OREANDA-NEWS. February 1, 2012. Central European Distribution Corporation (NASDAQ:CEDC), one of the leading vodka producers in the world and the leading spirit distributor in Poland has signed a 5-year exclusive agreement to distribute brands from the Beam Inc. portfolio in Poland, including Jim Beam bourbon, Sauza tequila, Teacher’s and Maker’s Mark whisky. The agreement reflects the long term commitment of both companies to further strengthen the position of Beam Inc. premium brands in the Polish spirit market.

“We are pleased to continue our successful cooperation with Beam Inc. in Poland, which recognizes the value of CEDC’s strong sales platform in the overall brown and white spirits market in Poland. We look forward to working further with the premium, internationally recognized brands which fit in our well-balanced portfolio of vodka, brown and white spirits and wine products” said William Carey, President and CEO of CEDC “We are looking forward to further development of Jim Beam’s consumer base in Poland and we see opportunities for this world’s number one bourbon, to continue its expansion on the fast growing whisky market in Poland”

The Polish whisky market has almost tripled during the last 5 years and in 2011 reached the level of approximately 10 million liters*, making it one of the top 25 whisky markets in the world.