In the spirits industry, innovative, trend−setting brands the ingredients to success and industry longevity. Luctor International, with its Van Gogh brand, is making a name for itself based on this principle and David van de Velde, the company’s president, is determined to remain one inventive and delicious flavor ahead of his competition.

Having bottled his passion for the spirits industry in 1983 when he started importing his first major vodka brand, van de Velde now applies his business acumen and his ability to forecast the tastes of his consumers to Van Gogh’s diverse, flavored vodka line. Regularly introducing unique flavors such as Double Espresso®, Pomegranate and Acai-Blueberry®, which also feature color − a new concept in the vodka market − has allowed Van Gogh Vodka to establish a loyal following. As a result, in 2006 and 2007, Van Gogh Vodka was named the "Fast Track Brand" by Adams Beverage Group.

To take his products to the next level and distinguish the packaging of his vodkas from those of his competition, van de Velde cleverly capitalized on the trademarked Vincent Van Gogh name and designed the bottles in which his super premium vodkas are housed with colorful artwork inspired by the Dutch artist.

Today, Luctor International is one of the fastest growing and most notable high−end spirits importers in the United States. Each Van Gogh flavored vodka has earned superior ratings from Spirit Journal and Wine Enthusiast.

David van de Velde is the president of Luctor International, importers of award−winning Van Gogh Vodka, Van Gogh Gin and EspreXXO 19/90.

Mr. van de Velde founded Luctor International in 1982 to import beer from Holland, his native country. In 1999, Mr. van de Velde began importing award−winning ultra−premium Van Gogh Gin and in 2000, five−star rated Van Gogh Vodka, Citroen and Oranje were introduced. Today, the company imports the largest selection of super premium flavored vodkas, along with gin and liqueurs.

A native of Zierikzee, Holland, prior to Luctor International, he was a ship's officer and port captain for Holland America Line. He piloted freight and cruise ships and was a pioneer of container shipping.