Dear Client:Vodka and tequila were the two spirits categories that showed the most momentum in the four weeks to May 30, based on Nielsen scan data from food, drug and major market liquor stores. Vodka continued to push the most dollar sales and cases, and still managed to grow 5.1% in sales and volume, respectively. … Continue reading “Vodka Gains Share in May”

Dear Client:The memo from New Vine Logistics (NVL) released yesterday was rather vague as you’ll recall, particularly regarding the auction of NVL’s assets. Since then WSD has done some digging and we’ve come up with further details. As you know, Inertia Beverage Group (IBG) is holding a public auction to foreclose their newly acquired interest … Continue reading “Details of NVL Auction “Under Wraps,” Say Sources”

Dear Client:Bacardi Limited has named Jacques Croisetière, 55, as cfo and senior vp to succeed Ralph Morera, 64, who is retiring. Jacques will join the company August 3 and will be based at the company’s global headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda, subject to approval by the Bermuda Department of Immigration. Jacques was most recently at Rohm … Continue reading “Bacardi Limited Names New CFO”

Dear Client:New data from Information Resources (IRI) reveals that wines are picking up momentum in convenience stores versus the more traditional grocery and drugstore channel.DOMESTICS TAKE THE LEAD. Domestic wines in particular showed impressive growth, up 6.5% in dollar sales and 6.4% in volume, in the four weeks to June 14. In fact, domestic wines … Continue reading “Wine Building Larger Presence in C-Stores”

Dear Client:Constellation continued to focus on streamlining its business in Q1 of fiscal 2010, or the three months ended May 31, while the company also experienced adverse effects from the economy and reduced inventory.In the spirit of simplification, Constellation undertook three main initiatives in recent months. One, the company “took steps over the past 18 … Continue reading “Distributor Consolidation Underway for Constellation”

Dear Client:Two representatives from the Marin Institute spoke on a panel at the NCSLA yesterday, where one of the ladies – Michele Simon, Research & Policy Director for the Marin Institute – outlined problems with Discus’ self-imposed Code of Responsible Practices Semi-Annual report and the “We Don’t Serve Teens” program.In her speech, Michele outlined what … Continue reading “Marin Critiques Industry on Social Responsibility”

Dear Client:Supermarket spirits sales continue to hold up during the recession, with May volumes post a 2.3% gain, according to Nielsen scans reported by UBS analyst Melissa Earlam. That coincides with a 12 week trend of up 2.4% and a 52 week trend of up 2.5%. So spirits volume gains are staying fairly steady, although … Continue reading “Spirits Holding up Off-Premise as Pricing and Mix Slide”

Dear Client:Brown-Forman chief Paul Varga said he’s “pleased” with the company’s fiscal 2009 results ended April 30 “given today’s global economy…our our underlying operating income growth rate continues to be in the top tier of major wine and spirit companies.” He also sent a strong message to analysts and shareholders: “Most importantly, in an environment … Continue reading “Jack Daniel’s Barrels through Recession”

Dear Client:Constellation Brands has agreed to settle with the Federal Trade Commission on charges that its advertising for Wide Eye Schnapps (a caffeinated alcohol drink) “was deceptive, unsubstantiated, and in violation of federal law.” According to a statement from the FTC, the proposed settlement bars Constellation from making these allegedly “deceptive claims” that “consumers who … Continue reading “Constellation Charged with “Deceptive” Marketing”

Dear Client:Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are cutting ties with the Century Council over ignition interlocks according to a new article in the Wall Street Journal. They’ve asked the group to “stop proclaiming that it’s MADD’s partner in the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving,” and stop using MADD’s logo on its website.The problem hinges on … Continue reading “MADD Separates from the Century Council”

Dear Client:Foster’s Wine Estates announced this afternoon that Bruce Herman, senior vice president of U.S. sales, will resign October 1. The company said he will continue in his current role through June and then transition into a temporary position overseeing strategic sales projects. Foster’s also noted that “a search has begun for a replacement,” but … Continue reading “Foster’s Americas SVP Bruce Herman Departs”

Dear Client:In the first part of our interview yesterday we sat down with the boys at Philadelphia Distributing, best known for their Blue Coat gin: Andrew Auwerda, Robert Cassell and Tim Yarnall. In April Alain Barbet, the former chief of Pernod Ricard Americas, jumped on board as the company’s senior advisor, and since then it … Continue reading “Part II: A Talk with Philadelphia Distilling”

Dear Client:Sources are telling the San Francisco Business Times that 1-800-Flowers.com, the parent company of Napa’s Wine Tasting Network Services, is close to securing a deal to purchase New Vine Logistics. According to the article, “an announcement is said to be imminent.” Wine Tasting Network provides winery and wine club direct marketing services, as well … Continue reading “Alert: 1-800-Flowers.com May Purchase New Vine Logistics”

Dear Client:You’ll recall in April when we announced that Alain Barbet (former chief of Pernod Ricard Americas) signed up as senior advisor for Philadelphia Distilling, producers of Blue Coat American Dry Gin, Penn 1681 Rye Vodka, and Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure. If you’re like us, you’ve never heard of Blue Coat Gin before Alain jumped … Continue reading “A Talk with Philadelphia Distilling on the Burgeoning World of Craft Spirits”

Dear Client:As you know, it was announced yesterday that New Vine is closing, much to the shock of investors, customers and even employees. This development likely puts an end to Amazon’s supposed foray into the wine business since the two companies planned on partnering once the site launched. The deal was never solid enough for … Continue reading “More on New Vine’s Surprising Departure”