NAVAN Prepares for 2009 Natural Vanilla Harvest in Madagascar - Rarity and Hand Craftsmanship...

NAVAN Prepares for 2009 Natural Vanilla Harvest in Madagascar - Rarity and
Hand Craftsmanship Define the Making of NAVAN Natural Vanilla Liqueur

NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer marks the start of the natural
vanilla harvest and the focus of the spice trade turns to the exotic shores of
the east African nation of Madagascar, producer of the exquisitely rare
"Bourbon Vanille". For NAVAN(R) Natural Vanilla Liqueur, the most recent
creation from the House of Grand Marnier(R), the vanilla harvest is a time of
anticipation, intense activity, and global preparation. Madagascar "Bourbon"
Vanilla, considered the world's best, is one of the most complex spices,
highly valued for its pure, delicate flavor. The essence of NAVAN, natural
vanilla from Madagascar also ranks among the world's most expensive spices
(second only to saffron), and a shortfall can cause a global panic among
devotees of the spice.

Long journey towards Natural Vanilla

Natural vanilla comes from the rare Vanilla Orchid, an exotic plant whose
iconic flower is the symbol of NAVAN. The vanilla beans grow on a climbing
orchid vine that thrives in shady spots of a hot and humid climate. Its
potency lies in the fruit, known as the vanilla pod, which is born out of a
pollinated flower. It's not as easy as it sounds -- a single flower produces a
single fruit and each orchid must be hand pollinated. After 18 months the
yellow-white flowers begin to bloom, slowly maturing into slender beans or
pods. Each orchid blossoms only one day a year, for several hours. The
fruits, which resemble big green beans, must remain on the vine for nine
months in order to completely develop their signature aromas. The harvested
beans have neither flavor nor fragrance. They develop these distinctive
properties during the long curing process, a painstaking elaboration similar
to cask aging for a fine cognac that accounts for the quality and intensity of
the vanilla flavor.

Unique expertise from the House of Grand Marnier

For the makers of NAVAN, the cultivation and curing of the highest grade
natural vanilla marks the first step towards their signature vanilla liqueur.
While the harvest places NAVAN at the mercy of nature and the elements -- the
elaboration of NAVAN is entirely handcrafted and controlled. Combining fine
Cognac with another flavor -- in NAVAN's case, natural vanilla -- requires a
unique expertise perfected by the House of Grand Marnier for over 125 years.
Madagascar natural vanilla is delicately blended with fine aged Cognac to
achieve the singular style of NAVAN.

Learn more about NAVAN and the 2009 Natural Vanilla Harvest

NAVAN cocktails capture the essence of Madagascar natural vanilla. For further
inquiries, including interviews and sample requests e-mail
gabriella@gregorywhitepr.com.

About NAVAN

NAVAN Natural Vanilla Liqueur is the most recent creation from the House of
Grand Marnier, world renowned for its expertise in making ultra premium
liqueurs. Benefiting from Grand Marnier's unique heritage and craftsmanship,
NAVAN is made exclusively with natural vanilla from Madagascar, considered the
world's best. Exclusively imported by Moet Hennessy USA, NAVAN retails at
$39.00 per 750-ml bottle, and is available nationally at chic night spots,
fine restaurants, and wine and spirits retailers in all major US cities.
Visit www.navanworld.com.

SOURCE NAVAN

Gabriella Macari, +1-718-403-9473, gabriella@gregorywhitepr.com