MGP Joins Distilled Spirits Council

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) and MGP (Nasdaq:MGPI) today jointly announced that the Atchison, Kansas-based company is joining the national trade association for producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States.

MGP supplies premium distilled spirits, produced at the company's Atchison, Kansas and Lawrenceburg, Indiana facilities, to customers ranging in size from leading national and international companies to small distillers and producers. MGP's distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas.  

Additionally, MGP has recently introduced its own limited edition premium bourbon whiskey, Metze's Select.  

MGP got its start in the distilled spirits industry in the 1940s producing grain neutral spirits and gins for bottlers and rectifiers of varying sizes. In 2011, MGP purchased the Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery, which was established in 1847, and added whiskey to the company's spirits portfolio.

"MGP has a long history of producing premium spirits products for distillers of all sizes, here and abroad," said DISCUS President and CEO Peter H. Cressy.  "It is great to add them to the DISCUS membership, and we look forward to working with MGP to continue to support laws and regulations that are favorable to our industry and our customers."

MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin said: "MGP has a long proud history in the distilled spirits industry. As a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits, joining DISCUS is an important step in the evolution of our company. We are excited about our membership in DISCUS, which further demonstrates our commitment to playing an increasingly active role in this industry."

The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing America's leading brands of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Since 1935, the Council and its predecessor organizations have served as the industry's voice on public policy and legislative issues in the nation's capital, state capitals and foreign capitals worldwide. A strong commitment to responsibility is the foundation of every aspect of its policy and programs. 

MGP becomes DISCUS' 15th voting member. In addition, DISCUS has 127 small distiller affiliate members in 35 states.

About MGP

MGP is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science and backed by over 170 years of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

CONTACT: Shanae Randolph or Steve Pickman, MGP (913) 367-1480
         Frank Coleman, DISCUS (202) 682-8840

Released October 13, 2015