Polar Ice Vodka removes iconic bear from bottle in support of Polar Bears International

Limited edition Bear-less Bottle raises awareness for declining
polar bear population from melting sea ice

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Polar Ice® Vodka, an award-winning Canadian vodka, has re-launched their limited-edition bottle across Canada this month with the iconic polar bear missing from the label. This special bottle asks the question, "Where's the bear?", with a nod to what the future will look like as the polar bear population declines and sea ice continually melts in the arctic. For the second consecutive year, Polar Ice® is partnering with Polar Bears International, an organization focused on the conservation of polar bears and the sea ice they depend on.

"We're happy to continue working with Polar Bears International on this important initiative. As a Canadian brand whose hero is the polar bear, this was a natural partnership to raise awareness about the dangers affecting the habitats of these animals," says Kim Creighton, Brand Manager of White Spirits, Corby Spirit and Wine. "Our goal is to educate consumers to learn more about the pressing threats of climate change and ensure the species will be around for generations to come. It's not too late to sustain a future for polar bears and we hope we can encourage others to join us in getting involved."

The Limited Edition "Bear-less" Bottle returns to Canadian stores starting in January. Consumers will find informational neck-tags on the bottles about the cause, as well as a variety of ways they can take action to help.

"Last year's campaign was highly successful in raising awareness, and we're thrilled that Polar Ice plans to offer the bottles again," says Krista Wright, Executive Director of Polar Bears International. "The missing polar bear serves as a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose unless we take action on climate ? and the neck-tags provide information on how we each can help. It's a fun, catchy campaign with a serious purpose."

As we count down to International Polar Bear Day on February 27^th, Polar Ice® hopes to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate. To learn more on how you can help support the conservation of polar bears, visit polarice.ca.

Polar Bear Facts

• 60% of the estimated 26,000 polar bears live in Canada.
• The primary conservation concern for polar bears is habitat loss and reduced access to their primary prey due to climate change.
• Polar Bears International is the only conservation organization whose sole passion and focus is on polar bears. Their mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Through media, science, and advocacy, they work to inspire people to care about the Arctic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate.

For further information on Polar Bears International, visit polarbearsinternational.org 

About Polar Ice® Vodka
Polar Ice® Vodka is one of the leading Canadian Vodkas and the fourth largest vodka overall in Canada. It is owned by Corby Spirit and Wine and produced at the Hiram Walker facility in Windsor, Ontario, the largest distillery in North America.

Polar Ice® Vodka received several accolades in 2017, including:

• Gold at The Global Vodka Masters 2017
• Silver at SIP Awards 2017
• Silver Outstanding at IWSC 2017
• Silver at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017

For more information, visit polarice.ca.

About Corby Spirit and Wine
Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian marketer and distributor of spirits and imported wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser's®, Lot No. 40®, Pike Creek®, and Gooderham & Worts® Canadian whiskies as well as Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka, McGuinness® liqueurs, and the recently acquired Ungava® gin. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, Aberlour® and The Glenlivet® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo®, and Kenwood® wines. In 2017, Corby was named one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada by The Great Place to Work® Institute Canada for the sixth consecutive year, and was also listed among Greater Toronto's Top 100 Employers for the third time. Corby is a publicly traded company based in Toronto, Ontario, and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter (@CorbySW) and Instagram (@CorbySW).

SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Communications