Synergy widens geography of BELUGA international sales

OJSC «Synergy», one of the leading distilled spirits producers in Russia, announces today that it has signed distribution agreements for exports of BELUGA vodka to Iraq, Vietnam and India, the growing vodka markets in Middle East and Asia and strengthen brand visibility in the European Duty Free by signing a distribution agreement with one of the world leading duty free operators.

Currently the Company already distributes BELUGA vodka to Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. In 1H 2010 20% of BELUGA sales are attributed to exports comparing to 17% BELUGA exports share in 2009.

As part of European export operations, Synergy enhanced its presence in the duty free stores by signing distribution agreement with one of the world leading duty free operators. The first orders will go to Zurich, Geneva and Stockholm. Enhanced presence in the duty free stores is strategic marketing tool enabling Synergy to reach its addressable target audience through strengthening brand visibility. For the first six months of 2010 the Company’s duty free sales have grown by 90% comparing to the same period last year.

Commenting on the announcement, Alexander Mechetin, the CEO of Synergy said “By expanding the geography of exports of BELUGA vodka we widen our addressable market in the super premium price segment. The superior quality and leading positions of BELUGA vodka on the Russian market creates an opportunity to achieve brand awareness across the world”.