Foster’s showed strong overall beer and wine sales in its second half despite a strong Australian dollar and bad weather. Combined with the company’s plan to buy back about A$350 million worth of stock, Foster’s saw a 6% jump in shares. Stock has fallen 11% so far this year based on currency concerns and rumors … Continue reading “POSTIVE MIX HELPS FOSTER’S SHAKE TAKEOVER RUMORS”

Whole Foods Market said it officially acquired Wild Oats earlier this week after gaining support from enough of its shareholders. Whole Foods said it would own 84.1% of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats after its tender offer of $18.50 per share closed Monday (August 27), and another 12.7% were subject to guaranteed delivery over … Continue reading “WHOLE FOODS FINALIZES ACQUISITION, SNATCHES WILD OATS”

Via Pacifica Selections, an importer specializing in New Zealand wines, says it has added producer Trinity Hill to its portfolio. Trinity Hill is a well-established Hawkes Bay winery and a founding member of the Gimblett Gravels Appellation. The winery produces the following labels: Homage, Gimblett Gravels and Hawkes Bay which are now available nationally in … Continue reading “VIA PACIFICA TO IMPORT TRINITY HILL WINERY”

Brown-Forman has appointed Coe Vintners the exclusive distributor for Tequila Herradura and el Jimador tequila brands in the UK. Beginning in Oct., the Herradura brands will be available in the UK. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Local reports are saying Phil Pritchard, owner of Pritchards’ Distillery in Tennessee, is expressing interest in buying the Nassau Bacardi facility after the company announced it was leaving in April 2009. However, Bacardi has yet to decide what to do with the facility or the surrounding land. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username … Continue reading “BACARDI DISTILLERY DRAWS INTEREST FROM TENNESSEE”

Grey Goose is launching a new advertising campaign, entitled “Discerning Taste.” Produced by New York-based @radical.media, the campaign is the brand’s first major advertising effort since its acquisition by Bacardi Limited in 2004.The ads consist of four different print advertisements and three broadcast spots that capture particular moments, people, place and events in the lives … Continue reading “GREY GOOSE DEBUTS “DISCERNING TASTE” CAMPAIGN”

In other Pernod news, the AP reports that Pernod spent $640,000 to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007. The company lobbied on U.S. trade legislation and other matters, according to disclosure form posted online Aug. 7 by the US Senate’s public records office.Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are … Continue reading “PERNOD SPENDS $640,000 ON US GOVT”

It looks like Fortune isn’t the only company willing to put up a fight for Absolut. Reports in Sweden are saying Pernod chief Pierre Pringuet is currently in the country lobbying Vin & Sprit.Pierre told the Svenska Dagbladet daily, “If the Swedish government wants a quick and simple deal they would sell it as one … Continue reading “PERNOD LOBBIES IN SWEDEN, WILLING TO GIVE UP STOLI”

In the four weeks ending July 15, overall table wine sales rose 7.3% while volume grew 3.5%, according to IRI. Domestic wines sales were slightly ahead of the category increasing 7.4%, but volume was below at 3%. Last month, domestic wine sales grew 8.5% and volume rose 4.4%, but the overall category was up 8.1% … Continue reading “IMPORTED WINES GAIN VOLUME SHARE IN JULY”

Heaven Hill-owned Hpnotiq is launching a bartender education and incentive program that will reward bartenders for their knowledge of Hynotiq with a $25 cash card and entry into a Las Vegas VIP trip. Each participant with a perfect score on the 10 question multiple-choice quiz will be eligible for the cash card. Bartenders must also … Continue reading “HPNOTIQ LAUNCHES BARTENDER INCENTIVE PROGRAM”

Troubled Australian winery Evans & Tate has signed over its distribution rights to New South Wales-based McWilliams Wines in Australia, beginning Sept. 1. Evans & Tate went into voluntary receivership last week after ANZ bank foreclosed on a A$100 million loan to the company. The receiver, McGrathNicol, in turn entered an interim agreement with McWilliams. … Continue reading “EVANS & TATE STRIKES DEAL WITH MCWILLIAMS WINERY”

As reported in The Scotsman, Diageo chief Paul Walsh confirmed that Diageo will continue to acquire new brands as a leader in the “march on consolidation.””Consolidation is going to continue, and we will be participating. The consolidation game is not over.” Paul also told the Scotsman that Diageo is very much interested in acquiring Absolut, … Continue reading “PAUL WALSH TALKS CONSOLIDATION”

Pernod’s Wild Turkey has promoted Edward Russel to Associate Distiller after 27 years at the Austin Nichols Distillery in Kentucky. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Glenlivet announced this year’s Cellar Collection Release – The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1969, valued at $750 a bottle. Only one new vintage is added to the Cellar collection each year. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Fortune Brands chief Norm Wesley said the 2nd quarter was much better for the company, thanks to strong wine and spirits growth that helped make up for the downturn in the U.S. housing market. The company’s continued focus on building its premium wine and spirits helped increase consumer demand for Jim Beam, Sauza, Maker’s Mark, … Continue reading “NORM WESLEY: “WE’RE INTERESTED IN BUYING ABSOLUT, NO MATTER WHAT PROCESS.””