USA Mixologist Crowned 2012 GLOBAL COCKTAIL CHAMPION

February 23, 2012

Port of Spain Trinidad, Thursday 23rd February, 2012. David Delaney Jnr from the USA is the winner of the 2012 Angostura® aromatic bitters Global Cocktail Challenge. He was also the winner of the freestyle category in the competition. The final which was held in Port of Spain in Trinidad on Carnival Sunday, welcomed some of the most talented mixologists from around the globe including; USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, China, South Africa, Malaysia, India, South America, the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago. Second place,and winner of the rum category, went to Rikki Carter from New Zealand with Jamaal Bowen from the Caribbean (Barbados) placing third.

The judging panel; American celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Hine Cognac Cellar Master Eric Forget, Master Mixologist Jacob Briars, Executive Director Technical Operations at Angostura, Vidia Persad-Doodnath and 2011 Angostura cocktail champion winner Andy Griffiths, were faced with the challenging task of scoring all 30 cocktails created on the day to find the new champion, in a competition which they said was the closest they had ever witnessed.

Vidia Persad-Doodnath commented on this year’s event: ‘Now in its 5th year, the competition gets tougher every year and 2012 was no exception. The creativity and technical ability from our finalists was very impressive. It was a very close final but in the end David was crowned the winner.’

Each contestant was asked to create two original cocktails, one for the rum category and one for the freestyle category. The cocktails were then sampled by each of the judges and awarded points for Appearance, Aroma, Taste and Presentation. As the overall winner, David received US$10,000 and a year-long contract as Angostura’s Global Brand Ambassador.

Senior Manger of Sales and Marketing for the Americas, Alex Thomas also commented: “This 2012 Cocktail Challenge is by far the largest in the history of the competition. With 15 mixologists spanning the globe, we have definitely created some hype and excitement about the brand. We are certain the word will spread and the 2013 competition will be an even bigger event”.

The winner David Delaney Jnr said: “This has been such an amazing experience for me. To compete against some of the world’s best mixologists is a real honour, the competition was fierce. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead as Brand Ambassador for Angostura and teaching people about the uniqueness of this amazing brand.”

Angostura launches rums in the US

May 17, 2011

Angostura Limited officially launched their international range of rums to rum connoisseurs, media personnel and bartenders from some of the best outlets in the United States, at the fascinating Brandy Library Lounge in Tribeca New York on Sunday 20th February.

The quaint Bar and lounge was the ideal location for the launch of the company’s exquisite rums which have already become popular in many parts of Europe. The Angostura butterfly range of 3 year old, 5 year old and 7 year old rums, were introduced to the enthusiastic crowd who were eager to sample the new rums from Trinidad and Tobago. As one bartender said when asked about the quality of the 7 year old rum, “it is easily one of the best rums I have tasted in recent time.”

Wayne Yip Choy, CEO and managing director of Angostura, master distiller John Georges, senior communications manager, Giselle Laronde-West, Genevieve Jodhan executive manager export and business development and Alex Thomas, senior manager export, were present at the event. John spent several hours explaining the complex distillation process of the rums and the special elements which make the rums different and set them among the best. He was passionate about the key selling features of the products which he said are “unique to Trinidad and Tobago”. Much to their appreciation, he held individual tasting sessions with mixologists and journalists present, for them to get a better understanding of the key features of the rums.

Giselle Laronde-West, senior manager corporate communications, at Angostura expressed that the company was looking forward to working with the importers of the product into the United States, International Beverage Company, and thanked the CEO Peter Schwartz and his team for organizing such a successful launch. The company anticipates that these three new rums will make a great impression in the US market and if the overwhelming response at the event is any indication, they feel that the “new kids on the block”, will stand up well among the various choices available in that market.

To add to the knowledge and excitement of the country where the rums were created, Angostura gave the audience a taste of the “greatest show on earth”, the Carnival, which is around the corner. They took two women in butterfly costumes up to the launch to give the true trini flavour to the event. This was very well received and everyone thanked them for bringing sunshine to the cold grey New York city.

