Charmer-Sunbelt Group Selected as Exclusive Distributor for Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine in Several States.

NEW YORK -- Allied Domecq Spirits and Wines Brands Will Be Distributed in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida

Charmer-Sunbelt Group, a leading distributor of fine wines, spirits, beers and bottled water is pleased to announce that it has been awarded long-term exclusive distribution rights for Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America's (NYSE: AED) full portfolio of spirits and wine brands in the states of Maryland and Florida and the District of Columbia. Representing Allied Domecq's premium portfolio in these markets reaffirms Charmer-Sunbelt Group's position as a leading distributor of beverage alcohol.

Charmer-Sunbelt 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), Buena Vista(R), Clos Du Bois(R), Brancott(R), Champagne Perrier Jouet(R), and Champagne Mumm(R).

"Allied Domecq is one of the leading spirits and wine suppliers in the industry and this long-term relationship will allow our focused sales force to represent a terrific portfolio of brands, providing significant value to our business," said Herman Merinoff, Chairman of Charmer Industries, Inc. "By Allied Domecq selecting the Charmer-Sunbelt Group to be the sole distributor in these states speaks to the confidence that spirits and wine suppliers have in our Company and demonstrates our ability to deliver unparalleled value to both retailers and consumers."

Jim Clerkin, President of Allied Domecq Spirits, North America, and Bill Newlands, President of Allied Domecq Wines, USA, in a joint statement said, "We are confident that our partnership with Charmer-Sunbelt will continue to give us a competitive advantage in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our 'First Choice Supplier' philosophy, combined with our extensive premium portfolio, will ensure Allied Domecq is in a position to capitalize on growth areas such as on-premise and national accounts. Our new, long-term partnership with Charmer-Sunbelt provides a unique opportunity to aggressively capture these market opportunities."

According to Clerkin and Newlands, "Allied Domecq is charting its own destiny with its strategic U.S. distributor selections, which is based on market-by-market business opportunities. Allied Domecq's long-term 'First Choice Supplier' agreements with Charmer-Sunbelt 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' than any other sales force in the market place. The relationship between Allied Domecq and Charmer-Sunbelt will continue to demonstrate how we and our distributor partners can jointly invest to deliver unparalleled growth with performance-based incentives."

The three-tier distribution system calls for the flow of alcohol to go from manufacturer to wholesaler/distributor to retailer, ultimately preventing monopolistic deals and promoting a competitive landscape for all involved - manufacturer, wholesaler/distributor, retailer and consumer.

About Charmer Sunbelt Group

The Charmer Sunbelt Group is one of the nation's leading distributors of fine wines, spirits, beers, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic products. The Charmer Sunbelt Group operates in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and The District of Columbia. Our vision is to be recognized by our customers and suppliers as the superior distributor of alcoholic beverages in all regions where we conduct business. For more information, please visit http://www.charmer-sunbelt.com/Home.htm.

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), 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.