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Beam Global Spirits & Wine Raises the Bar with New National Accounts Mixologist

^{Published on 2009-01-14 09:04:25, Last Modified on 2009-01-14 09:05:29 - Market Wire}
 

DEERFIELD, Ill.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], a global leader in premium spirits, has announced the addition of Philip Raimondo to the Beam Global family. Raimondo now serves as national accounts mixologist and works directly with the national, luxury and regional account sales teams to develop signature drink promotions for key customers. Raimondo specializes in signature drink development, beverage program strategy implementation and the creation of custom training materials.

"Philip is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast who brings a wealth of skill and knowledge to the Beam Global team," said Ken Ruff, vice president, national accounts, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. "His background in developing innovative, flavorful cocktails will help Beam Global better serve its national accounts customers by providing them with signature cocktails featuring the great-tasting and award-winning brands in our portfolio."

"As a former bartender, I understand what mixologists and consumers are looking for in cocktails," stated Philip Raimondo. "I believe you can only make great drinks with the finest and freshest ingredients and am committed to teaching Beam Global customers fun and flavorful ways to mix with our brands."

Raimondo has more than 19 years of experience in the beverage operations and hospitality industries. Prior to joining Beam Global, Raimondo served as the director of beverage for Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., which owns and operates Ruth's Chris Steak House and Mitchell's Fish Market Restaurants. There, he developed the company's national beverage program, beverage-focused promotions and server education and training programs. Prior to Ruth's Hospitality Group, Raimondo served as director of beverage development and training at Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, a beverage solutions and marketing company based in Houston, Texas. He began his career as a bartender at T.G.I. Friday's®.

Raimondo is a regular participant at national and international mixology competitions, including the Cheers Beverage Conference, and was recently selected as a United States finalist at Belvedere International Mixology Competition and placed third in the world. Throughout his career, Raimondo has won several trade association awards, including Best Cocktail, Best Beverage Menu, Best Beverage Program and Best Signature Drink. He was also named Vendor of the Year for his work with Carrabba's Italian Grill.

Raimondo joined Beam Global on December 15, 2008. While supporting the entire portfolio, he will focus his work on Jim Beam® Bourbon, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Cruzan® Rum, Courvoisier® Cognac and (rī)¹ Whiskey.

Editors Note: High-resolution head shot available upon request to [ ldyke@qorvis.com ].

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit [ www.beamglobal.com ] and [ www.drinksmart.com ].

© 2009 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL

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