Andy Griffiths wins Global Cocktail Challenge

March 14, 2011

New Zealander Andy Griffiths, representing Australia, is the new champion of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge held on Sunday March 6th at the exclusive Zen nightclub and runs away with US$10,000. He excelled with his two creative drinks – “The Scarlet Ibis” and the “Orinoco Flip” - beating eight other bartenders from each continent of the world. He says he is “Ecstatic about his win as he knows that these are some of the best bartenders from around the world”.

Bar manager at the famous bar called Cookie, in Melbourne, Andy also won the freestyle category with the “Scarlet Ibis”, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Daniyel Jones won the rum category with his cocktail – “Rum up and Wine”. Third runner up was Wolfgang Mayer from Germany, representing Europe, and second place went to Kurt Schlechter of South Africa. Hundreds of people came out to witness this much talked about cocktail challenge. The atmosphere was very exciting and it was clear that there were definitely crowd favourites including the champion himself.

Originally a chef, Griffiths uses his knowledge of food to be creative in his cocktails which perhaps gave him the edge over his fellow competitors. Despite their defeat, the bartenders say that their visit to Trinidad and Tobago was indeed memorable and they were very happy to have the opportunity to see where the products they use in their bars all the time, are made.

The trip was both educational and fun as they were able to see the bitters museum and production areas, the rum distillery as well as participate in carnival playing in Harts. They also experienced the national instrument at the Panorama and enjoyed the Brian Lara fete. They definitely look forward to returning one day soon.

Angostura Launches in Russia

August 20, 2010

Angostura Limited has reported one of their most successful market launches ever with the appointment of Simple Ltd, based in Moscow, as the distribution partner in Russia for the Angostura International Range.

The appointment of Simple Ltd could prove to be a very important one for Angostura as their distribution network is strongly integrated into Moscow’s on-trade scene where key emphasis is on being placed in the top on-trade accounts. Their off-trade distribution covers all major Russian and International retail chains and in addition to this Simple VIP customers and the B2B department, with almost 40 sales reps, is a very important part of their business giving them access to key private and corporate customers in Russia.

To launch the Angostura range a number of events took place in Moscow and St. Petersburg last December. Tasting, training, presentations and master classes were done by the company’s Senior Manager, John Georges, and Senior International Marketing Manager, Brian Woods. In total 10 different events with over 500 people in attendance took place over 4 days in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition a round of press interviews were carried out by Russian journalists resulting in some excellent PR coverage. John Georges commented that there is a great opportunity for Angostura to introduce the rums from Trinidad, he said: “We are offering them another look and taste, and they seem to like it.”

Since the launch the introduction of Angostura into the Russian market has been very successful with sales of rum up in the first half of 2010. Thousands of bottles of the company’s Reserva, 5 Year Old and 7 Year Old rums, part of the International Rum Range, were ordered by the Russian distributor and a second order has already been placed. The launch has been so successful that the Angostura rum range is already listed in the top 20 bars and restaurants in Moscow and is pouring in some of the newest trendy Moscow bars (Rolling Stones, MAO) and has presented the opportunity to brand one of the hottest summer terraces in Moscow.

Simple is very much focused on the on-trade where the range is very at home. This has allowed them to focus on an on-trade brand building program which consists predominantly of bartender community related activities e.g. sponsorship of the Russian Bartenders Association training school, activity in the only Russian bartender magazine “Bar News” and focus on the bartender web page www.inshaker.ru. The program has also included the creation of a Simple mobile bar and the hiring of a well known Moscow bartender as a Brand Ambassador to run various presentations, tastings and events with the bar.

