Allied Domecq Selects Magnolia Marketing Company as Exclusive Broker for Allied Domecq Spirits Brands in Alabama and Mississippi

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2004

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Allied Domecq Spirits, North America (NYSE:AED) is pleased to announce it has selected Magnolia Marketing Company, a family-owned broker of beverage alcohol, for long-term representation rights of its full portfolio of spirits brands in Alabama and Mississippi. The Magnolia Marketing Company agreements mark the 14th contract signed under the Allied Domecq's "First Choice Supplier" philosophy in fiscal year 2004.

Magnolia Marketing Company will represent Allied Domecq Spirits, North America portfolio of spirits brands in Alabama and Mississippi under a long-term, five-year contract representing all of Allied Domecq's leading spirits brands such as Kahlua(R), Stolichnaya(R) Vodkas, Sauza(R) Tequilas, Beefeater(R), MALIBU(R) flavored rum, Canadian Club(R), Courvoisier(R) and Maker's Mark(R).

"We are confident that our partnership with Magnolia will continue to give us a competitive advantage in Alabama and Mississippi," commented Jim Clerkin, President of Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "Our 'First Choice Supplier' philosophy, combined with our extensive premium portfolio and the dedicated sales personnel from Magnolia will ensure Allied Domecq is in a position to fully cover the 5,249 on- and off-premise retail accounts in Alabama and Mississippi."

"We are proud to represent Allied Domecq's dynamic portfolio of spirits brands at Magnolia Marketing Company. Our focused sales force has an opportunity to represent a terrific portfolio of brands and provide significant value to our business and Allied Domecq's business," said William Goldring, Chairman of Magnolia Marketing Company. "Allied Domecq's selection of Magnolia as the sole broker in Alabama and Mississippi speaks to the confidence that Allied Domecq has in our Company and demonstrates our ability to deliver unparalleled value to both retailers and consumers."

According to Peter Hickey, President of Allied Domecq Spirits, North America Control State Business Unit, "Allied Domecq is charting its own destiny with its strategic U.S. broker selections, which are based on market-by-market business opportunities. Allied Domecq's long-term 'First Choice Supplier' agreements with Magnolia Marketing Company feature a new way of partnering with exclusive brokers, including state-of-the-art performance assessments, increased investment in market spending and more committed 'feet on the street'. The relationship between Allied Domecq and Magnolia will continue to demonstrate how we and our broker partners can jointly invest to deliver unparalleled growth with performance-based incentives."

About Magnolia Marketing Company

Magnolia Marketing Company, America's fourth-largest beverage alcohol wholesaler, in its fourth generation, was founded in 1898. It still remains family-owned in partnership with the Block family of Texas, and has 3,000 employees in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and northern Florida.

About Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America is a division of Allied Domecq PLC (NYSE: AED). Allied Domecq is a marketing-driven brands business that operates globally in spirits and wine and quick service restaurants. Powerful and exciting brands drive profitable growth and strong, consistent cash flows. Leading North American brands include Kahlua(R), Stolichnaya(R) Vodkas, Sauza(R) Tequilas, Beefeater(R), MALIBU(R) flavored rum, Canadian Club(R), Courvoisier(R), Maker's Mark(R), WET by Beefeater(TM), Midori(R), Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Buena Vista(R), William Hill(R) Wines, Clos Du Bois(R), Brancott(R), Atlas Peak(R), Champagne Perrier Jouet(R), Champagne Mumm(R), Dunkin Donuts(R), Baskin Robbins(R) and Togo's(R) restaurants. Enjoy Allied Domecq's brands responsibly and in moderation.

Allied Domecq, North America's vision is to be the "First Choice Supplier" in the hearts and minds of its customers, consumers and employees. For further information on Allied Domecq please visit www.allieddomecqplc.com. For media inquiries in North America, please visit http://press.adsw.com.