LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citizen eCig today announced a milestone distribution agreement with Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. (SWS) Las Vegas division, the country’s leading wine and spirits distributor with operations in 35 states. The deal includes representation of the full award-winning brand portfolio focusing on the eCigars in multiple flavors.
Before jumping into the $2 billion vapor market, SWS conducted a review of electronic cigarettes and cigars to select the brand that stands up to the quality and taste standards their customers expect. Kevin McCracken, senior vice president, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, said, “Citizen eCig is the most authentic we’ve seen. Although Citizen eCig is a newcomer to the market, we’re excited to distribute the brand, given its popularity and potential for consumer adoption — initial interest has been enthusiastic."
Launched in 2014, Citizen eCig exists to reduce the harm caused by tobacco smoking while allowing smokers to indulge their passion without the odorous, risky smoke that accompanies the rolled tobacco variety. It’s the only vapor product formulated by a cancer research biomedical executive.
"Through this distribution partnership, we're able to secure and manage large resort accounts. In the first two months with SWS we've placed our products in retail, bar and mini bars at The MGM portfolio of properties, Cromwell, The Palazzo, The Venetian, The Wynn Resort and Casino — as well as Made LV and Marché Bacchus restaurants,” said Monica Ord, founder and CEO, Citizen eCig. “This availability of our products in a world hub like Las Vegas will empower even more people to take back their health and switch from tobacco smoking. We couldn’t be happier to be working with Southern Wine & Spirits."
As a benefit of the distribution deal, major events in Las Vegas — including events for 'The Fight of the Century’ between Mayweather and Pacquiao, the MGM concert series and the 41st annual UNLVino festival — will include Citizen products. This summer, Vegas-goers will see Citizen’s presence at multiple beach clubs, as well as the Rock in Rio music festival, which organizers expect to draw 300,000 people per weekend.
The distribution deal with Southern Wine & Spirits expands Citizen eCig's existing retail footprint, which includes availability at 32,000 retail outlets nationwide already. Consumers over the age of 18 also can buy it online at citizenecig.com. The Citizen eCigar is the first and only e-cigar in the U.S. large retail chain market.
Retailers seeking distribution information can contact Kent Whipple, the Citizen eCig account manager at Southern Wine & Spirits, at 702-248-3327 or kentwhipple@southernwine.com.
About Citizen eCig
As the only vapor product formulated by a cancer research biomedical executive, Citizen rechargeable eCigs and disposable eCigars give smokers the exact same experience of the real thing, except without the toxic smoke. The taste and feel is what smokers expect, even winning four national taste-test competitions. And this can make all the difference in helping smokers who want to switch.
About Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc.
Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 14,000 team members.
