PadillaCRT Named Agency of Record for Van Gogh Imports

NEW YORK – May 1, 2014 – PadillaCRT today announced that it has been named agency of record for Van Gogh Imports to develop and implement a communications program for two of the importer’s award-winning brands: Van Gogh Vodka and Tap Whisky. PadillaCRT, one of the top 15 independent public relations and communications agencies in the country, will build brand awareness among consumer and trade audiences that includes traditional PR and media relations, as well as social media campaigns.

With more than 30 years of success, Van Gogh Imports is one of the leading spirits importers in the U.S., specializing in superior brands with a distinctive history of innovation. PadillaCRT, which was established in September 2013 when Minneapolis-based Padilla Speer Beardsley acquired Richmond, Va.-based CRT/tanaka, has won numerous national and regional awards for its insightful and groundbreaking wine, beer and spirits campaigns.

“We are excited to partner with PadillaCRT on Van Gogh Vodka and Tap Whisky’s integrated communications campaign,” said Norman Bonchick, chairman and CEO of Van Gogh Imports. “PadillaCRT has extensive food and beverage expertise, and we look forward to our collaboration.”

“Van Gogh Imports is one of the most well-known names in the spirits industry. PadillaCRT is thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with the Van Gogh Vodka and Tap Whisky brands,” said Lynn Casey, PadillaCRT CEO. “This engagement adds to our significant category experience.”

Van Gogh, established in 1998, is best known for pioneering and defining the flavored vodka category. The first spirit produced under the Van Gogh brand name was a dry gin created in 1999. Not long after, Van Gogh Vodka was introduced. Since its inception, the portfolio has expanded to 25 different varieties including two 80 proof unflavored vodkas, Van Gogh Blue and Van Gogh Classic; Van Gogh Gin; and 22 flavored vodkas, most notably the portfolio’s signature flavor, Double Espresso.

In 2012, Van Gogh Imports increased the company portfolio to include Tap Whisky, aged Canadian rye whiskies with a twist. Currently, two rye whiskies are available in the United States under the Tap brand within its Finished Collection: Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky and Tap Rye Port Finished Whisky.

PadillaCRT is the largest employee-owned marketing and PR agency in the world, with nearly 200 employee-owners in New York; Minneapolis; Los Angeles; Richmond, Va.; Norfolk, Va.; and Washington, D.C. The agency helps national and regional clients articulate and achieve their purpose as a powerful way to build brands, protect reputations and reach business goals.

About Van Gogh Imports

Founded in 1981, U.S. importer Luctor International, LLC now does business as Van Gogh Imports. Based in Tampa, Fla., the company is run by industry veteran Norman Bonchick, Chairman and CEO and currently works with distributors throughout the U.S. Van Gogh Imports also exports to Europe, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Central America, Israel, India and Russia.

The company’s portfolio spans the premium to luxury spirit categories and includes multiple spirit brands from leading producers from around the world including Van Gogh Vodka and Gin from Holland; Ron Abuelo, Ron Cortez, Seco Herrerano from Panama; Jumbie Splash and Rum Jumbie from the Caribbean; Molinari liqueurs and Limoncello di Capri from Italy; and Tap Whisky from Canada. The company’s website is: www.vangoghimports.com.

About PadillaCRT

PadillaCRT is one of the top 15 independent public relations and communications agencies in the country. The firm works with clients to understand and articulate their purpose and channels its efforts through insightful ideas, creativity, collaboration and an unrelenting commitment to their success. The firm helps clients engage and inspire stakeholders in food and beverage, consumer goods, health, financial services, manufacturing, technology and agriculture. PadillaCRT has specialized talent in branding, research, corporate and investor relations, creative, digital, crisis management, social media and mobile communications, and is a founding partner of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, a partnership of 100 independently owned partner offices in 133 cities on six continents. PadillaCRT clients include Wines from Rioja, Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Prosciutto di Parma, Hass Avocado Board, AeroGrow, Land O’Lakes, North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission, Merck, Rockwell Automation, UnitedHealth Group, BASF and Barnes & Noble College. The agency’s website is www.padillacrt.com.

 

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