Press Release: Latis Imports Taps Specialty Import Draught Expert, Bob Stacey
Bob Stacey, 20-year beer veteran and former nightclub owner, has joined Latis Imports as its director of retail brand development focusing on Belgium’s number one amber – PALM Ale.
Latis Imports, a new specialty craft beer importer formed in September 2007, hired Stacey for his extensive Belgian beer knowledge and his draught expertise. Most recently Stacey was the Northeast sales manager for Duvel USA and helped grow its portfolio, including Ommegang and Duvel, more than 20 percent in the region.
Stacey’s history with Latis Imports’ founders David van Wees and Anthony Giardina dates back to the late 90s when they worked together at what was then Labatt USA, now InBev USA. During his time there, Stacey helped build Stella Artois in the U.S., focusing on its dispense methods and “educated retailers about proper techniques so they could get maximum enjoyment out of their purchase,” he says.
“There is a reason why Bob Stacey is one of our first employees,” says van Wees, co-founder and CEO of Latis Imports. “Bob is one of the foremost experts on Belgian beer in the U.S. and its artful pouring techniques. He ensures that all of his customers and his customers’ customers get their Belgian brew exactly how it’s supposed to be served.”
Stacey’s background is heavily focused in the on-premise segment. Once a jazz -blues nightclub owner in Tribeca, New York he has a keen sense of both sides of the business. It was as a club owner where Stacey learned to appreciate the pairing of food and beer and he has seen the paradigm shift in the last couple years away from its single-minded focus on wine to include specialty craft beer, a move according to Stacey, that’s long overdue.
In addition to Duvel USA, Stacey’s beer industry experience includes a decade at Anheuser-Busch as draught manager and divisional draught manager at Labatt USA (now InBev USA).
About Latis:
A collective 25 years of experience in the U.S. and global markets leading brands like Rolling Rock, Labatt Blue, Beck’s, Bass, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden drove van Wees and Giardina to create a company that mirrored their passion for developing premium beer brands. And so the idea for Latis was born and given life in Connecticut’s diners and well-equipped, free wireless public libraries. At the heart of Latis is a mission to build a portfolio of authentic, craft beers from independent brewers with rich history, traditions and pride. Latis is named after the Celtic goddess of beer and water. The company is headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. For more information www.palmbreweries.com.
