First Nationally Available All Natural Ginger Infused Vodka to Hit
Store Shelves this Spring

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 1, 2010) – A versatile ingredient featured in everything from cocktails, to candy, to baked goods, Ginger is the age-old flavor that has become the recent darling of the mixology and culinary world.  Capitalizing on this trend, SKYY Vodka® is proud to announce the latest addition to its All Natural SKYY Infusions® line – fresh, sweet Ginger.  Launching this month, All Natural SKYY Infusions Ginger is the first nationally available Ginger infused vodka, joining the All Natural SKYY Infusions portfolio of Citrus, Cherry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Grape and Pineapple.  

SKYY Infusions Ginger is crafted using a signature infusion process, where premium vodka is carefully infused with real ginger for an irresistibly fresh, sweet taste.  One sip reveals the delicious flavors of spiced and juiced ginger, roasted oranges and mild notes of cinnamon.  The flavor profile is reminiscent of handmade ginger ale, yet with a more intricate aroma and taste commonly associated with an infusion made at home.  Ginger beverages from ginger ale to ginger beer are posting impressive growth in popularity, evidence that consumers’ passions for this intriguing flavor are steadily on the rise. 

“Mixologists and chefs alike have embraced Ginger as the hot new ingredient, many making their own Ginger syrups and extracts to add an exotic, yet sophisticated taste to new creations and old favorites,” said Andrea Conzonato, Chief Marketing Officer, Skyy Spirits.  “Recognizing this trend, we developed All Natural SKYY Infusions Ginger, which gives any bartender or consumer the opportunity to easily add Ginger’s delectable, sweet taste to any cocktail.  All Natural SKYY Infusions Ginger is a groundbreaking addition to our line of All Natural SKYY Infusions products.”    

Mixologists and bartenders at restaurants and bars around the country have already embraced SKYY Infusions Ginger, integrating the infused spirit into both classic and contemporary cocktails. SKYY Infusions Ginger is a highly versatile flavor that can be mixed with fresh juices for a stylish, yet enticingly exotic cocktail; or, for the at-home bartender, try simple ingredients like 7UP®, cola or soda water for something easy and delicious.  And, for the ultimate sweet ginger experience, pair SKYY Infusions Ginger with classic ginger ale.  All Natural SKYY Infusions Ginger will be available nationwide starting in February, available in 50ml ($1.99 MSRP), 750ml ($18.49 MSRP) and 1L ($26.49 MSRP) sized bottles. (Retail prices are suggested and may vary.)  The launch will be supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign featuring advertising, social media activities and on-/off-premise promotions. 

All Natural SKYY Infusions was originally launched in five flavors – Citrus, Cherry, Grape, Raspberry and Passion Fruit, in April 2008 by Skyy Spirits, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America.  A year later, SKYY introduced SKYY Infusions Pineapple, which quickly became a nationwide centerpiece of classic and contemporary Tiki cocktailing.  The introduction of its seventh Infusion, SKYY Infusions Ginger, continues to uphold Skyy Spirits’ high standard of ultra premium, naturally infused vodkas based on the principles of quality, innovation and style. 

The entire SKYY Infusions collection can be enjoyed on the rocks, or with club soda, 7UP® or in a myriad of other delicious, sophisticated cocktails.  Learn more at www.skyyinfusions.com. 

For more information and great recipes, join SKYY Vodka on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SKYYVodka  or Twitter: SKYYVodka. 

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 About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America.  Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur ^TM, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.  

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.  More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation. 

About Gruppo Campari

Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the US and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari and SKYY Vodka, stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, Zedda Piras, X-Rated and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano, are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

Contact:  pr@skyy.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 14, 2009) – As part of this past weekend’s first annual SF Chefs. Food. Wine. festival, Skyy Spirits, a San Francisco-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America, hosted the Semi-Final and Final rounds of the SF Chefs’ “Skyy’s the Limit” cocktail competition, where one innovative cocktail recipe was selected as the SF Chefs. Food. Wine. “Best Cocktail 2009.” Local bartender Nick Varacalli of RN74 San Francisco was honored for his “Ambassador Pepper” cocktail featuring Wild Turkey® Rare Breed Bourbon, selected as the definitive cocktail to represent San Francisco’s culinary best in 2009.

