Monday, January 13, 2014

 
APEROL® NAMED OFFICIAL GLOBAL SPIRITS PARTNER
OF MANCHESTER UNITED

Gruppo Campari celebrates partnership deal

MANCHESTER (January 10, 2013) - Aperol®, the world renowned bright orange, bittersweet Italian aperitif, is pleased to announce a partnership with Manchester United to become the UK soccer club’s Official Global Spirits Partner from January 1, 2014 through the end of the 2016-2017 season.

The deal is another successful step towards Aperol’s ongoing international expansion, fueled by the light, sparkling and refreshing signature drink - the Aperol Spritz. This partnership will give soccer fans around the world a new way to celebrate their passion for Manchester United. 

As a global partner of United, Aperol branding will be prominent in the team’s home stadium, Old Trafford, on the digital advertising board during Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup home games. Aperol will also be implementing a 360-degree activation program in key global markets including trade events, digital marketing and PR activity, as well as launching the global Aperol Spritz Facebook page.

Additional advertising will be featured in “Inside United,” Manchester United’s monthly magazine, along with advertisements in game day programs, on MUTV and on the club’s official website. Fans will also able to enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the Old Trafford hospitality areas.

The Aperol Spritz, a tantalizing mix of Aperol, Prosecco and a splash of club soda, has taken Italy by storm and is now a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its unique, bright taste. It is the perfect drink to celebrate Manchester United’s success, which includes a 135-year heritage, standing as one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world, 62 trophies and a global fan base of 659 million followers.

 “We’re delighted to announce Aperol as the new way to celebrate the joy and the passion for Manchester United,” said Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Chief Executive Officer, Gruppo Campari. “With the club widely recognized as the most supported in the world, this is a partnership that will deliver brand exposure on a massive scale, helping to provide Aperol, and its signature drink the Aperol Spritz, with excellent levels of year-round brand exposure, consumer engagement and promotional opportunities in developed and new global markets.”

“Manchester United is the most successful club in England and one of the most successful in the world, winning with style and panache, bringing millions of fans together in celebration. Similarly, Aperol is a brand that also embodies success, celebration and sociability. The natural fit between the two brands makes the partnership one that will bring continued success to both parties,” Kunze-Concewitz continued.

Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, said, “We are delighted to welcome Aperol as Manchester United’s new Global Sprits Partner. Aperol is an ambitious brand, and we have been impressed by their innovative approach to developing on an international stage. Manchester United has 659 million followers across the world and this partnership will be another platform to bring the Club closer to these fans. Aperol is a fitting partner to help the Club and its supporters celebrate our achievements. We look forward to hopefully sharing many successes together in the coming years.”

For more information, visit the Aperol Spritz Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AperolSpritz

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For more information please contact:

Amy Yakuboff
Benson Marketing Group
212-822-3404 ext. 206
Yakuboff@bensonmarketing.com

About Aperol:

Aperol was launched in 1919 at the Padua International Fair. Created by the Barbieri brothers, Aperol soon became one of the Italians’ favorite liqueurs. It is light on alcohol at only 11 per cent by volume and 15 per cent by volume in France and Germany, but has a rich, complex taste deriving from the infusion of a blend of high-quality herbs and roots. The original recipe has remained unchanged and a secret to this day.  Aperol is a lively drink that evokes the Italian lifestyle, from the aperitif hour to an evening in the piazza (square). Sunny and best enjoyed with friends, the unique Aperol taste is deliciously Italian but with a totally international appeal. Mixed with Prosecco and a splash of soda, Aperol makes the perfect Aperol Spritz, the irresistible drink that has taken Italy by storm and fast becoming a cult outside of Italy, extending to neighboring countries and even across the continent.

In January 2014, Aperol became the Official Global Spirits Partner of Manchester United. As the popularity of Aperol spreads outside of Italy, the three-and-a-half year partnership will provide year-round brand exposure, consumer engagement and promotional opportunities across established and new global markets.

About Campari America:

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM).  At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry.  The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka.  The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s.  Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bulldog® Gin, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California.  More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 15 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com

About Manchester United:

Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through our 135-year heritage we have won 62 trophies, enabling us to develop the world's leading sports brand and a global community of 659 million followers. Our large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and match day.

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