ProWein breaks all Records
New record figures for both exhibitors and visitors were announced by organiser Messe Düsseldorf as ProWein 2010 drew to a close on March 23. Over 3,300 exhibitors and 36,000 visitors attended the trade fair with one in three visitors non-German. More visitors were registered this year from eastern Europe as well as from Asia, from China and Japan, in particular.
Thermally activated ads for Pimms
This April, Diageo Great Britain (GB) will launch an integrated campaign behind Pimm’s – seen by many as the quintessential British summer drink. Activity will run from April until the end of August, including TV advertising, in-store activation and an innovative ‘thermally activated’ radio marketing campaign, which will see the Pimm’s advertisement aired when the weather reaches 22°C or above.
Packaging solutions
Total Processing & Packaging 2010 is set to open its doors to thousands of visitors at the NEC, Birmingham from May 25 - 27. This is the third edition of the UK’s largest integrated processing and packaging exhibition, held every three years, that provides a comprehensive insight into the latest technical developments from design to delivery.
• Read the report
Appleton's rum message online
Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has launched a global on-line campaign with the introduction of its new website – appletonestate.com – that “brings the essence of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum to life on the screen in an exciting, innovative, interactive and responsible manner".
• Read the report
Funkin expands into US
Funkin, the business behind the fruit purée brand, is expanding overseas with a new division in the US and extending its UK team, in response to the growing demand for cocktails.
• Read the report
Hillebrand supports Chile
Global drinks industry freight forwarder JF Hillebrand is donating 50 bulk flexitanks to the Chilean earthquake relief effort. The tanks, which would normally be used to transport bulk wine, are being used to distribute clean water supplies to residents in areas affected by the earthquake.
Although JF Hillebrand's office and warehouse in the country were hit by the earthquake, they suffered relatively minor damage and were able to resume near-normal operations within a few days.
Diageo makes NAFE Top 50
Diageo has been named to the NAFE Top 50 Companies and 10 Nonprofits for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). The list recognizes organizations that have policies and practices in place to encourage women’s advancement, and that demonstrate this commitment by having a significant number of women in leadership roles.
Cava continues to grow in UK
Imports of Cava to the UK remain buoyant, according to 2009 figures published last week by the Consejo Regolador de Cava. The UK is the largest export market for Cava with almost 33m 75cl bottles imported in 2009, up 8% on 2008. Growth has increased greatly over the past decade with Cava consumption now double the figure it was in 2000.
Codorníu, the UK’s biggest selling Cava brand, reports volume growth of 15%.
• Read also the report on sparkling vs Champagne
LIWF reveals impressive support
The 30th London International Wine Fair organiser, Brintex, reports significant growth in the sizes of many of the international pavilions, as well as an increased presence by several UK agents.
• Read the report
G3 to supply Diam closures in US
Oeneo Bouchage, manufacturer of the technical cork closure Diam, has signed a long-term distribution agreement with US supply chain company G3 Enterprises.
• Read the report
Baileysspring campaign
Diageo UK says Baileys, its top-selling Irish cream liqueur, will sponsor the new series of TV show Desperate Housewives. In addition, the brand will have a £1m campaign in the lead up to spring occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.
• Read the report
Le Château des Estanilles in new hands
The Languedoc-Roussillon estate - a leading light of the Faugères appellation - is under new ownership. The proprietor is 35 year-old Frenchman Julien Seydoux who having studied in the US and worked on the Paris Stock Exchange, has chosen to invest in the rocky soil of the south of France. Seydoux intends to continue Michel Louison’s work and invest both in the vineyard and winery.
Vodka gets £3m UK ad spend
First Drinks’ seasonal marketing spend includes a £3m Sky TV sponsorship, TV and cinema advertising campaign for Russian Standard.
• Read the report
Distributor agreement
Inspirit Brands has been appointed by BB&R Spirits as the UK distributor for The King’s Ginger liqueur.
BrewDog equity scheme
BrewDog has launched Equity for Punks – an online shareholder scheme for its fans at equityforpunks.com. A piece of the UK beer brand can be purchased for £230, which entitles the shareholder to a lifetime discount of 20% off beers purchased from brewdog.com. Only 10,000 shares are available for a limited period.
