TULSA, Okla., May 22, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Global Beverage Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:GBVS) has announced, through its portfolio company, Rudy Beverage, Inc., its appointment of Mark Duffy as the new vice president of National Foodservice Accounts. Duffy's career spans over 20 years of beverage and foodservice industry experience, including 17 years with the Coca-Cola Company where he led the negotiations and renewal of many food service and leisure entertainment accounts.
In his new position at Rudy Beverage, Inc., Duffy will manage accounts with national distributors that provide food and beverages to schools, restaurants and the military across the nation. The appointment coincides with the rollout into retail of Rudy Beverage, Inc.'s two products, RUDY! RUDY! Flying Colors(TM) and Rudy Revolution(TM) -- the company's highly anticipated line of healthy, low-sugar beverages.
"We are excited to have Mark Duffy on board as we release these special new drinks," said Rudy Beverage, Inc. co-founder and University of Notre Dame football legend Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger. "Mark brings outstanding industry experience that will help us put our best foot forward in reaching our customers."
Throughout his career with Coca-Cola, Duffy developed relationships and increased the brand's presence with companies ranging from grocery stores to fast food chains and cinemas. During this time, Duffy led the creation and development of the industry's first ever national 20-ounce contour vending program in the leisure and entertainment channel.
Among Duffy's biggest successes at Coca-Cola were the contract renewal with four major movie theater chains and the implementation of an on-pack cinema coupon program with Diet Coke, resulting in a 16 percent sales increase in three of United Artists' key markets. He also led the introduction of bottle and can availability with all Coca-Cola national cinema customers.
"Rudy Beverage, Inc. has a great future on the horizon and I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative new company and its special line of drinks that's unlike anything currently available," said Duffy.
In 1994, Duffy was elected to the board of the National Association of Concessionaires and in 1996 was appointed Chairman of Membership and Marketing for the trade association representing the recreation and leisure-time food and beverage concessions industry. Additionally, Mark has served on the board of directors for Variety Clubs International, which is among the largest children's charities in the world.
Duffy received a bachelor's degree in marketing management from Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. and currently resides in Wilton, Conn.
About Rudy Beverage, Inc.
Founded by Notre Dame sports legend Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger and Drew Carver, a beverage industry expert and son-in-law of former Fighting Irish coach Dan Devine, Rudy Beverage, Inc., is focused on creating and distributing sports drinks that offer great taste as well as healthy choices for parents, kids and athletes looking for something special. RUDY! RUDY! Flying Colors(TM) and Rudy Revolution(TM) are the first in the new line of low-sugar, high nutrition beverages that also offer Rudy's inspirational message of hope -- that "never give up" spirit immortalized in the movie "RUDY" -- on every bottle. Visit www.rudybeverage.com for more information.
About Global Beverage Solutions, Inc.
Rudy Beverage, Inc. is a majority-owned portfolio company of Global Beverage Solutions, Inc. Global Beverage Solutions, Inc. is a business development company governed under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that invests in primarily in development stage companies within the beverage industry. As a business development company, Global Beverage Solutions, Inc. provides financial guidance in addition to cash investments in the form of both loans and equity investments in its portfolio companies. Global Beverage Solutions, Inc. reports information which can be found at edgar.sec.gov and trades under the symbol, GBVS, on the OTC Bulletin Board quotation system. Additionally, company information can be found on its website at www.globalbeveragesolutions.com.