You can read more in the press release.
Latis Imports Gets RODENBACH Portfolio
RODENBACH Grand Cru and a Very Limited Batch of 2004 Vin de Céréale
Will Also Join Latis Imports’ Selections
Ridgefield, CT (July 21, 2008) 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 the whole RODENBACH line, including RODENBACH Grand Cru and 2004 Vin de Céréale (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. PALM Breweries makes the only true Belgian portfolio in the world because it brews using all four different fermentation types – top, bottom, mixed and spontaneous. Its portfolio is the quintessential Belgian beer experience.”
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-nnbased 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.
About Latis:
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 van Wees and 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 is named after the Celtic goddess of beer and water. The company is headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. For more information www.latisimports.com or www.PALMbreweries.com.
