WSD reported on Friday, Russian Standard Vodka filed a lawsuit last week against Pernod Ricard and Allied Domecq in a New York district court. Russian Standard accuses both companies of falsely advertising that Stoli comes from Russia (Pernod gained Stoli with the Allied Domecq acquisition.) While Pernod claims Stolichnaya is distilled and produced in Russia, … Continue reading “RUSSIAN STANDARD SUES PERNOD FOR “FALSE ADVERTISING””

North Bay’s largest commercial and wine-label printer, Renaissance Mark, closed its 76,000-sq-ft Napa plant, making room for competitors. Reports the North Bay Business Journal, Renaissance Mark closed the plant on September 29, causing 69 employees to lose their jobs as a result. The company is reportedly planning to shift its print work to Nevada and … Continue reading “NAPA LABEL PRINTER CLOSES SHOP”

Folio Fine Wine Partners (founded by Michael Mondavi) announced they have added Celler Vall Llach from the Priorat region of Spain to their portfolio.”We’re very excited to be representing Celler Vall Llach here in the U.S.,” said Rob Mondavi, co-founder and president of winegrowing, Folio Fine Wine Partners. “I’ve been obsessed with the wines from … Continue reading “FOLIO WINE ADDS LATEST BRAND”

Tennessee continues to face ongoing direct to consumer litigation after Rick Jelovsek filed a lawsuit in a federal District Court last week. Joined by the S.L. Thomas Family Winery, Rick is challenging Tennessee’s current law that prohibits the direct shipment of wine to consumers. According to local reports, the state tried to have the case … Continue reading “TENNESSE FACES ONGOING LITIGATION”

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has overturned a prohibition on cents-off rebate coupons for malt beverages, wine and cider that takes effect November 1. The beer and wine industry petitioned the state after a February 2006 amendment that allows spirits companies to offer money-back-by-mail coupons for discounts that increase as more alcohol is purchased. Beer, … Continue reading “OREGON STATE TO GRANT MAIL-IN REBATES”

Tomorrow’s release of the European Commission’s alcohol strategy is not expected to include any legislative proposals on labeling and advertising, according to Reuters. The European Commission has apparently agreed to ease up on restrictions after rumors of an EU-wide system of compulsory health warnings on beer, wine and spirits. Regulators were reportedly pushing to impose … Continue reading “THE EU SET NOT TO IMPOSE WARNING LABELS”

Pernod Ricard USA and the Sazerac Company of New Orleans announced that Pernod Ricard’s Rich & Rare and Royal Canadian Whisky brands will be sold to Sazerac, starting today.Alain Barbet, President and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA, said, “We are sharply focused on the development of our premium brands. The decision to divest these two brands … Continue reading “PERNOD SELLS TO SAZERAC CO.”

We’ve heard a lot about the importance of the millennial generation to the wine industry, but how important are they really? Speakers at the Wine Industry Financial Symposium in Napa seem to think millennials are very important indeed, even suggesting that the 21-30 year old group is vital to wine consumption’s shooting trends.Robert Smiley, professor … Continue reading “MILLENNIALS DRIVING GROWTH”

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”