Mako Brands, LLC, of Darien, Connecticut, is introducing a new premium Mako Vodka, which it is billing as �The World�s Finest Nautical Vodka�, to the United States marketplace in select states from the Northeastern through the Southeastern regions.

            To help create an innovative attractive package carrying through with its nautical theme and pure smooth taste, it brought the services and global resources of Saxco International, of Horsham, PA, world-wide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industries, into the project.  �Our role was to create a unique new package design with a beautiful and bold eye appeal with a pronounced shelf prominence while adhering closely to the project�s specifications, especially color density in d�cor,� explains Jimmy Owens, new product  development representative for Saxco International.  �We needed to provide total coordination, bringing all the elements into play at the right places at the right times, and stay within the budgetary guidelines.�

            Saxco also worked closely with BrandWest, of San Rafael, California, who designed the graphics and label for the bottles. Larry Roellig is the principal of BrandWest, experts in package design for the wine and spirits industry.

            To get the project underway, Saxco sourced and supplied a flint Bordeaux-shaped bottle in three size - 750 ml, 1 liter and 1.75 liter - with a long neck and flat bottom from Owens-Illinois Europe, one of Saxco�s quality and reliable resources in its extensive global network. The bottles were spray frosted and silk screened with a broad 360-degree navy colored band overset with white graphics which included the Mako Shark logo and four classic nautical flags. The spray frosting and silk screening were completed by Hanes-Erie, of Fairview, PA, another time-proven Saxco vendor.  �The spray frosting and silk screening required meticulous attention in the development of the color density on the bottles,� Owens explains. �We kept refining it until we achieved the ultimate look and feel we were seeking.�

            In addition, Saxco sourced and supplied an attractive navy blue Stelcap with side shading and a Mako Shark logo design on top, augmented with an extended navy colored skirt which provided an enhanced look to the overall package design.  �By utilizing the same style glass molds for all three sizes we were able to provide the same closure on all three bottles, thus offering convenience and savings in production,� notes Owens. The closure was provided by Amcor, of St. Cesaire, Canada.  Saxco additionally provided attractive white shipping cartons with navy blue imprinting in 6 and 12-pack configurations from International Paper, their source in Lexington, Kentucky. The 12-packs were earmarked for the 750 ml size, while the 6-packs were for shipping the 1 liter and 1.75 liter sizes.

            According to Scott Reid, president and COO of Mako Brands, LLC, �The new premium vodka uses the finest distiller�s grains combined with pure natural iron-free limestone spring water from deep earth aquifers formed during the ice age.  It is then ultra-distilled in a five column continuous distillation process to achieve what we believe is as pure and smooth a vodka as you will taste at any price.�  It is 40-percent Alcohol By Volume (ABV) and 80-proof.

            �In addition�, Reid relates, �our target audience is defined psycho-graphically as those consumers of drinking age who are engaged in or have an affinity for all things nautical. We appeal to sailors and power boaters, fisherman, jet skiers, surfers, scuba divers, swimmers, kayakers, etc., as well as those who enjoy going to the beach or eating lobsters by a lighthouse. It�s for those who enjoy and appreciate the nautical lifestyle and have a deep-rooted genuine love for the sea.�

            Reid also stated that Mako Vodka is being rolled out in selected states in the U.S., from Northeastern through the Southeastern regions, and will initially be available in five states with more agreements underway.  Retail prices will vary by state, but will range from $14.99 to $17.99 for the 750 ml, $19.99 to $22.99 for the 1 liter and $24.99 to $29.99 for the 1.75 liter.

            Saxco International has more than 25 years of industry experience, providing a broad range of packaging products and services to the beverage industries.  In addition to supplying packaging enhancement products, the company�s services include expert consultation from development to design.  Saxco is headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with offices in New Brunswick, New Jersey; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Oakland, California; Tampa, Florida; Hook Hampshire, England, and Qingdao, China.  Additional details at 215-443-8100, fax 215-443-8370 or the web at www.saxcointl.com.