As reported yesterday, Pernod Ricard issued a resignation letter to the Century Council as a protest to the group’s support of spirits sponsorships in NASCAR. Pernod had announced earlier this summer that it disagreed with the practice, calling it “inappropriate” as it “runs the risk of damaging its will-earned credibility and undermining its message of … Continue reading “HOW DOES PERNOD’S PROTEST HOLD UP?”

Constellation’s Hardy Wine Company has sold off its $10 million Kamberra Winery Complex and vineyards as a part of Constellation’s new restructuring plan in Australia. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Pernod Ricard said it’s pulling its membership out of the Century Council (an industry-funded responsible-drinking organization) in a dispute over the group’s support of spirits sponsorships in NASCAR. Pernod’s departure will not be effective until November, which gives the group time to reach a possible compromise. In the letter, Pernod USA’s CEO Alain Barbet wrote:“We … Continue reading “PERNOD RESIGNS FROM THE CENTURY COUNCIL”

Bacardi announced plans to acquire New Zealand spirits company 42 Below for about $91 million in an all-cash deal. Shareholders and employees have expressed their support of the takeover, which Bacardi is expected to formally launch in the coming weeks in accordance with the New Zealand Stock Exchange rules. Its brands include four flavored vodkas … Continue reading “BACARDI TAKES ON REGIONAL BRAND”

TGIC Wine Importers & Wholesalers has released a line of premium red varietals from Crescendo Hills Vineyards, including a Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Virtuoso, a Bordeaux-blend, produced by TGIC founder Alex Guarachi as his first winery project. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

The alcohol beverage industry came together yesterday in a surprising turn of events where brewers, importers, wholesalers, vintners and distillers put aside difference to pledge their support for the revised STOP bill, or the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, to combat, you guessed it, illegal underage drinking. The bipartisan House bill also reasserts … Continue reading “STOP ACT BACKED BY ENTIRE INDUSTRY”

Constellation’s US-based Centerra Wine Company has appointed Oren Lewin as senior vp of marketing for premium wines, making him responsible for wines such as Robert Mondavi, Woodbridge, Ravenswood and Toasted Head. Oren has worked at the vp of marketing on imports for Foster’s, the Clorox Company and Nabisco before joining Centerra, and now reports directly … Continue reading “OREN LEWIN JOINS CENTERRA WINE”

Crown Royal will release its latest print campaign in the October issues of major men’s magazines, created by Grey Worldwide New York. The new ads mark the first in six years and will be customized for different markets, featuring everything from NASCAR to ads depicting the crowns of Henry VIII of England and Felipe III … Continue reading “FROM KINGS TO NASCAR: CROWN ROYAL’S NEW PRINT ADS”

Jameson Irish whiskey and Chivas Regal Scotch saw double-digit sales growth last year, Pernod announced today in its 2005-2006 annual results. Pernod saw underlying operating profit jump 72% to $1.6 billion for the year to 30 June. Revenues increased 68%, helped by contributions from brands formerly owned by Allied Domecq. Pernod said its “original” brands … Continue reading “PERNOD SEES GROWTH IN THE U.S”

Wholesalers in Oklahoma are challenging a voter-approved law that allows in-state and out-of-state winemakers to sell their products directly to liquor stores and restaurants. State wine-producers are fighting back, however, as U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot heard both arguments yesterday. You are unauthorized to view this page. Username Password Remember Me     Forgot Password

Since the opposition party in Sweden won the election earlier this week, speculation surrounding a possible sale of Vin & Sprit has intensified. As the second ranking premium vodka in the world and second in the U.S. with 10% share, Absolut spawns over half of the company’s sales and sold 9.3 million cases in 2005.According … Continue reading “ABSOLUT COULD GO FOR $4 BILLION”

Kentucky State has filed a suit in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate a provision requiring customers to make face-to-face wine purchases. Last month U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson struck down a law he deemed unconstitutional under Granholm, which had prevented consumers from order wine over the phone and online by requiring consumers … Continue reading “KENTUCKY APPEALS FOR FACE-TO-FACE SALES”

The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is seeking to pass laws that would require alcohol to be separated from other items, such as chips and toys, in grocery stores. If the proposal eventually leads to legislative changes, it could be good for advocates of the 3-tier as it would further demonstrate the power of states … Continue reading “INDIANA EXERCISING STATES RIGHTS”

The French are (gasp) launching a $7.6 million ad campaign to promote Bordeaux wines through the end of 2007. The campaign will consist of posters and press advertising throughout the U.K., Belgium and Germany starting in November and December, although it forbids pictures of people drinking wine. North America won’t see the GAD/Saatchi campaign, however, … Continue reading “BORDEAUX CAMPAIGN IN 2007”

Absolut may soon be for sale due to a change in government in Sweden. WSJ reported that after a 12-year rule by Prime Minister Göran Persson’s Social Democrats, Sweden has elected the more market-friendly Fredrik Reinfeldt of the Alliance group. The new prime minister is committed to selling state assets which could comprise up to … Continue reading “SWEDISH GOVERNMENT TO SELL ABSOLUT?”