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Total Beverage Solution Acquires Sicilian Wine Brand, Colombo Marsala

MT. PLEASANT, SC (January 4, 2010) --- Total Beverage Solution (TBS), based in Mount Pleasant, SC, is responsible for bringing some of the world’s most unique wine, beer, and spirits to the U.S. market. The company announces their recent acquisition of the Italian wine Colombo Marsala from William Grant & Sons USA, a dynamic sales and marketing organization with a portfolio of premium spirits and wine. The recent acquisition of Colombo Marsala strengthens Total Beverage Solution’s diverse Italian portfolio, which currently includes Birra Moretti, Altanuta Pinot Grigio, Tiziano Chianti, and Marco Negri Moscato, and offers wine drinkers an absolutely authentic Marsala wine, produced in the Sicilian climate. With its ability to adapt equally well to sipping, mixing or cooking, no Marsala is more appealing to consumers than Colombo.

Formed in 2002, Total Beverage Solution’s mission is to be a preferred supplier in the alcohol beverage distribution system for the U.S. market and beyond. Total Beverage Solution operates with a simple philosophy - to successfully manage each brand according to its individual qualities and objectives. The company acquired four wine brands owned and marketed by William Grant & Sons in August 2008, including Tiziano and Altanuta from Italy, and Big Red Monster from California.

“We are excited to own a truly premium Marsala wine brand that already carries a strong market presence but still has growth potential. We have been expanding our portfolio in the fine wine category, and feel that Colombo Marsala will make a nice addition,” commented TBS Chief Executive Officer Dave Pardus. “With this addition, we anticipate doing over 150,000 nine liter cases of wine in 2010, along with our beer portfolio which is in excess of 900,000 case equivalents, and premium spirits which is approximately 10,000 cases annually. With the Colombo brand included, the company anticipates 2010 revenues to exceed $30 million.”

A fortified wine of incomparable quality, taste and substance, Colombo Marsala is simply exceptional. Made by the same family since 1875, Colombo Marsala is crafted to the exacting standards of a centuries-old Sicilian recipe. Only the finest Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto grapes are used to make a superior must. Wine brandy is added to block fermentation and add flavor, then it is cooked in a copper pot over a wood fire for subtle flavor notes, and matured for at least 18 months in oak casks. Known for its high quality, consistency, rich flavor and 18 percent alcohol content, Colombo Marsala is the highest-selling imported Marsala in the United States. It is widely popular with home and professional chefs, and is also enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine. Colombo Marsala is available in sweet and dry.

Marsala was born in the late 1700s when a British sea merchant exported the Italian wine to England. However, during the long journey at sea, the Brit added small amounts of brandy to the wine, in an effort to help preserve its unique quality. It became an instant hit in Britain and Marsala as we know it was born.

For more information on this transaction and Total Beverage Solution, visit www.totalbeveragesolution.com.

ABOUT TOTAL BEVERAGE SOLUTION (TBS)
With an impressive portfolio of wine, beer, and premium spirits, Total Beverage Solution (TBS) supplies the U.S. market with some of the world’s top brands. Founded in 2002, the company seeks to represent and own brands that have market presence but still have potential for growth. Passionate about quality and craftsmanship, the company strives to work with producers who make the finest products and to create value and demand for each brand based on its unique qualities. With this philosophy, Total Beverage Solution has quickly earned a reputation for its market expertise and proven sales results. The TBS portfolio includes brands such as Germany’s Weihenstephan Beer – the world’s oldest brewery; Birra Moretti, The Beer in Italy; Tohu Wines, from the Marlborough region of New Zealand – the only Maori-owned wine company; and Edradour Distillery – Scotland’s smallest distillery. In addition, Total Beverage Solution owns and markets award-winning wine brands such as Tiziano, Altanuta, and Big Red Monster. For more information, visit www.totalbeveragesolution.com or log onto www.totalbeveragesolution.com/media/ to download a media kit. Total Beverage Solution is headquartered at 1671 Belle Isle Ave. Suite 125, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: (843) 881-0761.

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Katherine Provost / Elizabeth Moore
Green Olive Media LLC
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