Barton Beers, Ltd. continues to re-energize the imported beer category while simultaneously setting the pace for growth and asserting itself as the most dynamic marketer of imported beer in the U.S.

Barton Beers is the largest beer importer in 25 primarily western states. Barton Beers imports Corona Extra and the Modelo portfolio, including Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Pacifico and Modelo Especial into the western U.S. market. Barton is also the exclusive national importer of St. Pauli Girl and Tsingtao.

Drawing on its vast resources as well as the experience and knowledge of its marketing and sales force, Barton continues to gain market share and build momentum in an extremely competitive segment of the beer business.

Today, Barton represents five of the top 20 imported beer brands -- more than any other importer -- and the company has continuously outpaced industry growth.

Barton's success is due in part to its strategy of focusing on a limited but carefully targeted portfolio of leading imported and specialty brands and craftbrews. This selective strategy has enabled the company to pursue the most promising long-term opportunities, carve out profitable market niches and build brand equity.

In addition, Barton has proven to be adept at anticipating and acting on emerging industry trends and moving quickly to capitalize on evolving consumer tastes and marketplace changes.

--A STRATEGY FOR BRAND BUILDING--

BARTON LEVERAGES ITS MARKET STRENGTH AND EXPERTISE

With a vision inspired by 25 years of experience, Barton Beers is concentrating on growing its existing business while also remaining responsive to changing industry conditions and new developments.

As a large, successful company committed to professional management and representing some of the world's major brewers, Barton is uniquely positioned to embark on new initiatives, seize opportunities and leverage its market strength.

Working closely with its suppliers and its nationwide network of distributors, Barton has compiled a record of achievement and brand development success that is unprecedented in the industry.

Barton introduced Corona Extra into the U.S. in 1978. Within eight years, it was the second best-selling import in America. This outstanding achievement has never been rivaled in the history of the malt beverage industry in the U.S. Corona Extra is still setting the pace for success and now ranks as the #1 import in the U.S. In 1989, Corona Light was introduced and quickly became the second best selling imported light beer and the first imported beer to sell more than one million cases in its introductory year.

Barton also represents other outstanding Mexican beers from The Groupo Modelo Brewery - Modelo Especial, now the 7th largest import with explosive growth over the past several years; Negra Modelo, the high-quality dark Mexican ale; and Pacifico, from Mazatlan, also enjoying extraordinary growth.

Barton became the importer of the declining St. Pauli Girl Beer in 1992. Since then, the company has worked diligently to reverse this trend and now has enjoyed many consecutive years of growth. St. Pauli Girl is the second best selling German import in the U.S., and Barton has successfully re-established the brand's credibility and quality image.

Barton also represents Tsingtao Beer, the number one beer in China.

Barton Beers has always recognized the critical importance of increasing value for brand owners while also encouraging the success of its wholesalers. Working in this unique partnership, Barton provides an unparalleled level of brand support and management expertise to assist distributors and on-premise and off-premise retailers.

--A WORLD CLASS PORTFOLIO--

CORONA EXTRA: The #1 Mexican beer in the world, the #1 imported beer in U.S. and the #6 beer overall.

CORONA LIGHT: The #1 imported light beer in U.S. supermarket sales and the second best selling imported light beer.

MODELO ESPECIAL: The 7th-ranked import is a golden, full-flavored Pilsner with a subtle malt flavor.

NEGRA MODELO: The "micro from Mexico," a distinctive dark brew, now ranks in the top 25 of Import Brands.

PACIFICO: A smooth tasting lager with a delightful hop aroma, ranks as the #14 imported beer.

ST. PAULI GIRL: Beer connoisseur and author Michael Jackson calls it a "four-star, world class status" brew. Full-bodied taste and hoppy aroma. The second best selling German beer in America, now growing at a healthy rate.

ST. PAULI GIRL DARK: Remarkably smooth with a light hop character and rich malty taste.

ST. PAULI N.A.: Rated the "number-one non-alcoholic beer" by the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and Men's Health Magazine.

TSINGTAO: The #1 beer in China and the #1 Chinese beer in America, it has a malty flavor and well-hopped character.