By James Atkinson
Vok Beverages' new rum and bourbon brands stood up to the competition in a recent blind taste test, managing director Angelo Kotses said last night.
Speaking at the official launch of the company's new brands, Rebellion Bay Spiced Rum and Bearded Lady bourbon, Kotses said Vok conducted the taste test a fortnight ago at its annual sales conference.
Vok executives at last night's event reported that the products held their own against the rival brands, both in terms of smoothness and flavour.
Kotses told the audience of independent liquor store operators that the positive feedback bodes well for the company's future, and stressed that the independents have a massive part to play in Vok's future growth strategy.
"We believe in the independents," Kotses said.
"When we first started off there were two people and today we've got 45 sales people, and they focus on you… 3,000 customers that we want to be relevant not only today but for the future."
Kotses said Vok had learnt a lot from its "good friends" at Diageo through their recently ended distribution partnership.
"We've learnt the best things from Treasury Wine Estates as well, who are our partner in the wine business."
"We will be here for a long time, we will invest for a long time as well," he said.