Campari gets digital
Campari has launched a new worldwide digital media strategy as well as iShake Red, its own iPhone application.
• Read the report
Culture management in M&As vital
It is critical to focus on culture and people to make integration strategies work says Doug Ross, managing director of Square Peg International. In management’s rush to “do the deal” in M&A and joint venture situations, costly mistakes can surface long after the final papers have been signed. With forethought, common pitfalls can be avoided.
• Download his article
| Business News | Archive 2010 |
| WSTA expands to take on gin and vodka role The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) will expand its role on behalf of the spirits sector in the New Year following the decision to cease operations of the Gin and Vodka Association (GVA). The move will see the formation of a new Spirits Council within the WSTA to represent the interests of spirits companies, which will be chaired by Bob Rishworth of Halewood International, the recently appointed Chairman of the GVA. The move will see Graham Bateman and Louise Foxwell joining the WSTA team from the GVA as Spirits Policy Director and Spirits Policy Manager respectively. The changes take effect from December 31st. |
| Jameson sales reach 3m cases Jameson further strengthened its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey, with the announcement today (Dec 7) of 3m 9 litre case sales (MAT Oct 31) globally. Growth in the US, Jameson’s largest export market, contributed to the brand’s milestone success, with 1m cases sold. |
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Vavasour Wine Company appoints D&D Wines in UK D&D Wines International, wine suppliers to the UK and Irish markets, has been appointed UK agent for Vavasour Wine Company, part of Foley Family Wines. The UK portfolio includes the Dashwood, Clifford Bay, Vavasour, Redwood Pass, Pebble Row and Goldwater wine brands. Vavasour pioneered grape growing in the Awatere Valley sub region of Marlborough, planting the first vines of the Awatere region in 1985. Estimated to be within the top 10 wine companies in New Zealand in terms of volume, it owns 220 acres of Awatere Valley vineyards and a 2,500 tonne winery facility with future expansion planned. With some of the highest–rated Sauvignon Blancs in New Zealand, the winery says it is “extremely proud” to have contributed to the Marlborough region’s success, each of its brands has won major competition trophies in the past three years. |
| Barwell & Jones to distrubute Willow Bridge Estate wines Barwell & Jones, a member of the Coe Group of companies, has added Willow Bridge Estate – a family-owned winery in Ferguson Valley, Western Australia – to its international portfolio of wines. Barwell & Jones will be the exclusive distributor for the wines in the UK, with immediate effect. Barwell & Jones will be distributing the Estate Range – Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Merlot; the Wild Ferment Sauvignon, Solana Tempranillo and Gravel Pit Shiraz; and Black Dog – the flagship wine (Shiraz). Willow Bridge Estate Wines have an RRP of between £10 and £35 |
 Winemaker Simon Burnell |
| Zero tolerance for irresponsible marketing The Portman Group has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the strict standards imposed on the alcohol industry through its Code of Practice. A series of full page ads in the media will highlight the rules and invite people to be on the look-out for any irresponsible alcohol products or marketing campaigns by drinks producers. The number of drinks breaching the Portman Group Code has fallen dramatically in recent years. In 2010, just two alcohol products have been found in breach of the Code while, in contrast, the Portman Group’s Code Advisory Service has handled over 400 separate requests from the industry for advice on products and promotions. Neat whisky solution powers island distillery A Hebridean distiller has installed a pioneering new system to get volts from malts to power its distillery exclusively from recycled whisky waste. The latest research published by Euromonitor International shows that Diageo is highly likely to lose its position as the world's leading spirits producer by volume in 2011 to the Indian giant UB Group and that it could even fall as low as third position behind Pernod Ricard, although it will remain number one by value for the foreseeable future. • Read the report Australian Vintage appoints UK members to team Australian Vintage, owners of wineries including McGuigan, Tempus Two and Nepenthe, has appointed Barry Dick as Winemaker. Dick has spent the last five years as winemaker at Sainsbury’s improving the supermarket’s ‘Taste the Difference’ and House ranges, while also working towards his MW. Craig Duncan joined the