In 2009, Angostura’s 1919 rum started the upward move when there was more than 100% increase in sales over the previous year. Premium quality rum is creating a wave internationally and becoming more and more popular. Throughout Europe, rum has experienced the same tremendous growth which Scotch achieved 5-7 years ago and globally 10-15 years ago. The interest in Angostura’s rums in Moscow was a welcome surprise given that it was a new market for the range. When asked why there was such an interest, reference was made to the fact that among bar owners and bartenders, Angostura aromatic bitters was a well known, prized commodity. They were willing to try the rums and were impressed by their quality, flavour profile and packaging.

As the current trend continues and as further growth opportunities are presented, Russia is anticipated to be the No.1 export market for Angostura in 2010 and the coming years.

Brian Woods, commented: “We have a great partner in this charismatic, driven company and we look forward to working with them in building the market for the International Rum Range there.”

Angostura's First Rum Festival This September

August 20, 2010

This September 9th to 11th, 2010 will see the first Trinidad Rum Festival – Angostura’s first festival to celebrate the diversity of rum and its rapidly growing popularity. Whether you are a beverage enthusiast, rum connoisseur or just want to understand the history of rum and the role this industry has played in our island’s development, the Angostura Rum Festival, which is an adult social occasion, will have something for you.

Over the three days, visitors to the festival will discover many fascinating facts about rum and taste Trinidad’s finest rums both in drinks and food. Visitors will be able to experience the wonderful and diverse flavours that the popular drinks have to offer, as well as try some of the company’s famous signature rum cocktails. According to CEO, Wayne Yip Choy “It is a chance to get into the festive spirit and discover many fascinating facts about rum, which is part of our history and ingrained into the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Throughout the festival, visitors will view rum exhibits, tour the distillery, meet the Master Distiller and taste drinks and food made with our local rum. Those who are eager to become cocktail aficionados may visit the cocktail bar and attend the Cocktail mixing competition on Saturday 11th. Or for the more adventurous cooks and budding chefs, Wendy Rahamut will be teaching everything there is to know about creating divine gourmet dishes with rum. Because rum is so much a part of their tourism culture, students and teachers from the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute will also show patrons what they can do with rum in food.

Visitors may purchase rum from the Shoppe in Angostura, so they can continue the rum experience at home and share some new drink ideas with their friends. White and dark rums; standard and premium rums; will all be available. The event promises to be full of excitement, with the occasional prize to be won and the best part is that it will be absolutely free. See press for details.

McCann Erickson, Trinidad and Tobago

March 26, 2010

MC CANN ERICKSON, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, recently won 33 ADDY Awards, at the regional Creative Excellence Awards, the most any Agency has won. Out of the awards, three were for Angostura Advertisements. We are happy to announce that awards were won as follows:

• ADDY GOLD – Blu Devil Cocktails press ad
• ADDY SILVER – Angostura Cocktails campaign
• ADDY SILVER – Angostura Christmas 1919 press ad
• ADDY SILVER – Don’t Drink and Drive

Angostura Features on Maddow Show

March 17, 2010

On March 17th, Angostura® aromatic bitters was featured in two segments during the Cocktail Moment on the Rachel Maddow Show, on MSNBC. Rachel encouraged the audience to take their bottles off the shelves and start using them and also told viewers to stop hoarding their cherished bottles as the product was now becoming available across America again.

On the segment toasting St. Patrick’s Day, the bitters was used in the Oisin’s Dram, a whisky cocktail created by Greg Best - View the feature here - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#35922380. The product was also used by Ti Martin, proprietor of Commander’s Palace making the “Sazerac” in New Orleans, where the Cocktail first started.

Despite the use of Peychaud’s bitters which is part of the recipe, she decided to use the Angostura® aromatic bitters which she says, they add to the recipe in New Orleans. Visit the link to that segment. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#35266168.

Angostura is proud to have been part of the Rachel Maddow show.

US Distributors Visit Angostura

March 8, 2010

Senior Vice President of Sales for Mizkan Americas Inc., Michael Smith, and his team of sales and marketing executives, visited Angostura Limited last week to familiarize themselves with Trinidad and the company’s facilities for a better appreciation of the product they will be distributing in the United States – Angostura®aromatic bitters.

