Many businesses are feeling the financial pinch in this down economy. But there are some that are still thriving and doing better than ever.
There are dozens of vodka brands to choose from, but there's one locally owned brand that's shaking things up.
"My idea is to be a kind of Sam Adams beer. Where it started in Boston and now known throughout the world as one of the top micro-brews," said Paul Kozub, Creator of Valley Vodka.
Paul Kozub began Valley Vodka in 2005. He started distilling his own brand in his Hadley basement. V1 Vodka is now made in Poland, but the wheat it is made from is still grown here in the Pioneer Valley. Kozub ships the grain overseas, and imports 50,000 bottles of finished vodka every year. The brand has been growing ever since.
"V1 grew for the third consecutive year at over 30%," said Kozub.
It seems his Valley Vodka is recession-proof. While so many businesses are in a slump, his is expanding.
"The next step is selling in the Boston area," said Kozub.
Sales of alcohol across the country are increasing. But reports say it's the less expensive brands that people are spending more money on. A bottle of V1 costs about 25 dollars.
"I think a lot of the lower end brands are doing well. There's a term called trading down, consumers are going from luxury vodka to middle of the road. I think we've been insulated from that because we are local, people have a connection to V1," said Kozub.
