Dear Client:Craig Wolf, ceo of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, led a panel at the NCSLA (National Conference of State Liquor Administrators) titled: “The New Cyberwine Merchants: Creating New Boundaries of Wine Distribution.” There are many different types of cyberwine merchants, and the panelists represented some of those various models. John Hinman, Partner, … Continue reading “Panel Debate on Cyberwine Merchants”

Dear Client:Automating compliance systems seem like a common sense move but regulators still need a push in making the switch, according to a panel led by Alex Heckathorn, moderator, who is also the principal of Compliance Service of America. “Automation can be very helpful to you,” he said. The explosive growth in SKUs from wineries … Continue reading “The Move Towards Automation”

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”

Dear Client:New Vine Logistics (which assists wineries in shipping direct to consumers) suspended operations Friday and informed winery clients via email that it would not be processing any new orders, according to Winebusiness.com.Recall that Amazonwine.com had planned on partnering with New Vine once the website and its foray into the wine business officially began (which … Continue reading “New Vine Collapses, Amazon Deal Unlikely”

Dear Client:Spirits volumes grew 3.6% in March in control states, whereas volumes grew only 0.2% in February, reports UBS analyst Melissa Earlam based on NABCA data. March benefited from easy comps of -5.2% year over year. Diageo lost some slight share in the month, although volumes grew 3.4%. It grew share in rum with volumes … Continue reading “Spirits grow 4% in Control States”

Dear Client:To say it has been a busy year for Rocky Wirtz is an understatement. As you know, Rocky is the president of Wirtz Beverage Group, which operates in five states, and has overseen a number of changes in the past seven months. After Glazer’s and Southern Wine & Spirits announced intentions to create a … Continue reading “A Talk with Rocky Wirtz”