Allied Domecq Named 'Best Large Spirits Supplier' for Third Year in a Row; Courvoisier, Maker's Mark, MALIBU, Stolichnaya and Rich & Rare Receive Brand Growth Awards

Business Wire, March 16, 2005

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Allied Domecq Spirits, North America (NYSE:AED), a marketing-led brands business, proudly announces that it has been named "2004 Best Large Spirits Supplier" by prominent trade publication Cheers Magazine. Additionally, five of the Company's brands received acknowledgement from leading industry trade publisher Adams Beverage Group (publisher of Beverage Dynamics, Stateways and Cheers magazines) for outstanding growth in 2004. Courvoisier(R) cognac, MALIBU(R) flavored rums, Maker's Mark(R) bourbon, Stolichnaya(R) vodka and Rich & Rare(R) Canadian whisky were named in this year's Adams Growth Brands Awards.

"We are proud to be named the 'Best Large Spirits Supplier' for the third consecutive year by a reputable trade publication such as Cheers," stated Jim Clerkin, President, Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "Having received this top distinction every year since the award's inception, it is clear we are taking the right steps towards becoming the 'First Choice Supplier' in our industry. The 'Best Large Spirits Supplier' award, voted by our customers, is a true testament that our distributor and on-premise teams are effectively working together to deliver the brands people want, while providing all the tools necessary to drive growth for our customers' beverage programs."

The '2004 Supplier of the Year' awards were presented at the annual Cheers Beverage Conference held in mid-February. The winners were determined by the Cheers Magazine editorial advisory board, a group made up of 50-plus top chain restaurant beverage executives and other industry experts. Led by Stan Novack, Vice President of Concept Development for HMSHost Corporation, the board determined the awards independently.

"Additionally, Allied Domecq is proud that five of our brands have been awarded for volume sales growth during 2004," Clerkin continued. "Throughout the year, we focused on increased advertising and marketing efforts to drive consumer demand for our premium portfolio of brands. Accolades such as the Adams Growth Brands Awards validate that we are effectively working with our customers to drive awareness and pull for our products."

Adams Beverage Group, publisher of Stateways, Beverage Dynamics and Cheers beverage trade magazines, annually recognizes growth in beverage alcohol with four distinct categories: Fast Track, Rising Star, Established Growth and Comeback brands. The following Allied Domecq brands have received recognition in the 2005 awards:

"Fast Track Brand" growth awards are given to those brands excelling far above industry standards. Maker's Mark bourbon grew at 11.2 percent over 2003 sales, placing the brand in this elite category.

"Established Growth Brands" are awarded for large volume of sales increases and steady growth over the past four years. Three Allied Domecq brands received this recognition: MALIBU flavored rums, Rich & Rare Canadian whisky and Stolichnaya vodka.

--MALIBU flavored rums' sales increased by 25 percent over 2003. In addition to Malibu Coconut, the flavored rum originator introduced Malibu Mango and Malibu Pineapple to the portfolio in March 2004. Helping further drive demand and awareness, the brand launched a national television and radio ad campaign aimed at reminding adult consumers to take life a little less seriously which corresponded with the national roll-out of the two new exotic flavors in May.

--Rich & Rare Canadian whisky saw sales increase by 8.2 percent over 2003.

--The Stolichnaya vodka family increased sales by 4.3 percent over 2003. In October 2004, Stolichnaya launched the multi-million dollar "Frozen" ad campaign for the family of products driving more than 445 million consumer impressions through print and broadcast advertising and innovative promotions.

"Comeback Brands" are given on the merit of overall positive category growth after declining sales.

--Courvoisier cognac was named a "Comeback Brand" due to its 2.9 percent sales increase in 2004. The "Most Exclusive" Courvoisier VSOP Gentlemen's Tour, featuring Fonzworth Bentley, helped to drive consumer awareness in key markets throughout the year.

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.