INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Petersburg-based technology company has filed a trademark application in Russia for a new vodka brand named Trumpovka in honor of U.S
holding an accordion.RAU IT provides digital solutions and software development for Russian giants such as Gazprom, Rosatom and Lukoil, yet
it has no background in the beverage industry.The company said it has no immediate plans to release Trumpovka but aims to protect the brand
non-alcoholic products, such as mineral water and isotonic drinks aimed at office workers.RAU IT, co-owned by Yuri Pavlov and Commercial
Director Eduard Przhibysh, generated revenue of over 157 million rubles ($1.6 million) last year, with net profits of around 5 million
figures in branding.It follows the precedent set by Putinka, an iconic vodka brand launched in 2003 as a tribute to President Vladimir Putin
brand, Volodya i Medvedy (Volodya and the Bears), which alludes to Putin and Medvedev, famously faced legal hurdles before it secured
trademark approval.Trump, who does not drink, has himself previously ventured into the vodka market with Trump Vodka in 2005
Production of Trump-branded vodka ceased in 2011 due to low sales and contractual disputes, though the product continues to be sold in
Israel around Passover as a kosher, potato-based drink.This article was originally published by bne IntelliNews.
