Rodenbach Grand Cru and a limited batch of 2004 Vin De Cereale will also join Belgium's Palm Ale at the Connecticut Specialty Importer
RIDGEFIELD, Conn., July 22 --
Latis Imports, founded by two former InBev executives David van Wees and Anthony Giardina, is growing its Belgian portfolio with an announcement today that it will gain import rights to the coveted RODENBACH brand. The company will also have import rights to RODENBACH Grand Cru and 2004 Vin de Cereale, a limited run, high-end sour beer.
"This is an exciting day for us since RODENBACH is such an important brand in the beer world," says van Wees, CEO of Latis Imports. "PALM Breweries is a great patron of the Belgium brewing industry and saving the RODENBACH brewery is just one example. Its portfolio is the quintessential Belgian beer experience because it brews using all four different fermentation types -- top, bottom, mixed and spontaneous."
Over the last century, the number of breweries in Belgium dwindled from 3,349 around the turn of the century to just 112 in 1999. That's when the Roeselare, Belgium-based RODENBACH brewery was purchased by PALM Breweries and its passionate shareholder and brewer Jan Toye.
"Beer lovers appreciate RODENBACH for its distinct sweet and sour taste, the result of a unique mixed fermentation brewing process and oak cask aging," says Rudi Ghequire, brewmaster for RODENBACH, who calls it the "missing link between beer and wine."
Recognized as an official regional product of the Belgian Province of Southwest Flanders, the brewing of RODENBACH is a tradition that's here to stay. RODENBACH is praised by the late beer expert Michael Jackson as the "most refreshing beer in the world," while RODENBACH Grand Cru picked up a Gold Medal at the 2006 World Beer Cup in Seattle.
Latis signed an agreement to be the American importer for a rich selection of PALM Breweries' brands in September 2007. The company launched PALM Ale -- its U.S. debut -- in Manhattan in November 2007 and subsequently San Diego, northern New Jersey and Connecticut.
About Latis Imports:
A collective 25 years of experience in the U.S. and global markets leading brands like Rolling Rock, Labatt Blue, Beck's, Bass, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden drove David van Wees and Anthony Giardina to create a company that mirrored their passion for developing premium beer brands. And so the idea for Latis was born and given life in Connecticut's diners and well-equipped, free wireless public libraries. At the heart of Latis is a mission to build a portfolio of authentic, craft beers from independent brewers with rich history, traditions and pride. Latis imports PALM Ale, Belgium's best selling amber from the country's largest independent brewer. The company is headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. For more information http://www.latisimports.com or http://www.PALMbreweries.com.
SOURCE Latis Imports
