March 1, 2000

Saxco International Blends an Upscale Innovative Packaging Touch With St. Lucia Distillers LTD.'s Special Commemorative Blended Aged Super Premium Rum

To commemorate the island of St. Lucia's 21st anniversary of its independence from Great Britain, St. Lucia Distillers Ltd. is introducing a limited edition blended and aged super premium rum.

Named for a famous British admiral who made his base in St. Lucia in the late 18th century, Admiral Rodney Rum will be produced in a limited edition and will be available throughout St. Lucia. St. Lucia Distillers Ltd. is the only rum distiller on the island and is operated by the Barnard family who have operated a distillery in St. Lucia since 1932.

To help fulfill the packaging requirements for this special commemorative spirit, the West Indies distiller and bottler of a myriad of rum-based products called upon Saxco International Inc., of Horsham, Pa., world-wide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.

Focusing on producing an overall upscale appearance for this special edition super premium spirit, Saxco International recommended and supplied a very high quality 700mL flint square-shaped decanter with rounded shoulders which it sourced in Europe.

In addition, the packaging specialists supplied a handsome dark-stained wood and cork stopper which was produced and assembled by long-time Saxco supplier J.C. Ribeiro of Portugal.

According to Katherine Felix, St. Lucia Distillers' purchasing and shipping supervisor, "The rum's unique exterior packaging with its rich royal blue and gold embossing was done by J & D Graphics of Miami, Fla."

The label was designed by David Bromige of The Drink Consultancy of England and is being printed by Caribbean Label Craft of Barbados. The label itself will be a portrait of Admiral Rodney and a reproduction of a naval painting which depicts "The Battle of the Saints, 12th April 1782: End of the Action."

Keith L. Sachs, chairman of Saxco International, states that his company took six months to complete its role in the overall packaging process. "We're most gratified and excited to have been such an integral part of this product's package design."

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Saxco International has more than 20 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 sales offices in New Brunswick, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Redwood City, California; Tampa, Florida; and Hook Hampshire, England. Additional details at (215) 443-8100, fax (215) 443-8370.