Grey Goose will be the Official Sponsor of the 2007 Breeders’ Cup World Championships (BCWC) to be held in Oceanport, N.J., Oct. 26-27. It has also entered a multi-year agreement to sponsor the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.In addition, Grey Goose will continue to be title sponsor of the Grey Goose Vodka Breeders’ Cup … Continue reading “GREY GOOSE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF BREEDERS’ CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS”

In a small victory for critics, the European Commission has agreed to compromise on some of its highly controversial wine reform proposals after meeting with agricultural ministers yesterday (Sept. 27).Following protests by several countries, mainly France and Germany, EU agriculture commissioner Marian Fischer Boel said she is willing to delay the timetable for ending the … Continue reading “EU WILLING TO COMPROMISE IN CONTROVERSIAL WINE REFORM”

In a small piece by Reuters, Tom Flocco (Beam Global chief) says the company expects a strong holiday season. He also said the company has not seen any drop in sales due to the weak economy and does not expect any during the fourth quarter. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember … Continue reading “TOM FLOCCO EXPECTS STRONG HOLIDAY SEASON”

Napa-based Cosentino Signature Wines saw sales rise 62% to $5.3 million in the six months to June 30 thanks to a surge in wine club membership, the company said. Shares rose 50% yesterday (September 26) as a result.As you’ll recall, the company struggled with debt last fall, which ceo Larry Soldinger blamed on a lack … Continue reading “COSENTINO: CRIPPLING MANAGEMENT ISSUES BACK ON TRACK”

Foster’s Group chairman Frank Swan will retire after eight years in the position. The company said that Swan will be replaced by David Crawford, who has been a non-executive director on the Foster’s board since 2001. In addition, non-executive director Colin Carter plans to retire at the end of the month. You are unauthorized to … Continue reading “FOSTER’S CHAIRMAN RESIGNS”

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announced last week that Martin Johnson will be joining the company as senior vp of marketing in October. Johnson has more than 18 years in the fine wine business and most recently was managing director and ceo for Evans & Tate Wine Group of Australia. He has also served as executive … Continue reading “STE. MICHELLE WINE HIRES NEW VP OF MARKETING”

Jackson Family Wines has purchased Chateau Potelle winery, located in Mount Veeder next to Jackson’s Veeder Peak Vineyard. The winery sold for a reported $13.5 million and does not include brand or inventory. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Tesco has added 48 new Fresh & Easy stores to the list of 50 previously announced locations in California, as well as Las Vegas and Phoenix. The first stores are set to open in November, with about 30 more to follow in February. An additional 100 stores are scheduled to open during the next few … Continue reading “TESCO REVEALS NEW PLANS IN NOVEMBER LAUNCH”

Wine collection management company Vintrust hired Barry Waitte to replace founder André de Baubigny as the company’s ceo. André now resides as chairman. San Francisco-based Vintrust was founded in 2003 by de Baubigny and Timothy Komada, who is cfo. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

that will give WSWA members discounted access to market data to better understand their products, industry trends and consumers. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Good news for California wine retailers. The Specialty Wine Retailers Association (SWRA) reports that Missouri now allows California retailers to ship directly to Missouri consumers, since retailers in both states fall under a reciprocity arrangement. Although California and Missouri passed laws that placed wineries under a permit system, retailers remaine under the old reciprocity system. … Continue reading “CALI RETAILERS TO SHIP TO MISSOURI”

In an interesting piece of news, the Courier Journal is reporting that outgoing B-F exec Owsley Brown II might be considering running for the US Senate against minority leader Mitch McConnell. The article says that Brown was a Republic until last December, when he switched to a Democrat.As you’ll recall, Brown will step down as … Continue reading “OWSLEY BROWN TURNS TO POLITICS”

The FTC is reportedly reviewing Oklahoma’s alcohol beverage laws to determine whether the state is requiring a form of pre-fixing. The OK ABC has until Oct. 10 to provide copies of the state’s alcohol regulations.The components of state alcohol code that are of interest to the FTC include price posting regulations, bans on credit, and … Continue reading “FTC OPENS INVESTIGATION IN OK”

Russian newspaper “Kommersant International” is reporting that SPI Group (owners of Stoli) is negotiating with companies other than Pernod to purchase its Stoli brand. This latest development comes after SPI has been unable to reach an agreement with Pernod by an previously-established deadline. As you’ll recall, Pernod and SPI struck a deal in 2005 that … Continue reading “REPORT CLAIMS PERNOD IS FAST APPROACHING STOLI DEADLINE”

In your daily dose of Absolut news, Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz told Italian daily Corriere della Sera that the company is not interested in bidding for Absolut. However, he said the sale could benefit Campari if the eventual buyer has to sell other brands or if they need a local distributor. When asked if he … Continue reading “CAMPARI HOPES TO PROFIT FROM ABSOLUT DEAL”