team this autumn as UK contract packing manager and Jan Turner will join as an account manager (UK South) in January 2011. Stock Spirits strengthens senior management Supermarkets unhelpful to wine shoppers The annual TFWA World Exhibition will take place September 18-23 next year instead of in October as usual and as previously announced. Research shows that 96% of mothers are planning some serious cut backs this Christmas as well as tightening their belts for 2011. Nearly a third (30%) plan to buy less alcohol this year and 26% plan to look for cheaper or better value options than usual. In contrast, a surprising 85% of mothers still plan to spend the same on food for Christmas day, although 32% plan to cut back on the cost of food for the surrounding festive period. • Read the report Baron de Ley–El Coto bets €5m on white |
| Constellation expands solar energy initiative at US wineries Constellation Wines is set to become the producer of the largest amount of solar energy in the US wine industry. The company is investing in three new solar energy installations at its Californian wineries – at Ravenswood in Sonoma, Estancia in Monterey County, and Clos du Bois in Geyserville. Approximately 17,000 solar panels will have been installed by the end of this (2010) year. “Not only will this initiative have a positive impact on the environment, but it is also cost effective, saving approximately US$1m in energy costs per year,” says Jay Wright, president Constellation Wines North America. |
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Bird-friendly wine from Chile Guala Closures Group, the world’s largest producer of non-refillable closures for the international spirits, wines and beverages sectors, has acquired an aluminium printing and cutting facility - a Metalprint division located in Magenta, Italy. Nine out of Scotch Whisky’s top 10 export markets grew in value over the first six months of 2010, according the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Shipments to South Africa were up 44%, the US up 34% and France up 6% in value. Tough economic conditions in Greece, however, resulted in lower exports (-9%). Single malt exports rose by 31% to £242m, with blended Scotch whisky shipments up 9% to £1.1bn, compared to the first half of 2009. New figures revealed for the first time the strength of blended malt exports, which were valued at £57m. The global volume of Scotch whisky shipments rose by 3%, with the equivalent of 477m bottles exported. China to recognise Scotch Whisky as a GI China’s agreement (on November 8) to recognise ‘Scotch Whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI) will ensure the highest levels of protection by China’s enforcement authorities. Local consumers will be better protected from imitations, while the integrity of Scotch Whisky as a product made only in Scotland is supported. Pernod Ricard groups wines under one business Pernod Ricard is grouping its key international wine properties under one business, which will be head quartered in Sydney and called Premium Wine Brands. Pernod Ricard sells NZ wine brands Pernod Ricard sells Renault cognac to Altia New distributor in UK for Colombo Wines Hatch Mansfield is taking over from Graham Gardner as the UK representative for Colombo wines – including the Jean Luc Colombo and Colombo & Fille brands. The range includes core wines such as Côtes du Rhône Villages and well known Cru wines, including Crozes Hermitage, St Joseph, and Châteauneuf du Pape, as well as a selection of site specific wines from Jean Luc’s family vineyards in Cornas. A full launch of the whole Colombo portfolio is planned from January 1st 2011 Printer invests £3m in whisky label business Maxxium UK, the sales and distribution alliance for The Edrington Group and Beam Global Spirits & Wine plans to divest the Cockburn’s Port brand to Symington Family Estates. The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of 2010, at which time the responsibility for the distribution of Cockburn’s Port in the UK will pass to John E Fells and Sons. |
 Neil Boyd |
Old hands support Ian Macleod Ian Macleod Distillers, is taking the UK and Ireland distribution of its spirits brands in-house as Harvey Miller Wine and Spirit Agencies decides to concentrate on its wine business. To suport the operation, the bottler and distiller has recruited two experts: Alan Wardrop, who joins from HMWSA, to manage sales to warehouses and specialist shops; and Neil Boyd, formerly global brand director for Bacardi’s Dewars, as commercial director to look after UK business, including sales to the major multiple retailers. |
 Alan Wardrop |
| First phase of US$250m investment in Dewar's whisky completed
