Brown-Forman, of Louisville, KY, is introducing its new high-end Finlandia Platinum Vodka to global markets. The new premium spirit was introduced recently to duty-free buyers at the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition in Cannes, France.

            To finish off its impressive private mold premium 700 ml and 1L bottles with a unique and handsome closure, it called upon Saxco International, LLC, of Horsham, PA, and its global resource network. According to Larry Coomes, director of Midwest sales for Saxco International, "Brown-Forman challenged us to come up with a sleek and clean closure which would provide the final distinctive ingredient to a beautifully balanced package design." To achieve the desired end result, Coomes worked closely with Brown-Forman�s Director of Packaging, Mike Taylor, and Packaging Engineer, Eliot Boyd.

            Employing the combined services of two of its reliable quality vendors in its world-wide network, Saxco International was able to fabricate a closure which met all of the Brown-Forman specifications and adhered to its budget and time parameters. The process began with the creation of a mat silver aluminum shell embossed with the classic Finlandia reindeer logo on top. This part of the process was completed by Anomatic Corporation, of Newark, OH . The aluminum shells were then shipped to long-time international Saxco resource, J.C. Ribeiro, of Mozelos, Portugal.  J.C. Ribeiro manufactured a special plastic fitment and natural cork assembly which fit directly into the shells. A blue tamper-evident PVC sleeve was fitted over the closure by Brown-Forman to finish it off.

            Platinum is a hand-crafted vodka made under the supervision of Finlandia master taster Marku Raittinen using glacial spring water and six-row barley, which is then passed over a bed of Finnish birch chips and finished through slow arctic chilling. It is 40 percent Alcohol by Volume and 80 proof.

            Its markets are Global Travel Retail (Duty Free) Poland and Russia.  Brown-Forman Travel Retail Managing Director Jim Perry states, "Platinum is a terrific addition to the Finlandia portfolio and should prove to be popular in the travel-retail/duty-free market place."  Finlandia is already globally recognized for its quality and taste, and a luxury vodka like Platinum will only enhance its reputation among connoisseurs of high-quality spirits. The suggested retail prices for Finlandia Platinum will vary by geographic location, according to supplier.

            Saxco International, LLC, has more than 25 years of industry experience, providing a broad range of packaging products and services to the liquor and wine 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 Mountainside, New Jersey; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Oakland, California; Vancouver, WA; 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.