark Teasdale, commented: "Jose Cuervo is the world's biggest tequila brand, and we plan to make considerable investments in brand building and innovations for the Jose Cuervo portfolio to accelerate its growth.  After only five years of business, the Proximo team has more than doubled the size of 1800 Tequila and Three Olives Vodka, and created the most exciting spiced rum brand in the category, The Kraken.  We look forward to returning Jose Cuervo to its position as the most exciting tequila brand in the category."

In Canada, the Proximo brands were already flourishing, led by The Kraken, Three Olives and 1800.   Over the last three years, the Canadian Proximo portfolio has grown by nearly 600%.  The addition of the Jose Cuervo tequilas will double the size of Proximo business in Canada.

"We are thrilled to represent Jose Cuervo and build upon the already successful relationship we have with Proximo," said Peter Kirkwood, National Sales Manager for The Kirkwood Group.   "We look forward to expanding the brand's sales and marketing opportunities across the country and giving Canadians additional opportunities to savour a brand they know and love."

About The Kirkwood Group
Founded in 1998, The Kirkwood Group is a Canadian family-owned drinks business representing producers of premium and prestige wines, spirits, ready-to-drinks and beer across the country.  The Kirkwood Group's portfolio already includes the following Proximo brands: 1800® Tequila, Three Olives® Vodka, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum , Maestro Dobel™ Tequila and Hangar One® Vodka.  Additional information on this privately held company may be found at www.thekirkwoodgroup.com.

About Proximo
Proximo is a privately owned, premium spirits importer founded in 2007 and based in Jersey City, New Jersey.  The company's portfolio includes:  1800® Tequila, Three Olives® Vodka, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, Maestro Dobel™ Tequila and Hangar One® Vodka.  For more information about Proximo, please visit www.ProximoSpirits.com.

About Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo® Especial Gold, the world's and Canada's best-selling tequila, Jose Cuervo® Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo® Tradicional, Jose Cuervo® Platino, Jose Cuervo® Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo® Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo® Margaritas and Jose Cuervo® Margarita Mix. For more information, visit www.Cuervo.com.

SOURCE: The Kirkwood Group