“Demand for Dewar’s Scotch whiskies has grown significantly in the United States, Asia and other emerging markets and we are excited to have completed the first phase of a new infrastructure project to support higher inventories of maturing whisky and increase our blending, bottling and packing capabilities,” says Séamus McBride, Bacardi president and CEO. |
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| Grape thieves strike in South of France An entire crop of grapes was stolen from a vineyard in the Languedoc-Roussillon region on September 26. The thieves used a harvesting machine on the moonlit on Sunday night to seize 30 tonnes of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Villeneuve-les-Beziers estate. Roland Cavaille, the farmer, reported that the theft amounted to a year's work and about €15,000 (£12,900). "They used a harvesting machine to gather grapes. This means there was no need to have lots of people, two people would have been enough," Cavaille told Le Parisien newspaper. "The area was quite isolated, it is a few kilometres from the village and near a river. So the thieves were able to work safely." He believes the thieves were professionals who will have sold on the grapes. He is angry and surprised by the theft, as he believed there was a "degree of solidarity" between winemakers. |
| Fairtrade alcohol market set to soar
Fairtrade has surpassed organic as the latest ethical product set for massive growth in the alcohol sector, finds Datamonitor. Research by the independent market analyst has revealed the UK Fairtrade alcohol market is currently the largest in Europe and was worth £26m last year – nearly double that of the US market. The market will continue to expand, with expected year-on-year growth of 18% over the next five years. Ardagh Glass Group, the third largest glass packaging manufacturer in Europe, is to acquire the global metal packaging company, Impress, for €1.7bn. The enlarged business will trade as Ardagh Packaging Group and have annual revenues of more than €3bn. The acquisition is conditional on EU and US competition authority approvals. Enotria is the exclusive UK agent for Champagne Jacquart from October 1. The Jacquart brand represent around 8% of total production in the Champagne region, and is a major player both domestically in France and on the export market. Jacquart has built its high profile via co-ordinated and contemporary marketing - such as the Champagne Jacquart ‘Rising Stars’ competition which seeks out the finest young chef and sommelier teams. Alison Levett, Enotria CEO, says: “We're very pleased to be strengthening our range with Champagne Jacquart. It is a brand with great potential, which offers wines of real value without any compromise on quality. Whyte & Mackay to distribute Cockspur rum in the UK and Ireland’s on and off trade markets. The distribution agreement, effective from October 1, will see Cockspur Fine rum and the hand-crafted Cockspur 12 rum, brought into the Whyte & Mackay portfolio to sit alongside brands such as Dalmore, Jura, Vladivar and the most recent addition VnC cocktails |
Marc Patch leaves Freixenet to manage 10 International brands in the UK 10 International, the wine company that created the Pink Elephant brand, has taken on Marc Patch as national account manager for the UK on- and off-trade market sectors. Patch joins the company having spent the last five years as national account manager for Freixenet. |
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| AIM formalises it’s educational outreaches into a charitable trust Following the successful piloting of a schools outreach to 11- 16 year olds and their parents in UK schools, launched in June, having taken advice, AIM Alcohol in Moderation has decided that it would be logical and beneficial to put AIM’s educational outreaches into a charitable arm: the Alcohol Educational Trust. • Read the report Only 10 brands earn IWSR Elite status The number of brands meeting the strict criteria of The IWSR’s Elite Brands has fallen from 22 in 2009 to just 10 in 2010. The impact of the global economic crisis has taken its toll on some of the top-selling brands; those that have made it onto the list this year have proved their long-term resilience. Broader scope for key players at Wray & Nephew J Wray & Nephew, owner of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, has broadened three key roles in its international division in a move to expand the brand’s reach into emerging markets and solidify its position in NAFTA. A group of distillers in the Val de Travers region of Switzerland, where absinthe originated in the late 18th century, have won the right for their spirit to be the only one allowed to be labelled absinthe in Switzerland. As Switzerland is aligning its protected food and drink with the EU, absinthe producers elsewhere in Europe — France in particular – where 90 per cent of absinthe is made — are challenging the ban. George Rowley, MD and brand owner BBH Spirits. a major distributor for La Fée Absinthe, argues that while it may have first come from Switzerland, it was made soon after in France, where its green colour was added. Wine company fined for waste packaging offencesA UK wine importation and distribution company has been ordered to pay more than £8,300 in fines and costs for failing to comply with waste packaging regulations. The case was brought by the Environment Agency. WSTA market report shows consumers cautious on spending |