Nick Varacalli’s winning cocktail was created on-the-spot during the final round of the competition. “Ambassador Pepper” featured a unique blend of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon, lemon juice, orange curacao, Falernum and Luxardo Maraschino, highlighted with a dash of orange bitters and muddled red pepper. Varacalli also produced several other high caliber cocktails during the qualifying and semi-final rounds to earn his place in the Final round of “Skyy’s the Limit” competition.

“Nick Varacalli’s ability to create such a delicious cocktail using very unique ingredients in an on-the-spot, on-the-fly mix-off is a wonderful representation of the true innovation taking mixology by storm right now,” says Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO of Skyy Spirits. “Skyy Spirits is happy to be supporting San Francisco bartenders through the ‘Skyy’s the Limit’ cocktail challenge, inspiring new and creative ways to use some of our most renowned spirits such as Wild Turkey Bourbon, SKYY® Vodka and Campari®.”

In June, local bartending talent was invited to submit to submit their cocktail recipes for a chance to compete in the “Skyy’s the Limit” cocktail competition. Six talented local bartenders were selected by a panel of members of the United States Bartender’s Guild to compete in the semi-final rounds on Friday, August 7 and Saturday August 8. Held in the main tasting tent at the SF Chefs. Food. Wine. culinary festival in Union Square, each “Skyy’s the Limit” semi-finalist was asked to produce a cocktail using at least one of the spirits within the Skyy Spirits portfolio, while integrating one other secret ingredient revealed on-the-spot. The secret ingredient, fresh herbs on Friday; white peaches, cherries, plums and apricots on Saturday; and peppers on Sunday, tested the mixologists’ talents in front of a crowd of festival guests and a prestigious panel of judges.

Each semi-final round produced one finalist, who was invited to return on Sunday, August 9 to compete in the final round to win two round trip air tickets within the continental United States provided by Virgin America. The “Skyy’s the Limit” Finalists were Nick Varacalli of RN74 San Francisco and Carlo Splendorini of Gitane: Restaurant & Bar. Each of their impressive cocktails were carefully sampled and analyzed by the final panel of judges, who awarded the highest honor of Best Cocktail at SF Chefs. Food. Wine. 2009 to Varacalli.

A long list of mixology talents and industry professionals served on the expert panel of judges throughout the weekend including Danny Ronen, Creator of the BIT for Tasting Panel and Grand Ambassador for Domaine de Canton; Joey Altman, Chef/TV Host/Musician/Restaurant Consultant; H. Joseph Ehrmann, Owner of Elixir and Founder of Cocktail Ambassadors; Melialani James, Partner of Nirvino; and Kevin Westlye, Executive Director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC
Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY InfusionsTM, Campari®, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari
Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the USA and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated, Zedda Piras and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

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Contact: pr@skyy.com

Borys Saciuk and his Campari Zapatista Cocktail

SF Chefs. Food. Wine., the premiere interactive urban food and wine weekend experience set in the epicenter of culinary innovation, is set to kick off with a real kick.  Six of the Bay Area’s finest bartenders made it through the qualifying round for the SF Chefs. Food. Wine’s ”Skyy‘s the Limit” Cocktail Competition last night after their Campari cocktails beat out the competition. Whether due to the versatility of Campari or the local talent of San Francisco’s finest, there was not a bad cocktail to be found in the mix — competition was fierce. Judges included industry veteran Steven Oliver, Danny Ronen, creator of the BIT for Tasting Panel, and Joey Altman, celebrated chef and host of Bay Café as well as the headline entertainment for SF Chefs. Food. Wine. Urban BBQ with his Back Burner Blues Band.

After sipping all the cocktails the judges came up with the top six who will compete live in the tent at SF Chefs. Food. Wine. August 6 and 7, 2009. The two top mixologists from these two judgings will go head to head on the final day of SF Chefs. Food. Wine. to receive the title of Best Cocktail of SF Chefs. Food. Wine. 2009. Each of the rounds in the tent will include a secret ingredient to be unveiled live to the contestants, so the challenge is even greater.

