Diageo Canada Secures Continued Agency Rights For Grand Marnier®

TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Marnier-Lapostolle Inc. has renewed its agency relationship with Diageo Canada as the single national agent for its spirits brands across Canada for another three years.  Under the agreement, Diageo Canada will continue to serve as the sole agent for the leading luxury brand Grand Marnier® as well as Marnier-Lapostolle Inc.'s other ultra-premium higher marques.

Marnier-Lapostolle Inc., a family-owned company founded in 1827, is the maker of the iconic orange and cognac liqueur Grand Marnier.  A range of ultra-premium higher marques complements the Grand Marnier line: Cuvée Louis-Alexandre, Cuvée du Centenaire and Cuvée du Cent-Cinquantenaire, all made with varying extra aged cognacs.

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Marnier-Lapostolle Inc. and are very proud to represent the Grand Marnier portfolio of brands," said Maggie Lapcewich, President, Diageo Canada. "Grand Marnier has proven to be a great complement to Diageo's Reserve portfolio of luxury brands, as demonstrated by the results we've shared over the past five years," Lapcewich continued.

"We are very happy to be included alongside other leading, world-class luxury brands in Diageo Canada's Reserve portfolio," says Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, President, Marnier-Lapostolle Inc.  "The history of our partnership since 2008 has shown positive growth in value and sales, as well as a mutual strategy and priority in finding luxury brand opportunities for Grand Marnier."

This arrangement is specific to Diageo Canada, and will continue the relationship formalized in 2008, which will now extend through June of 2016.  Canada is a key market for Marnier-Lapostolle Inc., its second largest in the world.

"This is a win-win for both companies with our shared focus to develop and grow luxury spirit brands," adds Lapcewich. "We appreciate the confidence placed in Diageo Canada by Marnier-Lapostolle Inc. and fully expect to continue the growth and development of these brands which are sure to benefit from our marketing and sales expertise."

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness. 

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit www.diageo.com. For Diageo's global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com. 

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About Marnier-Lapostolle Inc.

Marnier-Lapostolle Inc. is a family owned and operated luxury spirit and wine producer based in France. The worldwide portfolio includes: Grand Marnier Liqueurs, GM Titanium, KAPPA Pisco, Lapostolle and Château de Sancerre wines.  Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, the great granddaughter of the creator and founder of Grand Marnier, has served as President since 2008. 

SOURCE: Diageo Canada

Alanna Stone, Diageo Canada [phone], [email protected]

Pamela Broyles, Marnier Lapostolle [phone], [email protected]