| Stoli gets new chief marketing officer Marco Ferrari has become SPI Group’s chief marketing officer, to drive forward Stolichnaya Premium Vodka’s global strategy. Ferrari was director of marketing and strategic development at Fratelli Branca Distillerie, Italy, where he was responsible for brands such as Fernet-Branca, Brancamenta, Sambuca Oro Borghetti and Carpano vermouth range. Prior to this, he spent 12 years with Bacardi. Ferrari joins Stolichnaya at a time when the SPI Group is investing heavily in the brand, with the recent launch of an advertising campaign in the US and with "product development in the pipeline". |
 Marco Ferrari |
Simon Burch replaces Philip Gladman at Smirnoff William Grant opens Dublin office Celebrating 80 years, Coe Vintners makes changes UK agency appointed for Chilean winery Undurraga Moreno Wines has become the UK agent for Chilean winery Undurraga. Founded in 1885, the winery was revamped in 2006 with an investment that saw it take on one of the strongest wine teams in South America. Lead by head winemaker Hernan Amenabar, the team consists of Alvaro Espinoza who produces the flagship Altazor wines, Rafael Urrejola (aka the ‘terroir hunter’) and Carlos Concha, who heads up the production of the Aliwen reserve wines. |
| New marketing director at First Drinks Una McCullough is the new marketing director at First Drinks. She has over 20 years experience within the FMCG sector having been responsible for regional marketing within Kimberly Clark and held senior marketing positions at Imperial Tobacco and Diageo. McCullough replaces Katie Rawll, who is now global brand director for Glenfiddich Scotch whisky within William Grant & Sons, the independent family-owned distiller that wholly owns First Drinks. |
 McCullough |
| CBW takes on a NZ wine with a French accent Carte Blanche Wines (CBW) has been selected as UK agent and distributor for Metis, a joint venture between Pascal Jolivet of Sancerre fame and John Hancock of Hawkes Bay producer Trinity Hill. The estate produces a Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc and will be launching a Pinot Noir in 2012. Ben Llewelyn, MD of CBW, says the style of the wine is in the mould of Sancerre, being terroir driven, concentrated and mineral but encapsulating the terroirs of Hawkes Bay, particularly Mangatahi and Porangahau. Wines of Chile reports record sales growth According to the Nielsen July 2010 figures, Chilean wine sales in the UK off-trade have continued to grow with an increase of 12% in volume and 14% in value while the market only grew 1% in volume and 4% in value. Only New Zealand registered a higher percentage growth in same period (at +32%). As part of its strategy to focus on its on its premium spirits business, Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has formed a strategic partnership with San Francisco-based Anchor Brewers & Distillers, which includes Anchor Distilling and Preiss Imports within its spirits division. • Read the report First Drinks boosts portfolio with new brands First Drinks, a subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, is taking over the distribution of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Carolans cream liqueur and Irish Mist whiskey liqueur in the UK, following the William Grant & Sons acquisition of the C&C Group’s spirits and liqueurs business last month. The new brands will officially be incorporated into First Drinks’ business from early September. Bacardi names new president of EMEA region |
 Richard Holme |
Investing in wine ... Can there be a better tax shelter? Imagine an investment that has increased in value by 1+% monthly since the mid-1950s and on which tax free returns might be enjoyed with careful planning. Imagine also that there may be inheritance tax benefits and, if the investment proves financially disappointing, it can always be consumed with pleasure and a capital loss possibly claimed! All of these promotional points appear on the websites of wine brokers – but how far can the promises be sustained and what problems may arise in practice? |
| TFWA appoints Maingreaud as MD Alain Maingreaud is the new MD of the Tax Free World Association. Maingreaud has been the exhibitions and business development director of the association since 2007 and, prior to that, commercial director. As such he has been closely involved in all aspects of the organisation of the annual TFWA exhibitions and conference activities for the duty free and travel retail industry. |
