Industry – Keep It Overproof!

Topgolf is Committed to Cracking Seltzer

Dear Client: Topgolf is already just about the top bev alc on premise concept in its markets, second only to professional sports stadiums for alcohol sales [see BBD 02-15-2019]. The concept is about to pour even more suds and liquor. They opened eight new venues last year, for a total of 60 units. And they’re … Continue reading “Topgolf is Committed to Cracking Seltzer” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Ornellaia artists series marks ‘radiant’ 2017

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Super Tuscan Ornellaia has revealed the latest artwork in its ‘Vendemmia d’Artista’ series, with designs by Tomás Saraceno to illustrate the “radiant” character of the 2017 vintage. © Photography by Studio Tomás Saraceno, 2019 Every year the Italian estate invites an artist to “interpret” the latest vintage and Argentine Saraceno was chosen to design a variety of illustrations on the theme ‘Solare’ or ‘radiant’. The 2017 vintage was one of extremes in Italy, with above-average temperatures, bad spring frosts...

Boston Beer Sells More, Makes Less

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: Those who read CBD know that Boston Beer pulled out another stellar quarter for depletions growth, which was up 25% (including 6 points from Dogfish Head) for the quarter and 22% for the year. That’s their seventh straight quarter of double-digit growth. But that growth ain’t cheap. They’re running contract at City Brewing … Continue reading “Boston Beer Sells More, Makes Less” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Ex-Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews wins US$2 million investment for low ABV ‘spirit’

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, the founder of low ABV spirit brand The Clean Liquor Co, has raised US$2 million from Lightspeed Venture Partners. Spencer Matthews attending his launch of The Clean Liquor Company, at The Trading House in London last year. Clean Liquor was selected from a group of 50 international producers to get backing from the US investment firm. Nicole Quinn, partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, which has stakes in social network Snapchat and Goop, said the firm seeks out businesses that are “not just disruptive but rather represent a generational...

UK drinks SMEs call for duty cut

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

A collection of British winemakers, distillers and retailers have called on the new chancellor to cut the duty in his next budget to help boost business. The companies, all considered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have signed an open letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak appealing for a cut of 2% in wine and spirit duty to help their businesses flourish. Currently, the duty levied on spirits (£8.05 per bottle) means that British distillers paid 52% of all spirits duty receipts collected across the EU in 2018/19. Karl Mason, founder of Masons Yorkshire Gin, said: “Mr Sunak...

Constellation Tiptoes into Domestics With Two Lane Golden Lager

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: We seem to remember, in the last couple years, Constellation brass saying they could even get into the domestics business someday. It looks like that time is now. Today the company is announcing a partnership with country music star Luke Bryan to bring “Two Lane American Golden Lager” to market. They’re calling it … Continue reading “Constellation Tiptoes into Domestics With Two Lane Golden Lager” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Taste premium rum, canned wine, craft gin and alcoholic tea at the Wine & Spirits Show

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

We bring you a sneak peak of what to expect at our Wine & Spirits Show taking place in Westminster this April. After a two sell-out shows in 2019 and 2018, attended by over 1500 people, we are thrilled to announce that our Wine & Spirits Show will be back at One Whitehall Place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2020. The exhibitors So far we’ve had a handful of very big names in the wine world sign up to take part in our two-day exhibition this year. Ehrmanns-owned wine brand Beefsteak Club, Italian giants Bosco Viticultori and Zonin, and Spanish and Portuguese brokerage specialises...

AB InBev buys Argentine winery Dante Robino

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Argentine brewery Quilmes, which is owned by AB InBev, has acquired the Dante Robino winery with plans to double the producer’s share of the domestic market in two years. According to reports from Argentine media, the sale was agreed on 17 February. The sale includes the winery’s 5ha estate and vineyards in the Perdriel area of Luján de Cuyo. While the financial terms have not been disclosed, Martin Ticinese president of Quilmes brewery, told Los Andes that all 74 jobs would be retained and María Soledad Buenanueva would remain as head winemaker. He also told the publication...

Being John Sacksteder

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: This dude John Sacksteder is the busiest person in the beer business, and I almost feel sorry for him. He’s either going to be a hero, or….. The poor guy is in charge of supply chain for the fastest growing bev-alc company in decades, Mark Anthony Brands, and while some folks conjectured that … Continue reading “Being John Sacksteder” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Supply chain ‘stuffed’ as US consumers see lowest wine prices for 20 years

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

US wine consumers are set to enjoy the “best wine retail values in 20 years” due to oversupply and shrinking demand, a new report has said, as it warns producers that “the supply chain is stuffed”. Sunset over a vineyard in Napa Valley, California, USA. The Silican Valley Bank‘s State of the Wine Industry 2020 Report report blamed a number of issues, including oversupply along with the failure of the industry to engage with new consumers and adapt to consumer changes. Author Rob McMillan said the problem did not lie in speculative over-supply but in the failure...

Category: Industry