Cocktails will really take center stage at SF Chefs. Food. Wine. at classes, the main tent and especially the Opening Reception featuring some of the greatest “Bar Stars” and the Saturday Night Urban BBQ on Union Square. The concert will highlight nine of San Francisco’s best cocktail bars, all under one roof! Sample from 15 Romolo, Bar Agricole, Bourbon and Branch, Cantina, Conduit, Elixir, NOPA, Rye and Smuggler’s Cove. Get a taste of San Francisco spirit! Straight, Stirred or Shaken!
http://www.sfchefsfoodwine.com

SKYY Campari Cocktail Winners Moving on to the TENT at SF Chefs. Food. Wine. along with their winning recipes:

SEMI FINALISTS

Joel Baker, Bourbon & Branch

Lucia Bosé

1.50 oz. Gin

.75 oz. Campari

.75 oz. Strawberry Gomme Syrup

.5 oz. Lemon

.5 oz. Still Rosé Wine

2 dashes rose water

Combine ingredients in mixing glass.  Shake and fine strain into a wine glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with an orange horse collar

Nick Varacalli

Oscar’s O.J.

1 oz. Skyy Vodka

.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth

.5 oz. Campari

.25 oz. Cointreau

1 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

2 Dashes Angostura Orange Bitters

Shake everything and strain into martini (cocktail) glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel dropped into drink.

Carlo Splendorini, Gitane Restaurant & Bar

The Black Ginger Dutchman

1.25 Damrak Gin

.75 oz Campari

.25 oz Canton Ginger liqueur

.5 oz Ginger syrup (simple syrup and ginger)

.5  oz Fresh lemon juice

1 T Blackberry puree

Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Garnish with fresh black berry

Shake all ingredients, strain into collins glass on the rocks, top with Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Brandon Skaggs, Cortez Restaurant & Bar

Farmer’s Crush

1 oz Campari

.25 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

Prosecco

1 whole mission fig

6 blueberries

1 oz fresh orange juice

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 lemon verbena simple syrup

 Build all ingredients into a mixing glass and muddle together.

Add ice and shake hard.  Double strain into an ice filled collins glass.

Stir in a pinch of lemon verbena and top with prosecco.

Garnish with a sprig of verbena.

Borys Saciuk

Zapatista

1 1/2 oz. Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila

3/4 oz. Campari

3/4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 bar spoon Partida agave nectar

fresh egg white

2-3 turns long Indonesian peppercorn from pepper mill Long, wide peel of grapefruit

Beginning with agave and Indonesian pepper, combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.

Add ice and shake vigorously. Double-strain over ice in a 10 oz. tall glass.

Garnish with long peel of grapefruit

Scott Baird, Romolo 15

The Spaghetti Western

1 1/4 oz Russell’s Reserve Rye

½ oz Campari

1/2 lemon

1/3 oz agave nectar

Pinch sea salt

6 to 8 sweet 100 tomatoes

1 1/2 oz Mexican lager beer

Muddle tomatoes, add ingredients, shake hard, double strain into collins glass, add ice, top with beer, garnish with lemon ribbon rolled up and stuck on toothpick with 2 tomatoes.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Even though they didn’t make it onto the next round, these will be served during the semi final rounds in the tents.

Josh Harris

Pippi Longstocking

1 oz Flor de Cana 7 year

.5 oz Campari

.5 oz Velvet Falernum

.5 oz fresh lemon juice

.5 oz egg white

1.5 oz Bundaberg ginger beer

2 dashes Angostura bitters.

Glass: Collins

Garnish: Rosemary Sprig

Bartender Instructions: In a mixing glass, combine all the ingredients except the ginger beer.  Shake vigorously.  Fill Collins gblass with ice and pour the ginger beer into the glass.  Place in the straw and rosemary sprig down the side of the glass.  Then double strain the mixture in tin, over the fresh ice on top of the ginger beer.  Served layered.  —-Consumer can then integrate the ginger beer with rest of the cocktail using the straw.

