In Celebration of its 300th Anniversary, Fortnum & Mason Brings its Tradition of Quality Provisions and Superior Celebratory Offerings to the U.S.

LOS ANGELES, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In a highly anticipated move, Fortnum and Mason is now delivering the legendary English store's experience to the brand's many American devotees and for all American arbiters of the finest things.

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On April 28, 2008 Fortnum and Mason debuts their U.S. web site while continuing to add product content and enhance the site -- both visually and operationally -- with full completion slated for autumn 2008. In addition to Fortnum's U.S. web site, the brands signature products will be available to American consumers via multiple initiatives including a catalogue, shop-in-shops and other retail formats currently under development.

The brand's expansion into the U.S. market follows the recent $50 million refurbishment of its famousLondon store and coincides with the passing of the store's Tercentenary (yes that is correct, the 300th birthday) -- celebrated with a private opening party with HRH The Prince of Wales.

"Based on consumer demand, and the strength of Fortnum's brand, we are very excited to be fulfilling the first phase of our U.S. development plan with the launch of our web site," said Managing Director, Beverley Aspinall. "Our online presence here will ensure Fortnum's signature epicurean and celebratory offerings are now more readily available to U.S. consumers nationwide. To deliver the Fortnum & Mason's experience to the Americas, Will Stabler has been appointed the President and General Manager for the U.S., Canadian andCaribbean markets."

Scouring the world to bring the finest foods to customers, the appeal of Fortnum & Mason reaches across the globe and the store now has a presence in Japan,Russia,Australia andSingapore. With prominent web presence now in the U.S. -- and Fortnum's ability to deliver the products nationwide -- admirers no longer have to be inLondon, England to get a taste of the store.

Values and History

Mr. William Fortnum was a footman in the royal household of Queen Anne, whose main task was to replenish spent candles each night. A legitimate perk was to re-melt the stubs to create new candles to sell -- this proved so successful that in 1707 Fortnum set up his own shop, in partnership with his landlord, Hugh Mason. The royal connection stood them in good stead, and the quality of their merchandise and reputation for trustworthiness meant the business flourished.

Today Fortnum & Mason continues to be renowned not just for the quality and depth of its product range and the consistency and professionalism of the service but also for the unique environment and atmosphere which is synonymous with the store.

The Very Best in Food, Entertainment & Celebrations

For three centuries Fortnum's has been committed to bringing the world's best ingredients and foods to Piccadilly, from every continent ... from spices, oils, vinegars, pickles and chutneys to rare teas, exotic coffees and the finest biscuits. The expert buyers at Fortnum & Mason trawl the world to find the best suppliers of everything the store sells, from tea to china, from chocolate to perfume.

Fortnum's are the definitive purveyor of everything to do with 'tea' which was the brand's first speciality. In 1707 they undertook the revolutionary enterprise of making tea accessible at a time when it was generally confined to the aristocracy. Three centuries later, Fortnum's sells more tea than ever and boasts some of the rarest selections in the world.

Whilst food remains the soul of Fortnum & Mason, its history and reputation is also deeply rooted in providing the finest array of gifts from the most refined to the most unusual. At Fortnum's you will be able to find something that even the-person-who-has-it-all doesn't have ... from kitchen linens to toiletries and toys. Fortnum & Mason offers the highest quality hampers, gifts of genuine distinction, for all seasons.

They famously pioneered the classic food hamper, centuries ago, with the purpose of providing the comforts of home to those on the front line during the war.

To celebrate its Tercentenary, Fortnum & Mason has created a range of special celebratory products -- in limited quantities, all packaged in distinctive black, gold and eau de nil livery -- from classic and speciality teas and coffees to 'Champagne Truffles' and 'Rose and Violet Creams'.

U.S. Shoppers can now go to www.fortnumandmason-usa.com for all their food and celebration needs.

About Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc.

Fortnum & Mason LLC formed Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc. to satisfy the ever increasing demand for Fortnum's world renowned food and celebration products on the other side of the pond, both for the consumer and corporate gifting. Fortnum & Mason USA, Inc. 5 Edgemoor Road, Suite 210Wilmington, DE 19809 302-764-5200; URL: www.fortnumandmason-usa.com

About Fortnum & Mason plc

Fortnum & Mason is the 300 year old quintessentially English company that specializes in food and service and has come to define the very definition of Englishness; with a global presence. For over three centuries, Fortnum & Mason has continued to bring the spirit of entertainment and celebration alive. Fortnum & Mason plc, 181 Piccadilly,London W1A 1ER,United Kingdom. +44 (0) 20 7734 8040; URL: www.fortnumandmason.com.

SOURCE Fortnum & Mason

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