Imperial Brands, Inc. Aids Sobieski in Shattering Previous U.S. Record

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Imperial Brands, Inc. announced today that it sold more than one million cases of Sobieski Vodka in the United States during the 2011 fiscal year. Sobieski Vodka, one of the fastest growing vodka brands in the United States and globally, reached the million case milestone after only four years in the United States, shattering the previous record by more than three years.

“Thanks to the commitment and effort of a great team at Imperial Brands, I am proud to announce that we have accomplished this ambitious objective.”

“Our vision from day one was bold – to be the vodka brand to reach 1 million cases faster than any other in history,” said Chester Brandes, president and chief executive officer of Imperial Brands, Inc. “Thanks to the commitment and effort of a great team at Imperial Brands, I am proud to announce that we have accomplished this ambitious objective.”

Since launching in the United States in January 2007, Sobieski Vodka has made the “Truth in Vodka” campaign a major focus for the brand. The goal of the campaign is to show consumers that high-quality, premium vodka does not require an extravagant production process or cost a king’s ransom. Sobieski Vodka is made from Dankowski rye, distilled to perfection, and available at a reasonable price.

Joining Sobieski in support of the “Truth in Vodka” campaign is A-list actor and Sobieski part-owner, Bruce Willis. The Hollywood action superstar was recently featured in a variety of webisodes alongside Krzysztof Trylinski, chief executive officer of Belvédère, S.A., poking fun at the marketing gimmicks and trendiness of other vodka brands.

The Sobieski Vodka portfolio, including three new flavors launched in October 2011 – Espresso, Cynamon and Bizon Grass – are available nationwide at the suggested retail price of $10.99 for 750mL. Sobieski Vodka has committed to donating a minimum of $250,000 to the Fisher House Foundation through September 2012 from proceeds of bottle sales and private fundraising events.

ABOUT IMPERIAL BRANDS, INC.

Imperial Brands, Inc. is an importer and marketer of distinctive spirits. Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., it is a U.S. subsidiary of Belvédère S.A., one of Europe’s largest producers and distributors of white spirits and wines. Belvédère S.A. operates production and distribution units in Poland, France, United States, and other countries and additionally owns subsidiaries in Europe and South America. For more information, please visit www.ibrandsinc.com.

ABOUT SOBIESKI VODKA

Sobieski Vodka, the No. 1 premium vodka in Poland and one of the world’s bestselling and fastest growing vodka brands, makes no compromises on quality and exemplifies the height of Polish craftsmanship and authenticity. Building on a noble heritage, Sobieski Vodka is produced exclusively from the revered Dankowski rye at the Starogard Gdanski distillery dating back to 1846. Following a number of awards, starting with 2007’s Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) honor, Sobieski Vodka was recognized three years in a row as a “Hot Brand” by IMPACT magazine. For more information and brand news, please visitwww.truthinvodka.com, follow us www.twitter.com/Sobieski_Vodka, or become a fan www.Facebook.com/SobieskiVodka.