Jose Cuervo Announces 14 Olympic Hopefuls, Ranking Champions and Emerging Stars as Members of the 'New' 2008 Team Cuervo

MIAMI, April 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move that marks its commitment to elevating the sport of professional beach volleyball, Jose Cuervo, the world's largest producer of Tequila, today announced its sponsorship of 14 top AVP world-class athletes -- collectively known as "Team Cuervo." Through its expanded partnership, the brand aims to increase exposure of professional beach volleyball, the AVP's world-class athletes and the sport's all-encompassing lifestyle.

"Cuervo is committed to helping these incredible AVP athletes succeed. We were so pleased with last season's results that we expanded this year's program," said Toby Whitmoyer, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo. "Sponsorship means more to the brand than providing the athletes with financial assistance. We intend to support Team Cuervo with the guidance and tools to achieve the goals they have each set out for themselves in 2008."

Team Cuervo's 2008 roster consists of top AVP players that embody Jose Cuervo's personality, commitment to promoting responsible drinking, and exciting lifestyle on and off the volleyball court. This season's Team Cuervo consists of not only established beach volleyball professionals, but players that are on the cusp of greatness and continue to demonstrate potential and dedication to the sport, including:

    -- Olympic hopefuls Jen Boss and April Ross (2006 Rookie of the Year)
    -- David Fischer, who travels to every tournament in his Jose Cuervo
       Volley Trolley  (http://www.jackanddave.multiply.com)
    -- Michelle More and Suzanne Stonebarger -- known as "Team Gorgeous," both
       women are veterans of Team Cuervo
    -- Olympic hopefuls Casey Jennings, a crowd favorite and veteran Team
       Cuervo member known for his playing enthusiasm, and Matt Fuerbringer
    -- 2002 AVP Rookie of the Year Angie Akers and partner Brooke Hanson
    -- Volleyball stars Hans Stolfus and Ty Loomis, recently named one of
       Men's Fitness Top 25 Fittest Athletes
    -- Aaron Wachtfogel and former Olympian Mark Williams
    -- Passionate up-and-comer Ryan Mariano

"The AVP and Jose Cuervo are more than just a sport and Tequila -- they represent lifestyles, and Team Cuervo's members are ambassadors to that culture," Whitmoyer added. "As such, Team Cuervo will also be reminding fans that no matter where life's excitement may take them, they should always drink and live responsibly."

The brand first entered into formal sponsorship of four AVP athletes during the 2007 season. Michelle More and Suzanne Stonebarger, collectively known as "Team Gorgeous" as well as crowd favorites Casey Jennings and Mark Williams serve as the team's veteran members. Jose Cuervo has been involved with the sport since 1978 and became one of professional volleyball's first corporate sponsors in 1988. Its dedication has helped build the sport into the popular spectator game it is today. The brand became a title sponsor of The Cuervo Gold Crown in 2006. The series consists of three competitive AVP tournaments, which as a group, offer a higher payout than any other tournament on the Tour. The Cuervo Gold Crown events are the first three tournaments this season scheduled to take place in Miami (April 11-13), Dallas (April 18-20) and Huntington Beach (May 2-4).

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of Tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of Tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial, the world's best-selling Tequila, Jose Cuervo Clasico, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix. For more information, visit http://www.cuervo.com.

Jose Cuervo Tequilas are imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo PLC. Based in London, Diageo PLC is the world's leading spirits and wine company and is traded on the NYSE under the symbol DEO. For more information, visit http://www.diageo.com.

    Contacts:
    Jim Sias                              Greg Leonard
    Taylor                                Diageo
    212-714-5734                          646-223-2111
    jsias@taylorpr.com                    greg.leonard@diageo.com