ÖLFUS, Iceland (June 29, 2010) — Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, producers of the award-winningCarbonNeutral® natural spring water Icelandic Glacial, announces today that the company has signed a distribution agreement with influential, Russian beverage distributor, ZAO Nectar-Trade.
Internationally recognized for its award-winning bottle design, exceptional purity and dedication to the environment, Icelandic Glacial has quickly become a firm favorite across North America and Europe, and now plans to make a splash in Russia.
ZAO Nectar-Trade is the official beverage arm of Moscow-based MG Logistics, a major supplier of premium products to the gas station industry. The newly signed distribution agreement will see Icelandic Glacial begin its roll-out across a country where demand for premium products is on the increase, reinforcing the significance and magnitude of the trading opportunity.
Effective immediately, Icelandic Glacial will begin shipping to outlets in the areas surrounding Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gas station stores including TNK-BP and Lukoil already plan to stock 1liter and 500ml varieties of Icelandic Glacial in both the refrigerated and non-refrigerated aisles.
“The agreement with ZAO Nectar-Trade opens up another significant door for Icelandic Glacial,” comments Jon Olafsson, chairman and co-founder, Icelandic Glacial.
“Since the brands’ launch we have maintained a very strategic approach, focusing on key markets and territories that align with the core values of the brand. Russia has a host of traits that fit perfectly for Icelandic Glacial and as an evolving marketplace showcasing positive trends; we hope that our stylish and sustainable natural spring water will keep Russian consumers well and truly refreshed this summer.”
Despite difficult economic times, Icelandic Glacial has gone from strength to strength, breaking into multiple new markets and regions in a remarkably short period of time. The company’s commitment to the environment and its CarbonNeutral® status has won the brand international recognition in an industry that has often been the subject of criticism.
“Having witnessed Icelandic Glacial’s global success, we are delighted to incorporate the exceptionally pure and super-premium brand into our distribution network,” said Kirill Kulev, Commercial Director of ZAO Nectar-Trade.
“ZAO Nectar-Trade prides itself on delivering superior products to outlets across Russia. Icelandic Glacial’s stylish appearance, great taste and leading environmental credentials give the brand unique and innovative qualities that will resonate with on-the-go consumers seeking healthy and natural refreshment options.”
Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy in the form of geothermal and hydroelectric power to fuel production. Icelandic Glacial’s label and plastic bottle are 100% recyclable. Earlier this year, the company’s water source was declared certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading food and beverage consultancy.
For more information about Icelandic Glacial, visit www.icelandicglacial.com.
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About Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water
As the world’s first CarbonNeutral® certified bottled spring water for both product and operations, Icelandic Glacial delivers a water of exceptional purity to consumers with a “net zero” carbon footprint.
Located in Ölfus, Iceland, Icelandic Glacial is an environmental pioneer in the industry. The company uses 100% natural green energy in the form of geothermal and hydroelectric power to fuel production. The source of Icelandic Glacial is the legendary Ölfus Spring, a naturally replenished catchment zone formed during a massive volcanic eruption more than 4,500 years ago, and which has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading food and drinks consultancy.
Icelandic Glacial was named “Best Water of 2007” by industry experts BevNET, and also received accolades for the “Best Sustainability Initiative” at the 2007 BottledWaterWorld awards.
Icelandic Glacial is distributed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch, which took a 20 percent ownership stake in the company in July 2007.
For more information on Icelandic Glacial, go to www.icelandicglacial.com.
About ZAO Nectar-Trade
Zao Nectar-Trade is the official beverage arm of Moscow-based MG Logistics, a major supplier of premium products to the gas station industry. A leading distributor of goods and products on the Russian Market, Zao Nectar-Trade Shark has extensive experience marketing and promoting international goods, including M-150, Oichi drinks, Fancy Toys, among others. For more information, visit www.nectar-trade.ru.