Look for PALM on Grocery Shelves in the Northeast and Southern California

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Latis Imports announced today it has added PALM beer bottles to its import line-up. Bottles are available in select off-premise accounts in San Diego, Connecticut, New York City and Brooklyn, Orange County (CA) and Northern New Jersey.

"Belgian beer is an industry staple," says David van Wees, CEO and co-founder of Latis Imports. "With Belgian beer sales up 32 percent in the U.S. in 2008, the import craft beer segment growth is showing that quality brews are an affordable luxury. During these economic times, we all need an affordable luxury."

First brewed in the early 1900s as an alternative to pilsners and lagers, PALM has become the number one selling amber beer in Belgium and Holland and it's steadfastly earning its way into the U.S. market.

PALM is now available in select U.S. markets in an authentic, European 33cl bottle and it's packaged in a fully enclosed carrier with the full brewery story on the bottom. The PALM story relays the history of the 261 year-old brewery and its penchant for adhering to traditional Belgian brewing methods. PALM Breweries is the only beer company in the world to brew using the four traditional Belgian brewing traditions - top, bottom, mixed and spontaneous fermentation.

PALM comes to the U.S. courtesy of Latis Imports, a Ridgefield Connecticut based company founded by former InBev executives David van Wees and Anthony Giardina.

In September 2007 Latis signed an agreement to be the American importer for a rich selection of PALM Breweries' brands. PALM Breweries, the largest independent brewer in Belgium, made its U.S. debut in Manhattan in November 2007 and subsequently San Diego, Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia and Connecticut.

PALM beer facts:

ABV: 5.4%

EBU: 18

Plato: 12.4

Brewing style: Speciale Belge. This designation is strictly reserved for amber beer brewed in the Provinces of Brabant, Antwerp, East Flanders and Hainault. PALM dominates this segment in Belgium.

Taste profile: Toasty maltiness, orangey notes and very clean finish

About Latis Imports:

A collective 25 years of experience in the U.S. and global markets leading brands like Rolling Rock, Labatt Blue, Beck's, Bass, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden drove David van Wees and Anthony Giardina to create a company that mirrored their passion for developing premium beer brands. And so the idea for Latis was born and given life in Connecticut's diners and well-equipped, free wireless public libraries. At the heart of Latis is a mission to build a portfolio of authentic, craft beers from independent brewers with rich history, traditions and pride. Latis imports PALM, Belgium's best selling amber from the country's largest independent brewer. The company is headquartered in Ridgefield, CT. For more information www.latisimports.com or www.PALMbreweries.com.

SOURCE Latis Imports