Shaw-Ross International Importers Announces Agreement with Gekkeikan Sake

MIAMI, Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Shaw-Ross International Importers, leading importers of wine and spirits representing 28 suppliers from around the world, is the new nationwide distribution partner for Gekkeikan. The nearly 400-year-old manufacturer of premium sake and plum wine is based in Fushimi, Kyoto, Japan, with a brewery in Folsom, California as well.

"We're honored to partner with Gekkeikan to distribute their storied sake across the United States," said Bruce Hunter, managing director for Shaw-Ross. "Approximately 500,000 cases of Gekkeikan are currently sold nationwide each year, and we look forward to further expanding Gekkeikan's brand presence during the next chapter of their centuries-old story."

Gekkeikan was previously distributed by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., which will work closely with Shaw-Ross to ensure a smooth transition for Gekkeikan customers and the Gekkeikan/Shaw-Ross team.

"We are grateful for our 43 years of partnership with Sidney Frank Importing," said Toshiki (Toshi) Yokobayashi, vice president of marketing for Gekkeikan. "They're the team that introduced us to the U.S. market, and we look forward to continuing our growth through the new partnership with Shaw-Ross."

Shaw-Ross becomes the official distribution partner of Gekkeikan in January 2016. Close collaboration between Shaw-Ross and Sidney Frank Importing is underway to ensure continued Gekkeikan availability across the U.S. throughout the transition, including the appointment of Yoshi Yumoto as vice president, national brand manager for Gekkeikan at Shaw-Ross. Yumoto previously served in the same role at Sidney Frank Importing for 27 years. In addition, Satoru Ito will join Shaw-Ross as the west coast ambassador for the brand. Ito brings 16 years of experience in the same role for Gekkeikan at Sidney Frank Importing. Both will start at Shaw-Ross on Jan. 1, 2016.

For more information about Shaw-Ross International Importers, including its distributed brands, visit www.shawross.com.  

About Shaw-Ross International Importers
Founded in 1968 as a wine and spirit importer representing a handful of brands, Shaw-Ross has grown into one of the nation's leading importers representing 35 suppliers from around the world. Shaw-Ross continues to evolve its portfolio to keep ahead of the ever changing wine and spirit industry.

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SOURCE Shaw-Ross International Importers

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