Grey Goose Vodka

Grey Goose was designed for the American market in 1997 by Sidney Frank, a self-made billionaire. After the advent of the premium vodka market by rival polish vodka brand Belvedere vodka in 1996. His concept was to create a high quality vodka for Americans. He took the idea from the notion of French manufacturing having an inherent link with high perceived quality, quickly dispatching a team to Europe. Grey Goose was created as a result.

Grey Goose uses French winter wheat from an area south of Paris, distilled in a column still, and alpine spring water that has been filtered through the limestone plateau of the Massif Central. The distillation takes place in the commune of Cognac in France.

Grey Goose was sold in the largest ever single brand sale for $2 billion, in cash, to Bacardi. This sale made Frank an estimated profit of $1.6 billion. Incidentally, Frank was also behind the success of Jägermeister before launching Grey Goose. Before his death on January 10, 2006 at the age of 86, his final projects included a premium tequila named Corazon and Crunk!!! energy drink, a joint venture with hip hop entrepreneur Lil' Jon.

The success of Grey Goose in the marketplace has been credited as inspiring introduction of other overpriced vodkas.