It acquired Heublein wines and spirits in 1987, which made it one of the largest producers of wines and spirits in the world, and gave the company ownership of the Smirnoff brand.
Heublein also held American import and distribution rights to non-alcoholic beverages such as Perrier mineral water and Rose's Lime Juice.
In 1938 Kunett could not afford to pay for the necessary sales licences, and contacted John Martin, president of Heublein, who agreed to buy the rights to Smirnoff for the value of the distilling equipment.
Jack Martin was owner of Heublein, producer of Smirnoff, and the source of his sister, Helen Martin's wealth that enabled her to be the university's anonymous benefactor.
Heublein |