They took part in a Bitters Forum Review conducted by Angostura’s senior manager Export, Alex Thomas, looking at an overview of the company and the product. The Mizkan team, were able to meet with not only the local team, but also the distributors of the bitters in Australia. It was an opportunity for everyone to learn about each other’s markets and understand strategies planned for those regions.

Michael Smith and his team from the US and Les Page and his team from Australia, left excited about going back to continue selling the product that has changed the taste of many cocktails and food alike around the world - Angostura ®aromatic bitters. What was important to them was the ability to go back and be able to tell their people about the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, where the product is made. Miskan stated that already, thousands of cases of bitters have been shipped to the US shores and will soon find themselves on the shelves of many supermarkets, off licenses and community shops.

First Woman from Angostura Appointed to the Board

February 26, 2010

Vidia Persad-Doodnath, executive manager – Technical Services, was appointed the newest member of Angostura’s Board of Directors at the board meeting held yesterday in the Executive boardroom. She is the first woman working at the company to hold such a position in the 185 years of its existence.

The management and staff are indeed very proud of Vidia, who has been with the company for the past 33 years starting as a chemist in 1976. She eventually worked herself up to chief chemist and by 1987 she was also the manager of Rum and Bitters Blending operations. From 1988 she was appointed senior manager and by 2003, Vidia was appointed an executive manager, eventually handling all the technical services for the company. This includes the Laboratory, Maintenance and Distillery Departments as well as Internal Audit, Quality Systems, Health & Safety.

Dr. Shafeek Sultan-Khan, Chairman of the board, states that he is happy to welcome Vidia to the Board of Directors as he has no doubt that she will be adding great value to the board and by extension, Angostura Limited.

Angostura Gives Spirit Profits to S.E.P.A.O.

February 22, 2010

Proceeds from Angostura’s Spirits party held in December, was given to The South East Port of Spain Achievement Organization (S.E.P.A.O.). A cheque in the sum of $5,000 was presented to Ronald Timothy recently, for the organisation’s efforts in the community.

S.E.P.A.O. is a community activist group whose objectives include encouraging youths in the area to achieve; fostering sustainable employment; instilling respect, knowledge and understanding; developing an outlet for continual learning among children in the area and promoting cultural, sporting and academic achievements.

Among their activities last year the group gave out hampers to the elderly and treats to children for Christmas. A number of sporting events were also held in an attempt to unify members of the community. An ongoing guidance training programme offers children of primary and secondary school age, the opportunity to learn literacy skills; dispute resolution skills; leadership skills and generally, promote a deeper sense of community camaraderie.

Lucky Winners Receive Bats from Batting Legend

February 19, 2010

Angostura Lemon, Lime & Bitters, popularly known as LLB, provided fans with an opportunity to win authentic bats personally autographed by cricketing legend and LLB brand ambassador Brian Charles Lara. 15 lucky winners received their prized bats from the Batting star himself at a ceremony held at the House of Angostura. Among them were three young cricket fans of ages ranging from 8 to 13.

The recipients were in awe of the “King of Port-of-Spain” who was his usual charming self, meeting and greeting the winners and their family members who accompanied them to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Trinidad’s expert cricketer.

This was the result of a competition held by Angostura LLB (premium non- alcoholic sparkling beverage) for Christmas 2009. The Participating supermarkets included Hi-lo, Tru Valu, Cost Cutters, Arima West Side, Food Basket, Xtra Foods, Persad’s, G.N. Food Centre, MS Food City and JTA. Thousands of consumers across the various locations took part in the sweepstakes, where they had to collect 3 LLB closures or a 6-pack LLB wrapper and place them, with their contact information, in entry boxes for the opportunity to win the ultimate prize of a genuine Brian Lara autographed bat.

The winners went away feeling very proud and happy to have met their local hero, and each took home a six pack of LLB. Winners also received a picture of themselves with the cricket legend.

