BUSAN ― Pernod Ricard Korea has donated 100 million won ($88,800) to Busan to help the local government promote bicycling, the local unit of the French drinks group said Sunday.
The funds will be used to help create a bike park and set up related facilities in the southeastern port city, said the company, which distributes Ballantine’s and Imperial whiskies, Chivas Regal scotch and Absolut Vodka.
The donation also coincides with the launch of a limited edition of the company’s Imperial whisky dedicated to Busan.
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Pernod Ricard Korea’s managing director Jean-Manuel Spriet (right) poses with Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik after donating 100 million won ($88,800) to the city on Friday. (Pernod Ricard Korea) |
The Imperial Classic 12 Busan City Edition is the latest and third regional version of the popular whisky, only available in the region. It features the graphics of three symbols of Busan ― the Gwangan Bridge, seagulls and high-rise buildings that dominate the skyline.
Two other limited editions were introduced in Jeju, Korea’s southernmost resort island, and Pyeongchang, the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
“We are very much embedded in our corporate future and social responsibility. And we’d like to pay tribute to communities where we’re doing business,” Jean-Manuel Spriet, managing director of Pernod Ricard Korea, told a news conference in Busan on Friday.
Kim Sang-hoon, a brand manager for the whisky, added that the newest product will also help crank up the stagnant whisky market here and bolster the company’s brand recognition among local customers.
The Imperial Classic 12 Busan City Edition will be sold at 24,915 won for a 500-milliliter bottle starting Sunday.
By Shin Hyon-hee (
heeshin@heraldcorp.com)
