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.

Beerenkräfte: Gin and chokeberry juice from Styria

Beerenkräfte Gin is a strong, multilayered London Dry Gin from Styria. It is produced in small quantities of 360 bottles per batch with typical ingredients such as juniper, coriander and some other botanicals. It owes its complex aroma to Styrian chokeberries in particular, alongside elderflower, lemon and orange zest. The ingredients are carefully processed and distilled by hand by Master Distiller Wolfgang Thomann. The subsequent resting time in the stainless-steel tank makes the gin particularly harmonious and gives it the final touch.

The Beerenkräfte brand stands for high-quality gin and chokeberry juice from hand-picked berries from the south-eastern Styrian Vulkanland region. The fruity chokeberries grow in Edelsbach on a southern slope. Thanks to this sun-blessed location, the berries are fruitier and tastier, giving the gin its particularly mature fruity character. The result: an enticing gin with a full aroma – whether enjoyed neat or with a neutral tonic water.

At the World Spirits Award, silver was awarded to Beerenkräfte Gin.

Caribbean Spirits Limited: Small batches from the Caribbean

Eike Lauff, an international chef with various branches of his parents’ restaurant around the world, from Germany to Canada and the Caribbean, has been involved in the spirits sector since 2015. At the heart of his idea is the principle of only using local tropical fruits from the island of St. Lucia to produce Caribbean spirits. What began as a hobby quickly gained in popularity, especially on the local tourist market.

The raw material comes from island farmers as well as from private gardens belonging to islanders with surplus seasonal fruit. Handmade small batches from one copper pot still are currently available in six varieties: four Eau de Vie, a vodka made with taro, a starchy tuber, and a gin, made with juniper berries and a selection of local botanicals.

Caribbean Craft Distilling is currently only marketed in St. Lucia, and Eike Lauff works with the retailer Island Mix Café/Craftstore in the Rodney Bay Community for all spirits. Many hotels, restaurants and resorts, including Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Coco Palm Resort, already appreciate the variety and quality of the products.

At the World Spirits Award, there was silver for Five Finger Gin and Taro Vodka.