Sustainability initiative helps plant trees around the world

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Finlandia Vodka^(R) believes if you are kind to nature, it will return the favor. Starting in September and continuing through November in states across the U.S., Finlandia Vodka will donate a tree through Trees for the Future^(R) for every certificate redeemed from specially tagged bottles of Finlandia.

"We are pleased to partner with Trees for the Future on this initiative," said Nick Nelson, U.S. brand manager for Finlandia Vodka. "Finland's nature and pristine glacial spring water has always been an essential element in making Finlandia Vodka. We do our best to find ways to reduce our environmental footprint and this partnership allows all of us to give back to nature."

Consumers who purchase a specially tagged bottle will be able to donate the tree in someone's name by going to www.finlandia.com/treedonation and then redeeming the bottle via a special code on the tag. When the tree is donated, an electronic certificate will be generated in the person's name.

"Trees for the Future has been helping communities around the world plant trees since 1988," said Dave Deppner, founder of Trees for the Future. "We are happy to partner with companies like Finlandia Vodka to protect the environment and preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations to come."

Trees for the Future has helped plant nearly 65 million trees in thousands of communities in Central America, Africa, and Asia. They provide technical knowledge on agroforestry and sustainable development, along with planting materials, so that communities can return their degraded lands and struggling farms back to sustainable production.

"Finlandia Vodka is a global brand, reaching more than 130 countries around the world," said Maureen Brekka, managing director for Finlandia Vodka. "We strive to be good environmental stewards in all aspects of our business so we are proud to sponsor this tree donation initiative."

About Trees for the Future

Since 1988, Trees for the Future has been helping communities around the world plant trees. Through seed distribution, agroforestry training, and our country programs, we have empowered rural groups to restore tree cover to their lands. Planting trees protects the environment and helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations. For more information, visit www.treesftf.org or call 1-800-643-0001.

About Finlandia Vodka

Finlandia Vodka is a product with a global reputation for its unique Nordic heritage. Finlandia's unparalleled quality can be attributed to only the finest ingredients: pure glacial spring water, a legacy of the Ice Age, and six-row barley, which offers the highest quality starch and the lowest possible content of natural oils, delivering a crisp, clean taste.

Finlandia Vodka was one of the first premium vodkas to introduce flavors from nature in 1994 with the launch of Cranberry Fusion. Since then, Finlandia has introduced more fresh tasting flavors to the portfolio:

    --  Finlandia Lime Fusion (1999)
    --  Finlandia Mango Fusion (2004)
    --  Finlandia Redberry Fusion (2004)
    --  Finlandia Grapefruit Fusion (2007)
    --  Finlandia Tangerine Fusion (2009)

Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd (FVW) is a joint partnership owned 100 percent by Brown-Forman Corporation. FVW is responsible for the Finlandia trademark and marketing and distribution assets. Brown-Forman handles all global marketing activities for the Finlandia Vodka brand. For more information about Finlandia Vodka, please visit www.finlandia.com.

About Brown Forman

Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve, and Bonterra. For more information about Brown-Forman and our brands, please visit our website at www.brown-forman.com.

Enjoy The World's Finest Vodka^TM Responsibly. finlandia.com

(C)2009 Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd., Helsinki, Finland. Finlandia Vodkas, 40% Alc./Vol. Imported by Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, Kentucky USA

    Source: Brown-Forman Corporation