MALIBU, The World's Number-One Flavored Rum, Unveils Newest Flavor - Passion Fruit; The Flavored Rum Originator Brings the Caribbean Closer to Consumers, MALIBU Passion Fruit Hits Store Shelves on April 15

Business Wire, April 7, 2005

WESTPORT, Conn. -- The tax man cometh and taketh away, while MALIBU(R) cometh and bringeth an exotic, new flavor to fill out its family of best-selling Caribbean flavored rums. Allied Domecq Spirits, North America (NYSE:AED), a marketing-led brands business, and MALIBU(R) flavored rum announce the national arrival of MALIBU Passion Fruit beginning April 15. MALIBU Passion Fruit arrives just in time for consumers to 'take life less seriously' on a day they really need to - tax day. MALIBU Passion Fruit is the latest, great tasting addition to the popular MALIBU product line, joining original MALIBU, MALIBU Mango and MALIBU Pineapple flavored rums.

"Consumers continue to look for more flavor variety in their spirits and the rum category is now enjoying the flavor explosion that vodka recently experienced," said Scott Ortega, Vice President of Innovation, Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "MALIBU is meeting this trend with the release of MALIBU Passion Fruit and is doing it on tax day when U.S. consumers could use a little relaxed, Caribbean fun in their lives. What better way to put the stresses of tax time behind you than with an exotic 'seriously easy going' MALIBU Passion Fruit and lemon-lime soda."

Scoring among the highest products ever tested by Allied Domecq, Passion Fruit is one of the hottest new flavors across many food and beverage categories. MALIBU Passion Fruit has a naturally exotic, guava-like, sweet/tart taste with a rich, fruity aroma. Available nationwide at on- and off-premise locations beginning April 15 2005, MALIBU Passion Fruit's suggested retail pricing will remain consistent with other MALIBU rums at $13.99 (750ml) and $16.99 (1 L).

MALIBU Passion Fruit will be marketed under the successful "Seriously Easy Going" marketing platform, designed to demonstrate how MALIBU's easygoing spirit can help consumers take a break, loosen up and have fun with friends - a perfect reminder for the upcoming summer season. The brand will be supported by television, radio and print advertising; on- and off-premise merchandising; sampling and promotions. MALIBU Passion Fruit mixes great with lemon-lime soda, or in cocktails such as MALIBU Passion Tea and MALIBU Passion Peach.

Rum On The Rise

Rum was responsible for 26 percent of the volume growth for all spirits in the past year, with flavored rums fueling 38 percent of sales growth in the rum category. The MALIBU trademark is outpacing the category, contributing 57 percent of the category's growth (Source: AC Nielson.) Recently named an "Established Growth Brand" by industry authority, Adams Beverage Group, the MALIBU trademark was recognized for its large and steady growth over the past four years when Allied Domecq acquired the brand.

"The addition of MALIBU Pineapple and MALIBU Mango to the trademark last May marked one of the most successful new product launches in the last 10 years for Allied Domecq, outselling our competition by more than 30 percent," commented Simon Hunt, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "The arrival of MALIBU Passion Fruit establishes the MALIBU trademark as the strongest line of flavored rums available in the world."

Allied Domecq Spirits, North America continues to deliver new and innovative products and marketing programs that increase consumer demand - working to establish competitive prices and identifying opportunities with distributors and retailers, all in line with the vision of becoming the industry's First Choice Supplier.

About MALIBU(R)

MALIBU is the delicious Caribbean fine light rum, now with four distinct flavors - coconut, pineapple, mango and passion fruit - that bring to life the seriously easy attitude of the islands. Like all rums, sugar cane is the basis for MALIBU. After distillation, a portion of the rum is aged in oak barrels for one to two years, and then blended with coconut, pineapple, mango or passion fruit and sugar to create the unique taste of MALIBU. MALIBU is a versatile, mixable spirit. Try it with cola or with fruit juice for a smooth delicious taste.

MALIBU Rum with natural coconut/pineapple/mango/passion fruit flavor, 21% alc./vol., Allied Domecq Spirits, USA Westport, CT. MALIBU is imported and marketed by Allied Domecq Spirits North America, based in Westport, CT. Allied Domecq reminds consumers to "Take It Easy. Drink in Moderation."

About Allied Domecq PLC - Brands People Want

Allied Domecq PLC is one of the world's largest premium spirits, wines and food service operations. A global company with annual sales of more than GBP 3,229 million/$5,844 million*, Allied Domecq serves consumers through its operations in more than 50 countries, supported by 12,000 highly skilled employees. Core spirits brands include Ballantine's, Beefeater, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Kahlua, Malibu, Maker's Mark, Sauza and Stolichnaya. Allied Domecq's wine portfolio features Campo Viejo, Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Clos du Bois and Montana. Allied Domecq owns or distributes 14 of the top 100 international premium spirit brands and its brand portfolio commands world No. 1 or No. 2 positions in six leading categories. Dunkin' Brands, Inc., the company's international quick service restaurants business, includes Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's which operate in more than 50 countries, with over 12,000 franchised outlets worldwide. Allied Domecq's performance is driven by its globally recognised portfolio, its geographically diverse market and customer presence, and the talents of its people. *FY 2004