World-Spirits Online Guide Abo – order now

MBG International Premium Brands – Brands with added value

“We Love Liquids.” This slogan has accompanied MBG on its worldwide path of success since it was founded in 1993 under the name P.O.S. Marketing + Vertrieb GmbH: Strong brands have been established around the world in nearly 60 countries, with innovative own brands, renowned retail brands, great ideas and a lot of energy. With over 250 employees, the MBG Group currently generates over € 200 million and, every year, more than a million hectolitres are produced. The portfolio in Germany includes 12 own brands and 6 retail brands (from non-alcoholic drinks to low proof drinks to wines & spirits) for 90,000 customers.

“Our recipe for successful brands is the mixture of passion, conviction and knowledge of the market. If all goes well, names and products become new worlds which consumers love. Success is not always predictable, which means that courage is needed above all. The right moment has to be found and hard work put in, just like with a hit single: some are one hit wonders while others become classics.” Little can be added to this definition from Managing Director Andreas W. Herb. From the MBG Group headquarters in Paderborn, a great deal of expertise makes successful brands, tailored to the respective target group and the market segment. Many brands that are well known on shop shelves and in the gastronomy sector have played a role in the history of the company.

Participation in the World Spirits Award yielded gold for Dos Mas Nasty Nuts Shot.

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.

Distillerie Meunier – Aromatic specialities from the south of France

The Meunier company is more than 200 years old and was founded in 1809 by Charles Meunier, a botanist from the region of Dauphiné in the Alps of Southern France. The distillery lies in the foothills of the Vercors mountain range, where many businesses have characterised the history of French spirit specialities over generations. Meunier has built on this experience too, concentrating on the manufacture of spirits based on plants and fruits.

The trademark is the traditional herb liqueur, Génépi, from the genepi or spiked wormwood (Artemisia genipi). Based on the core skill of artisanal production, a London Dry Gin was also introduced to the product range. The alcoholic base comes from beetroot, which is mixed with a balanced mixture of twelve plant extracts. The result: a refined composition with a fine aroma.

On a guided tour, visitors can find out many facts about the distilling history of the region, about the Meunier family, about the raw materials, and about the secrets of liqueur production. At Easter and before Christmas, there are also many varieties of chocolates available in addition to the spirits.

At the World Spirits Award, the jury decided the gin was worthy of a gold medal.