THE LOCALS
BRAND OWNER PROFILE
A Family Matter
By Victoria CeCe
PREISS IMPORT’S QUEST FOR QUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Beverage Director at the Century Plaza Hotel in L.A. (left), Bartender at the Century Plaza Hotel, (middle), Erich Preiss (right), taken back in the 60’s.
Extending over half a century and many generations. Forty different spirits. Sixteen different countries (and counting). That’s Preiss Imports. A family-run company from the start, there’s no doubt that the Preiss family are pioneers in the spirit industry. This niche import company is behind some of the most invigorating artisanal beverages on the market. This all began with one major move, a father’s vision and his son’s big dreams.
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CHILLED MAGAZINE
Henry Preiss, CEO and founder of Preiss Imports, fondly remembers how their family import business found its footing. It all began in Germany over 60 years ago. “My father brought our family over from Germany to the USA in 1961. My father had a sales territory in Germany where he sold food, wines, and spirits,” explains Preiss. “He proposed to his suppliers for some sponsorship funds to help him start his company in the states. With a few dollars in his pocket, some sponsorships, we packed up and immigrated.”
