Beverage – Keep It Overproof!

Gambrinus Takes Texan Mindset to “Domestic” Space

Dear Client: Gambrinus’ Spoetzl Brewery (makers of Shiner Beer) is entering the “classic” beer space with a classic of its own: Texas Special. Indeed, the company is digging deep into its vault to revive the heritage brand, believing it has found white space in the increasingly crowded space of domestic, er American lagers with a decidedly Texan approach. It plans to compete in the space this year with Texas Special at a “fair” price point and sizable investment, all while keeping a healthy distance from the notable Shiner brand. We’ll dive deeper...

Distribs Across the Country Share Best Practices

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: We’ve talked to a ton of distributors over the past week to get a feel for how they’re adapting in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. One common theme, no matter the person’s time in the beer industry, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” One distributor described it to me as, “It’s like flying a 747 right above the treeline. You’ll probably be okay, but you can’t make any mistakes.” We are truly in uncharted waters. So with essentially every wholesaler learning on the fly right now, we figured it would...

California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington, and Indiana Shut Down On-Premise

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: Your editor told the Chicago Tribune on Friday that this past weekend would be crucial in telling the tale of how the coronavirus has and will affect the beer industry, particularly on-premise, and indeed the worm has turned. It’s worse than we thought. Much worse. The dam broke on Sunday afternoon on the Ides of March, as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered all restaurants and bars across the state to be closed to dine-in customers until at least March 30. Delivery and drive up will remain open. This will be effective end-of-business tonight. Ohio Governor...

The show goes on: New products that would’ve launched at ProWein

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

Despite ProWein’s cancellation due to the ongoing threat posed by coronavirus (Covid-19), business in the trade goes on, even though the show on this occasion has not. Here’s db’s rundown of products that were due to be launched at ProWein this week and the alternative plans producers are having to make to showcase them. Digital seems to be the way forward, as producers scamble to get their new launches in front of customers and clients, but as one exhibitor said, “We’re working with our clients as best we can – by video conference and email – to try...

Coors Light Halting “Official Beer of ‘Working’ Remotely” Spots

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: The coronavirus/COVID-19 is affecting marketing, too, apparently. At Molson Coors Beverage Co’s Houston distributor convention last month, we teased a key, new spring Coors Light ad. The spot was a play on the notorious loss of work productivity during March Madness. It landed well with distributors. Those ads are now being pulled — … Continue reading “Coors Light Halting “Official Beer of ‘Working’ Remotely” Spots” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Entering the U.S. Market with a New Alcohol Brand

Posted in Beer, Industry, Spirits, Wine.

While the final numbers are not in, alcohol sales in the U.S. are expected to hit $166.4 billion for 2019. This makes the U.S. a lucrative market, but also a competitive one. There is an endless list of companies looking to secure their share of the market, but without a unique product and excellent promotion efforts, it is all too easy to get lost in the shuffle. Use these tips to develop a strategy that will help your new beverage alcohol brand successfully enter and take hold in a crowded industry. Understand the market landscape One key to successfully introducing a new brand...

How to Get a Distributor to Sell My Product

Posted in Industry.

You have a great product and you are ready to get it on the market and in the hands of consumers — but where do you start? Many manufacturers turn to distributors to help them connect with retailers, market and ship their products. Use this guide to better understand the manufacturer/distributor relationship, set the right price for your product and sell it to distributors. Why use a distributor Manufacturers can either sell their products directly to retailers and consumers or partner with a distributor. Direct sales come with a long list of challenges. You have to be able to store...

Organisers of Vinexpo New York say coronavirus ‘has not impacted’ event

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

The two-day Vinexpo New York 2020 opened as planned on Monday at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, but a degree of uncertainty hangs over the event as to whether coronavirus-related travel restrictions and growing American caution over contact with European visitors will dampen attendance. Officially, the word is no, and the organisers, Diversified Communications, have addressed the virus issue in the “safety” section of its website: “We… are monitoring the situation regarding the novel coronavirus, both in the U.S. and internationally. The current situation has...

Roganic & Aulis HK celebrate Women’s Day with special wine list

Posted in Beer, Spirits, Wine.

The Hong Kong branches of Roganic and Aulis are honouring International Women’s Day with special wine pairing menus featuring only female winemakers throughout March. Michelin starred chef Simon Rogan’s one-Michelin-starred Roganic Hong Kong and development kitchen Aulis Hong Kong will launch a specially curated wine menu featuring wine and Champagnes from around the world made by women. Available from 1-31 March 2020, the wine pairing menus designed alongside the lunch and dinner tasting menus at the two restaurants are priced at HK$680 for six glasses of wine. Created by the recently...

Yes, Virginia, There is a Coors Seltzer

Posted in Beer, Industry.

Dear Client: Sofia Colucci opened day 2 of the Molson Coors Beverage Company distributor show with a stable of seltzer plays for the future. For those wondering if Coors would indeed line extend for a marquee seltzer: Wait no more. They’re launching Coors Seltzer in July with a full 360 media campaign. It capitalizes on … Continue reading “Yes, Virginia, There is a Coors Seltzer” You are unauthorized to view this page. Read the full article

Tag: Beverage