Victoria D’Amato Krystlhawk

Summer in the City

1.5 oz. Skyy Pineapple

.5 oz. Campari

1 oz Mango Nectar

1 oz. Passion fruit Nectar

.5 oz fresh Lemon Juice

1/8th teaspoon Smoked Paprika

3 oz Soda (Pelligrino)

In a chilled mixing glass, add all ingredients except for the Soda.

Add ice, shake well, about 20 shakes, strain over ice in a 12 oz. Collins glass.

Fill with Soda, mix gently.

Garnish: Paprika pepper slice (if available) lemon peel & mango cubes

1 straw

SKYY Vodka to Serve as Official Spirit of Gay Pride Festivals, Gay and Lesbian Film Festivals and many other LGBT Programs

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 17, 2009) – SKYY® Vodka has announced its increased support of events and programs supporting the national Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities and a cause near to their hearts, HIV awareness. For 2009, SKYY is devoted to developing and expanding its partnerships with numerous gay and lesbian organizations across the country, including the STOP AIDS Project in San Francisco, Frameline33 – San Francisco’s International LGBT Film Festival, Equality California, Heritage of Pride in New York, amfAR – The Foundation for AIDS Research, AIDS Project Los Angeles and the LGBT Center in New York.

“SKYY Vodka and the LGBT community have been supporting each other since our launch in 1992,” said Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO of Skyy Spirits. “We are grateful to be able to participate in these unique partnerships and celebrate National Gay Pride Month from coast to coast in true SKYY Vodka style.”

In San Francisco, SKYY Vodka is proud to participate in the legendary showcase for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema in this year’s Frameline33 – the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. As the Premier Sponsor, SKYY Vodka will be the exclusive spirit of Frameline33, pouring cocktails and providing support at both the festival and at other Frameline33 events throughout the year. Frameline33 runs from June 18-28, screening hundreds of films from over 20 countries during the eleven days of the festival, at the historic Castro Theatre, Roxie Theatre and the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco, and in Berkeley at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood. In honor of the festival, SKYY Vodka has created a signature cocktail, “The Frameline Passion,” made with All Natural SKYY Infusions^TM Passion Fruit, which will be sold in gay and lesbian bars and restaurants throughout San Francisco with proceeds going to support the Frameline Festival. Participating bars and restaurants include Mix Bar, Harvey’s, Midnight Sun, Lime, Q Bar, Badlands, Twin Peaks Tavern and the Eureka Restaurant and Lounge, all located in San Francisco’s Castro district. In addition to Frameline, SKYY Vodka is also the official spirit of San Francisco’s STOP AIDS Project, which just wrapped up its Dining Out for Life program where over 100 bars and restaurants participated to raise $225,000 for the pioneering HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention organization.

In New York, SKYY Vodka continues in its second year as the official spirit of Heritage of Pride, New York City’s official gay pride organization. As the official spirit, SKYY Vodka will be served at all Heritage of Pride events, including Rapture and Dance on the Pier. In honor of Heritage of Pride and other gay pride celebrations around the country, SKYY Vodka has collaborated with well-known entertainers in the LGBT community to create specialty cocktails. For Trannyshack founder Heklina, SKYY Vodka will promote “Heklina’s Ruby Sipper,” made with SKYY Infusions Pineapple. In honor of primetime star Candis Cayne, SKYY Vodka will feature the “Candis Cayne’s Kiss the Girl” with X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and SKYY Infusions Citrus. Celebrating Wigstock founder and legendary comedienne Lady Bunny, SKYY Vodka will highlight the “Lady Bunny’s Boy Chaser” with SKYY Infusions Grape.

In addition to these initiatives, SKYY Vodka will continue to support events for the LGBT community in several cities. This year SKYY Vodka has already partnered with several organizations, including AIDS Project Los Angeles, Equality California, Fusion, the Los Angeles LGBT People of Color Film Festival by Outfest, AIDS Community Research Initiative of America and amfAR.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC
Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY InfusionsTM, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey^TM, Russell’s Reserve®, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari
Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the USA and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated, Zedda Piras and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

Contact:  pr@skyy.com