Press Release: Latis Imports Expands its Northeast Sales Force
Latis Imports Adds to its Northeast Staff
Three New Retail Roles Show Commitment to Specialty Independent Craft Beer
Ridgefield, CT (October 30, 2008) – Latis Imports announced today that it has added three retail brand management roles in the Northeast. Joining the Connecticut-based specialty beer importer is – Brian Duck, Brendan Johns and Peter Malfatti.
“We’re very committed to building specialty crafts in the U.S. and the addition of three beer industry pros will help us deliver that commitment,” says Anthony Giardina, COO and co-founder of Latis Imports. “Our guys got their start in our business as bartenders and working for wholesalers so they know this business from the ground-up.”
Brian Duck, recent area sales manager for Union Beer Distributors in Brooklyn, New York, will be retail brand development manager covering New York City and New Jersey.
Brendan Johns, most recently the Maryland market manager for Coastal Brewing Company and former InBev retail account manager, will oversee the newly launched Philadelphia market as retail brand development manager.
Peter Malfatti, formerly Western New York sales representative for T.J. Sheehan Distribution, will be retail brand ambassador for New York City.
Earlier this year, 20-year beer industry veteran and draught expert, Bob Stacey, joined Latis as director of retail brand development.
Latis Imports was co-founded by former longtime InBev executives David van Wees and Anthony Giardina. In September 2007 Latis signed an agreement to be the American importer for a rich selection of PALM Breweries’ brands. PALM Breweries, the largest independent brewer in the Belgium, is the only brewing company in the world to brew using all four types of fermentation methods – top, bottom, mixed and spontaneous. The company launched PALM Ale – its U.S. debut – in Manhattan in November 2007 and subsequently San Diego, Northern New Jersey and Connecticut.
About Latis Imports:
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 David van Wees and Anthony 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 imports PALM Ale, Belgium’s best selling amber from the country’s largest independent brewer. The company is headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. For more information www.latisimports.com or www.PALMbreweries.com.