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New MD for Grupo Codorníu UK announced |
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| Carte Blanche launches to the trade Carte Blanche, a new wholesale wine agency and importer is launching its portfolio with an inaugural trade tasting in London on September 16 (more information). Established by Ben Llewelyn and Rupert Nicholson, Carte Blanche aims to supply independent retailers and restaurants with winessourced from small to medium-sized artisan growers from across the world with a focus on biodynamic and organic gems. Llewelyn previously worked at New Generation Wines as sales and marketing director and Nicholson has spent much of his life working in wineries across the globe – both are studying for their MW qualification. Enotria acquires Great Western Wine Wine wholesaler and importer Enotria has acquired Bath-based Great Western Wine, whose primary business, like Enotria, is supplying the UK on-trade. Great Western Wine was founded 27 years ago by Philip Addis – who has now joined the Enotria board as regional sales director. All the staff from Great Western Wine will transfer to Enotria and the thriving retail shop and its other facilities in Bath will continue under the new merged business. Chase Vodka chooses Pelican Brands for US launch Chase distillery, from Herefordshire, has appointed Pelican Brands to market its range of spirits in the US. As the recipient of the World’s Best Vodka award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year – Chase has identified the US as potentially its largest growth area and Pelican is predicting the vodka could become a US$100 million brand. Pernod Ricard creates new company for wine brands Pernod Ricard has created a new company – Premium Wine Brands – to develop the group’s international portfolio of wine brands, which includes Australian wines (Jacob’s Creek), New Zealand wines (Montana and Brancott), as well as Spanish and Argentinean brands (Campo Viejo and Graffigna). Jean-Christophe Coutures, who is currently chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Pacific, will become chairman and CEO of Premium Wine Brands. |
| Drinkaware appoints new health experts
Drinkaware, the UK’s alcohol awareness charity, has appointed two public health experts to join the charity in its mission to tackle alcohol misuse. |
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Statfords take on UK distribution for two award winning Spanish wineries Stratford’s Wine Agencies has been appointed as UK distributor to Spain’s Tinto Figuero from Ribera del Duero, which scooped two trophies in the New Wave Spanish Wine awards 2010 for its super premium Figuero Tinus 2006. The agency has also taken on the UK distribution for Rioja's Lar de Paula, which this year achieved three IWC trophies for its Lar de Paula Cepas Viejas 2005 – the Spanish Red Trophy, Tempranillio Trophy and the Rioja Alavesa Trophy. |
| WSTA appoints new policy and campaigns manager The WSTA has appointed Aileen Keyes as its new policy manager. Aileen joins the trade body from the Electoral Commission, where she has been public affairs manager. She was previously parliamentary officer for the Royal College of Nursing, following spells working for both the Scottish Executive and as a researcher for members of parliament. Aileen replaces Amy Hefford who is taking on a public affairs role with a pharmaceutical company. |
New brand controller for Highland Park |
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| Pernod Ricard sells its stake in Ambrosio Velasco Pernod Ricard Group has agreed to sell its shares in Ambrosio Velasco to Diego Zamora for € 33.1 million (excluding debt) subject to clearance by the Spanish competition authorities. Ambrosio Velasco is a Spanish company that owns among others the brand Pacharán Zoco, Palacio de la Vega wine from Navarra, and related assets. Diageo takes 70% stake in Nuvo Stock Spirits report record year Stock Spirits Group, Central Europe’s leading producer of branded spirits, has announced a revenue increase of 17% to €262.0m in the year to December 09. Polish vodka Czysta de Luxe sold 5.4m 9 litre cases to become the fastest growing vodka brand in 2009. SSG now claims to have reached its goal of being in the number one position in three of its core markets. In Poland it is now has over 30% of all vodka sales. In the Czech Republic it remains the market leader with 36% of the spirits market and in Slovakia it is a leading importer of spirits. Chalié Richards expands sales team Chalié Richards, the UK’s oldest wine merchant, has appointed