NEW HAMPSHIRE LIQUOR COMMISSION ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR & SUPPLIER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 10, 2011 -- CONCORD, NH –Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Pernod Ricard and Matthew Tabenken of Moët Hennessy USA are being honored by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for their industry leadership and outstanding professional service in 2010.

New Product of the Year has been awarded to Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, an accolade given to a newly introduced spirit that demonstrates dynamic product innovation, broad sales appeal, and innovative branding and marketing. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission has awarded Individual Supplier Representative Service Award to Matthew Tabenken of Moët Hennessy USA and Supplier Service Excellence Award to Pernod Ricard.

New Product Of The Year
Pinnacle Whipped Vodka is produced by White Rock Distilleries, a leading manufacturer and importer of fine spirits and liqueurs in Lewiston, Maine. It was first introduced to select New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets in April 2010. Within four months, it sold over 950 cases in New Hampshire alone. The product is now available in 1.75 L and 750 mL sizes at all New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets.

“Flavor development is very important to satisfy consumer demand and generate sales,” stated Mark Bodi, New Hampshire Liquor Commissioner. “We are proud that Pinnacle Whipped Vodka was first introduced in New Hampshire and is now available all over the country. Our congratulations to the entire White Rock team on their receipt of this very prestigious distinction and award.”

Individual Supplier Representative Service Award
The Individual Supplier Representative Service Award honors an individual supplier that demonstrates outstanding customer service to the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. Matthew Tabenken, Northern New England Market Manager for Moët Hennessy USA was selected by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for this very honor and designation.

“Matthew personifies the model of placing the customer first in every aspect,” explained New Hampshire Liquor Commission Chairman Joseph Mollica. “He understands the unique dynamic of our state, where we need to be with various product price points and is an advocate for the mutual needs of our organizations across all levels. The value added Matthew Tabenken brings to our partnership is a model for all suppliers.”

John Bunnell, Director of Marketing, Sales & Distribution, also added praise to Tabenken for his soft spoken but hard action style. “The products he represents have all increased in sales in 2010 as a result of his dedication working with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Marketing Team,” said Bunnell.

Moët Hennessy USA is an importer and marketer of luxury wines and spirits. Their portfolio includes renowned brands such as: Dom Pérignon, Hennessy Cognac, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon.

Supplier Service Excellence Award

Pernod Ricard earned the Supplier Service Excellence Award for their efforts in reinvigorating the Absolut Vodka brand and sales at New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets statewide. The company recognized the problem of declining sales, adjusted retail and sale pricing, and shifted this iconic brand into a positive sales trend. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recognized Brian Driscoll, the local Pernod Ricard representative, for his leadership in the brand resurgence in sales in the Granite State and for “forging a meaningful dialogue of action between the broker, our marketing team and the supplier,” said Bodi.

In addition to Absolut Vodka, Pernod Ricard is an international producer of Seagram's Gin, Havana Club Rum, Chivas Regal Scotch, Jacob's Creek Wines, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission

The NHLC operates retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 9 million customers each year. Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.

More than $2 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC is expecting to net an additional $2 billion for the state in the next ten years.

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