It’s not often that we write about Absolut on any subject other than speculation surrounding its imminent acquisition, but here we go. As most of you likely know, Absolut has put its old “Absolutely Perfection” campaign to bed in exchange for a more updated advertising initiative. Faced with a whole host of new super-premium and … Continue reading “ABSOLUT KICKS OLD CAMPAIGN TO THE CURB”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill on Friday barring wine and spirits package stores from shipping to consumers and on-premise accounts anywhere in the state, effective September 1. Under SB 1229, package stores will only be able to deliver in the counties where they are located. We see this as a protective measure on … Continue reading “TEXAS RETAILERS LEVEL PLAYING FIELD”

While some in the restaurant industry fear the immigration proposal could make hiring much more difficult, the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is asking the U.S. Senate to support the reform. If passed, CAWG believes SB 1348 would give a boost to agriculture by providing a “practical” guest worker program and a way for … Continue reading “CAWG SUPPORTS IMMIGRATION REFORM”

Pernod chief Patrick Ricard said acquiring Stolichnaya and Absolut are the company’s top priorities for the time being. During a visit to China, Patrick remained mum at a briefing when asked how negotiations are going with Russian group SPI (owners of Stolichnaya). However, Pernod’s managing director, Pierre Pringuet, wasn’t so tight lipped on the subject … Continue reading “PERNOD “PRIORITIZES” STOLI AND ABSOLUT”

Supervalu chairman and CEO Jeff Noddle told shareholders at the company’s annual meeting that the company plans to expand it private-label offering. According to supermarketnews.com, Noddle said that 35% of shoppers’ baskets contain some private-label items, “so we have a large opportunity to drive sales with our own brands.” Will this include new private label … Continue reading “SUPERVALU TO INCREASE PRIVATE LABELS”

While we all know that the vodka category is currently the number one reigning spirits, rum and cordials are tied for second place according to food, drug and liquor scan data from the Nielsen Company. Nevertheless, spirits growth is slowing and analysts say it will continue to slow in the coming years. Nielsen data shows … Continue reading “RUM SALES SLOW TO 2.8%”

Beam Global has chosen Energy BBDO as the global agency for Canadian Club. Energy BBDO already covers a whole host of Beam products, including Jim Beam, Starbucks Coffee Liqueurs, Knob Creek Bourbon and DeKuyper Cordials.Beam plans to up its Canadian Club advertising and promotional spend by double-digits. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username … Continue reading “CANADIAN CLUB GOES WITH ENERGY BBDO”

The U.S. has asked the WTO to set up a panel to settle the tariff dispute with India. The country’s tariff rates on alcohol beverages imports range anywhere from 225% to 550% and is something the EU has fought since last year. U.S. Trade Representative, Susan Schwab, stated that “the layers of customs duties India … Continue reading “U.S. ASKS WTO TO SETTLE DISPUTE WITH INDIA”

Hispanics, baby-boomers and catchy new products are the way to drive new growth in today’s market, according to NABCA’s “Hot Trends” panel. Kaumil Gajrawala of UBS, Bump Williams of IRI and Anthony von Mandl of Mike’s Hard Lemonade shared their insight on how to make (more) money in this industry. Let’s take a look.SUPPLIERS IGNORE … Continue reading “HOT NEW TRENDS IN WINE AND SPIRITS”

A big victory yesterday for Napa winemakers. The European Union has granted Napa Valley a Geographic Indication (GI) status that bars wine brands from using the word “Napa” on a label whose grapes did not, indeed, come from Napa. This marks the first time the EU has given GI status to a nonmember.Currently, there are … Continue reading “NAPA VALLEY GAINS GEOGRAPHIC STATUS IN EUROPE”

Russell Motz to executive vp of wine in Texas. In his new role, Russell will oversee all wine initiatives in the state. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Van Gogh vodka is releasing “banana” as its latest flavor, due to hit shelves early this summer. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

According to the Courier-Journal, Brown-Forman is considering adopting stricter advertising guidelines after Beam Global announced a new policy earlier this month. The article noted that making the change for B-F may be more difficult because several of its key brands are geared towards a customer base of 21-29. You are unauthorized to view this page. … Continue reading “B-F CONSIDERS NEW ADVERTISING CODE”

Yesterday we reported, based on several press reports, that the World Health Organization (WHO) had decided during their World Health Assembly this week that they would initiate a global alcohol ad campaign targeting alcohol abuse. In actuality, those press reports (and ours) were wrong. The WHO has actually decided nothing. Not sure how that confusion … Continue reading “THE WHO PUTS OFF POLICY ON ALCOHOL UNTIL JAN 2008 MEETING”

Terlato Wine Group has signed Grey New York agency to head brand strategy, advertising and marketing. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password