Lady "B" Wins Angostura Calypso Competition

February 9, 2010

Angostura held its staff calypso competition at their Laventille residence on Friday 5th February. Beverley De Freitas, from the Production department, under the sobriquet of “Lady Beverley” emerged the overall winner, beating her 11 other talented competitors. Her rendition was simply and suitably called – “Angostura Family”, which was also awarded a prize for the best lyrics.

In second place, also from production, was Patricia Hutchinson with “Doh know what to sing” which won the Road March title, and in third place was the 2010 Queen’s Park Oval Calypso Champion, Kenneth Philips, from marketing, with his song “Hell in All its Glory”.

Other special prizes were given to the Lab Girls Carla Marcelle and Desha Ravello singing “Spirits of Angostura”, for the Most Humourous rendition, and Chanika Cowie from Deliveries who copped the prize for People’s Choice with her song “Prayer is the only answer”. Judges Canute Spencer, Simone Harris and Francis Williams-Smith had a hard time choosing the winners, but they thoroughly enjoyed the presentations.

A party followed the calypso competition featuring Rikki Jai, Rhythm & Moods and Oscar B, James Zee Pee, Soca Elvis, Eddie Charles, The Road Marching Band Rhythm Section and a vibrant Tassa group. Staff came out in their numbers to support their favorite competitors and performers, bringing home the true essence of Carnival.

AHL Appointed Two New Directors

January 21, 2010

Chairman of the board of directors of Angostura Holdings Limited (AHL), Dr. Shafeek Sultan-Khan, announced the appointment of Mr. Wayne Yip Choy and Mr. Joseph Teixeira as directors of Angostura Holdings Limited at the board meeting held on Thursday 21st January 2010.

Mr. Yip Choy, who was appointed the chief executive officer of Angostura Limited last year, becomes the CEO and Managing Director effective immediately. Mr. Teixeira, is a former board member of Neal and Massy Holdings Limited, where he worked for over 20 years as chairman of the Trading and Distribution Group. He handled the Cannings and Hilo Food Stores brands in Trinidad and other distribution companies in the region including Jamaica, Guyana, Bahamas and Barbados.

The chairman also announced the resignation of Mr. Steve Bideshi and Mr. Michael Carballo from the AHL Board and thanked these gentlemen for their contribution.

Angostura Staff Provide for Haiti

January 15, 2010

The staff of Angostura was quick to answer the call for help from Is There Not a Cause, the organization that requested assistance for the victims in Haiti. Hundreds of bags of clothing and linen, large quantities of food stuff and cash donations, were gathered at the Angostura compound to add to the items being shipped to Haiti next week. The company is proud to see that its staff members, as usual, are willing to do yeoman’s service for the benefit of people in need.

Angostura Chooses Mizkan as USA Distributor

January 13, 2010

Angostura Limited, has appointed Mizkan America’s Inc. to distribute their famous Angostura aromatic bitters exclusively in the USA market, effective February 1st, 2010. It will involve the transfer of all customers from Angostura Spirits & Wines, the former distribution unit, to Mizkan during the upcoming weeks.

Mizkan is a leading condiment manufacturer in the USA with 13 manufacturing plants that serve the retail foodservice, specialty and food ingredient trade channels. It is a subsidiary of Mizkan Group and has a heritage that spans over 200 years. Mizkan also produces a wide variety of vinegars, mustards, cooking wines, sushi seasoning, jellies and salad dressings. Mizkan brands include NAKANO, Four Monks, Barengo and Mitsukan. The groups has operating facilities around the world including Japan, China, the United Kingdom, the United states, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

This association with Mizkan, together with the loyalty of Angostura’s existing customers in the USA, will place Angostura aromatic bitters in a very strong and competitive position and significantly strengthen the marketing and distribution presence in the USA.

Angostura expects that this transaction will provide significant benefits to both Companies and will deepen market penetration by the second quarter of 2010.