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Prenzel - An enjoyable and ingenious diversity

In 1989, Robert Wuest, from a family of distillers in Alsace, visited Hugh and Chris Steadman at their cherry orchard on the edge of the city of Blenheim - and came up with a brilliant idea. Soon after, the first fruit distillery in New Zealand was founded: The Alsace New Zealand Distilling Company. There is no long-standing tradition of fruit brandies here and as such there was no market for the products, despite the fantastic cultivation conditions. The company focuses on the use of alternative products for the bakery and food industry and as such, a golden pretzel was chosen as the logo, the emblem displayed by every bakery in Alsace. "Pretzel" then became "Prenzel" with the "n" standing for New Zealand.

The product range has been consistently extended to include foodstuffs such as vinaigrette, mustard, spicy sauces, vinegar and food oils. At present, only 40% of the company's sales come from alcoholic drinks, of which 10% is from pure distillates including small quantities of traditional fruit brandies, more than 20 liqueurs and brandy, gin and vodka.

The company's sales strategy is unconventional: there are no classic advertisements and instead, sales are based on word-of-mouth in the form of presentations at private households. Over the years, a network of franchise companies has developed which will be extended to the European network in future. Hidden costs play a big part in the introduction of new products: as such, consumers are invited to compare the Prenzel products with those of the market leaders. Only if 80% of them prefer the Prenzel products are the recipes pushed ahead and finalised.

The company was awarded a silver at the World-Spirits Award for its liqueur based on the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.

Ungava Spirits: Authentic products from Canada

Ungava Spirits, a leading Canadian manufacturer of high-quality products, has set up its production facilities, the distillery and offices in Cowansville, in Quebec’s beautiful Eastern Townships. As well as the internationally known Ungava Premium Dry Gin, the product range also includes maple liqueur, rum, vodka and vermouth. The spirits are produced in small batches using natural and local ingredients of the highest quality.

Ungava Gin is made from six rare Arctic botanicals from northern Quebec that are hand-harvested, dried and slowly steeped for five weeks for a natural extraction of their complex flavours and colours. Cabot Trail is inspired by Canadian tradition, combining maple and blueberry cream liqueur with maple syrup and blueberries. Quartz Vodka made from Canadian corn is purified by cryogenic treatment at extremely cold temperatures and micro-distilled five times for silky finesse and crystalline transparency. Chic Choc Black Spiced Rum is made of first-class West Indian rum, a blend of selected rums stored for three to seven years. The botanicals come 100% from Quebec – wild herbs from the Chic Choc mountain region on the Gaspésie peninsula. Baril Caché is based on the regional grains of rye, barley, corn and wheat as well as Canadian whiskies matured for at least five years.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Ungava Premium Dry Gin, Cabot Trail Maple and Blueberry Cream and Quartz Vodka, and silver for Rhum épicé CHIC CHOC Spiced Rum and Whisky Baril Caché.

Clint Wilfred & Sons – Good taste for rapidly expanding markets

Clint Wilfred & Sons Ltd brings a carefully selected portfolio of drinks to the Gulf region and Southeast Asia. The young company targets fast-moving products in the HORECA – Hotel/Restaurant/Café and Hotel/Restaurant/Catering market segment. It is run by Clint Wilfred, whose family has been in the spirit production and distribution business for over four decades.

One main focus of business activities lies in the United Arab Emirates. To offer new products on this rapidly growing market is a great challenge, as the demand for premium and niche products is constantly increasing and customers’ wishes are very diverse. The range, therefore, also includes non-alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks, still and sparkling water, ready-to-drink teas, energy sport drinks and other New Age drinks. There is also a strong focus on a wide selection of packaging sizes and formats.

One special product in the spirits product category is Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky, a premium blend with a high malt content from the Scottish Speyside region and with some lowland malt for added depth and character.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Count Cristo Blended Scotch Whisky.