Maxxium expands global travel-retail operations

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The drinks distributor hopes new markets will help it reach 3m cases annually in worldwide travel-retail when the expansion is completed in late 2005

Maxxium Worldwide today announced that it will expand its global travel-retail operations to cover a number of new regions.

Maxxium will add the US, Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, India, Africa and parts of eastern Europe to the markets it currently services, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico and parts of South America. The Nordic travel-retail distribution operations of Maxxium and one of its shareholders, V&S Group, will also be merged.

In a statement, Maxxium said: ?It is expected that the phased expansion will be completed by the end of 2005, creating a fully global organisation covering all travel-retail markets in the world and providing a single contact for customers worldwide. The expanded organisation is expected to sell 3m cases worldwide, a significant increase on current levels.

Maxxium managing director of global travel-retail John Mangiacapra said: "The worldwide duty-free and travel-retail market is very dynamic and has substantial potential for brand development and growth as international business and leisure travel is set to continue its impressive growth. The business opportunities this offers are reflected in the sophistication of the international travel-retail market and the high level of investment being made to create some of the best retail shopping environments in the world. We and our shareholders are excited about consolidating our position through our planned expansion, and look forward to tapping into the growth opportunities it offers for the world class brands we represent."

Maxxium Global Travel Retail is a division of Maxxium Worldwide, which is jointly owned by four independent drinks companies: The Edrington Group, Jim Beam Brands, Remy-Cointreau and V&S Group.