Allied Domecq Reaches 'First Choice Supplier' Agreement in Principle With Southern Wine & Spirits in South Carolina.

Business Editors

WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2004

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America (NYSE:AED), a marketing-led brands business, and Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (SWS), a multi-state wholesale wine and spirits distributor, are pleased to announce an agreement in principle to renew the current long-term contract giving SWS the exclusive distribution rights to Allied Domecq's full portfolio of spirits and wine brands in the state of South Carolina.

SWS will utilize committed sales divisions to distribute all of the Allied Domecq's leading brands such as Kahlua(R), Stolichnaya(R) Vodkas, Sauza(R) Tequilas, Beefeater(R), MALIBU(R) flavored rum, Canadian Club(R), Courvoisier(R), Maker's Mark(R), Kuya(tm) fusion rum, Buena Vista(R), Clos Du Bois(R), Brancott(R), Champagne Perrier Jouet(R), and Champagne Mumm(R).

Jim Clerkin, President of Allied Domecq Spirits, North America, and Bill Newlands, President of Allied Domecq Wines, USA, in a joint statement said, "Allied Domecq is continuing its relationship with SWS in South Carolina based on the company's dedication and support of our premium portfolio of spirits and wines, as well as our people. By incorporating key elements of our 'First Choice Supplier' strategy into the agreement, we are confident SWS will help us grow our presence in the state, delivering maximum return for all parties through a mutually beneficial partnership."

According to Clerkin and Newlands, "Allied Domecq is focused on developing and nurturing strategic U.S. distributor relationships based on market by market business opportunities. Allied Domecq's long-term 'First Choice Supplier' agreement with SWS features a new way of partnering with exclusive distributors, including state-of-the-art performance assessments, increased investment in market spending and more committed 'feet on the street.' The relationship between Allied Domecq and SWS will continue to demonstrate how we and our distributor partners can jointly invest to deliver unparalleled growth with performance-based incentives."

"Allied Domecq has proven its dedication to SWS by delivering a dynamic portfolio of spirits and wine brands supported by a highly trained workforce driven to achieve exceptional performance," said Wayne Chaplin, President of SWS. "Allied Domecq is a global company, yet it provides all the in-market assets our focused sales force in South Carolina needs to reach our local goals."

Chaplin added: "Our vision is to be the premier spirits and wine distributor in the United States through the strategic marketing and selling of our portfolio of brands, supported by the most effective and efficient customer service in the industry. With Allied Domecq's extensive portfolio, and SWS's commitment to excellence in all areas - sales, marketing and distribution - we will ensure our customers base has full access to revenue-generating brands like Kahlua, Maker's Mark, Courvoisier, Stolichnaya Vodkas, Sauza Tequilas, MALIBU flavored rums, Clos du Bois Wines and Champagne Mumm, among many others."

"The letter of agreement signed today with Allied Domecq further builds upon a broad, multi-state relationship between our two organizations that currently covers California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, South Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Allied Domecq's commitment to SWS to be the sole distributor in South Carolina is a direct result of our ability to deliver unparalleled value to both retailers and consumers, supported by the best sales and marketing team in the industry," added Chaplin.

About Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America is a division of Allied Domecq PLC (NYSE:AED). Allied Domecq is a marketing-driven brands business that operates globally in spirits and wine and quick service restaurants. Powerful and exciting brands drive profitable growth and strong, consistent cash flows. Leading North American brands include Kahlua(R), Stolichnaya(R) Vodkas, Sauza(R) Tequilas, Beefeater(R), MALIBU(R) flavored rum, Canadian Club(R), Courvoisier(R), Maker's Mark(R), Kuya(tm) fusion rum, WET by Beefeater(tm), Midori(R), Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Buena Vista(R), William Hill(R) Wines, Clos Du Bois(R), Brancott(R), Atlas Peak(R), Champagne Perrier Jouet(R), Champagne Mumm(R), Dunkin Donuts(R), Baskin Robbins(R) and Togo's(R) restaurants. Enjoy Allied Domecq's brands responsibly and in moderation.

Allied Domecq, North America's vision is to be the "First Choice Supplier" in the hearts and minds of its customers, consumers and employees. For further information on Allied Domecq please visit www.allieddomecqplc.com.

For media inquiries in North America, please visit http://press.adsw.com.

About Southern Wine & Spirits of America

Southern Wine & Spirits of America was founded in 1969 as a small spirits wholesaler in Miami, Florida and has grown to what is today the largest wholesale distributor of quality spirits, wine and non-alcoholic beverages in the country. Southern Wine & Spirits operates in the states of Florida, California, Arizona, South Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Mexico, Colorado and Illinois. The Miami-based corporation is a major employer in each of these markets and is committed to a leadership role in more than just the business arena. The principals and executives of the company at each location are active in community affairs and the company maintains a high profile in a number of national and international philanthropic organizations.