Russian Standard Vodka have agreed terms on a five year contract with leading distributors Suntory Australia, to distribute the iconic brand and its ready-to-drink (RTD) product Russian Standard Vodka Citrus throughout Australia.

Russian Standard Vodka is the global leader in authentic Russian premium vodka with the portfolio dominating the premium segment in Russia with a 40% market share. It was officially launched into the Australian market in 2009 and in only a short time the brand has experienced huge success including the launch of the brand’s first RTD product.

Russian Standard Original spearheads the portfolio which also includes Gold, Platinum and the ultra-premium Imperia.

Jonathan Stordy, international CEO, Russian Standard Vodka commented: “We are delighted to have partnered with Suntory Australia.They are a well established distributor of spirits and liqueurs in Australia and we have long admired their brand building abilities. Their experience and credibility in the local market we know will help take the brand to further on and off premise success over the next five years."

Ian Atherton, Managing Director of Suntory (Aust) Pty Ltd. Added: “We are pleased to welcome Russian Standard Vodka to the Suntory Australia portfolio. It is a fantastic brand with impressive credentials and we are looking forward to capitalising on the success it has experienced in Australia since 2009. With substantial investment behind the brand over the next five years, we will be building a consumer bar call brand and aiming for the number one premium vodka position in Australia.”

Both parties have commenced working together as of April 2012.

Suntory (Aust) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Suntory Liquors Limited Japan, has a portfolio of high profile premium spirit and liqueur brands in the Australian market such as Midori, Jägermeister, Cointreau, Tia Maria, Sierra Tequila, Remy Martin cognacs, Mount Gay Rum and Magners Irish Cider.

For media enquiries, please contact Jane Outen at Stellar* Concepts on 02 9151 5914 or email jane@stellar.net.au