April 14, 2000

Saxco International Teams Up With Sazerac For New Image Packaging For Super Premium Rain Vodka

Saxco International Inc., Horsham, Pa., world-wide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry, has teamed up with Sazerac, New Orleans, La., in creating a whole new image for the distiller's super premium Rain Vodka.

Rain is the only vodka distilled from organic grain, and its intricate production process, which includes quadruple distillation, is carefully controlled by one master distiller. "Because of its premium quality and rare ingredients, arrangements for the organically grown grain must be made one year in advance," explains Lane Casteix, general manager and creative director of Spar Inc. of New Orleans, the firm that designs all of the packaging for Sazerac.

Casteix says that the distiller decided to undertake the redesign of the package to better reflect the super-premium quality of the brand. "Originally, the thought was to create a bottle with a teardrop effect directed toward the feminine market. However, to our surprise, acceptance also has been outstanding among male consumers," he notes.

To meet the all-important packaging requirements, Saxco International sourced and provided private mold 750ml and one liter cosmetic-quality flint glass bottles through Vitro in Mexico. The bottles were spray frosted from the top, about half way down, for an added ambiance.

In addition, the packaging specialty firm was responsible for the multi-colored, silk-screened labels, applied front and back to the teardrop-shaped bottles. The label application was handled by Permanent Label of Hackensack, N.J., a Saxco supplier.

Also, Saxco sourced and produced a cobalt blue, natural cork closure which was completed through its long-time supplier, J.C. Ribeiro of Portugal. A clear tamper-evident heat sleeve was added and sourced by Saxco from BBC in Belgium.

The new Rain Vodka package was recently singled out for special recognition, winning a coveted Addy Award for Design from the Advertising Club of New Orleans.

"Sazerac's Rain Vodka is being marketed in select U.S. markets; however, future plans include international distribution," according to Casteix.

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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.