Matthew Johnson, formerly of PLB, to the role of area sales manager, covering Greater London and the South East. Diageo changes global marketing approachDiageo has announced changes to its global marketing department following a review of its structure. The changes will see the global marketing function move towards a category led approach, reflecting the increased focus on category management within Diageo. As part of this two new category head roles have been created – global category director – vodka, gin and rums and global category director – whisk(e)y. • Read the report Bibendum becomes distributor for Indian winery Bibendum is to distribute wines from Grover Vineyards, one of India's premier producers, on an exclusive basis in the UK. Three wines will be represented initially comprising Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet-Shiraz and the award-winning La Reserve. Diageo takes top environment award |
| Glenlivet Distillery £10m expansion officially opened Chivas Brothers’ new £10 million expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside represents a 75% increase in production capacity. The new open-plan building, sympathetically designed to sit alongside the original Grade 2 listed distillery buildings, houses a new mash tun, eight traditional oregon pine washbacks and six copper stills. To celebrate the opening (by HRH The Prince of Wales) and the appointment of Alan Winchester as the new master distiller this year, a specially created bottling – The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. The 21 year old non-chill filtered Scotch will be released in a limited quantity of 1,824 bottles. |
 Alan Winchester |
| Study confirms importance of Scotch whisky to the Scottish economy
Figures from a new study have revealed that Scotch Whisky is worth £4 billion a year in added value to the Scottish economy, and the industry spends in excess of £1.1bn annually on supplies produced in Scotland. The report The Economic Impact of Scotch Whisky Production in Scotland by Verso Economics also reveals the industry’s annual turnover in Scotland is now £6.4 billion and that after oil and gas the sector remains the country’s leading manufactured export, with shipments of £3.1 billion a year. LIWF and Distil report positive feedback Bacardi appoints new head of marketing Diageo Reserve Brands partners Goodwood Estate |
| Drinkaware targets youths on holiday
Drinkaware, has teamed up with youth holiday operator, Club 18-30, to promote responsible holiday drinking during the 2010 summer season. |
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| Ten out of 10 for Stock Spirits brands Stock Spirits Group (SSG), one of the fastest growing spirits companies in Europe, entered 10 brands and won ten awards at this year’s Monde Selection in Belgium. The impressive haul included Grand Gold awards for both Stock Sambuca and Gala Caffe together with a further seven gold awards, including additional industy recognition for one of SSG’s newest products, premium vodka Stock Prestige. Lubelska Cytrynowka rounded off the prize haul with a silver award. Chilensis wines to be distributed by Ehrmanns Maule-based Chilean winery VIA Wines has appointed Ehrmanns to distribute its Chilensis brand. Ehrmanns will take over responsibility for handling on- and off-trade sales within the UK and Channel Islands with immediate effect.Francisco Lagos, Sales Director for VIA Wines stated; “We feel Ehrmanns is a natural fit for Chilensis because of their deep understanding and commitment to Chilean wines.” William Grant acquires C&C Group's spirits and liqueurs business for €300m |
| Maxxium Uk to distribute Cutty SarkMaxxium UK, the sales and distribution alliance for The Edrington Group and Beam Global Spirits & Wine, will be taking over the distribution of Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky from Inspirit Brands commencing May 17. Cutty Sark has been purchased by The Edrington Group and will now sit alongside the other Scotch whiskies in Maxxium’s portfolio including The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s, The Macallan, Highland Park, Laphroaig and Ardmore. Jason Craig, previously global controller for Highland Park single malt, has been appointed brand controller. |
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| Bacardi harnesses wind to power distillery Bacardi Corporation has unvielled the largest wind turbine installation in Puerto Rico to help power its Bacardi rum distillery near San Juan. • Read the report |
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| Kilchoman Distillery appoints US importer
Kilchoman Distillery has appointed Impex Beverages at it’s importer for the US. The first bottles will be available from September 2010. |
| Record exports as Scotch defies downturn Global exports of Scotch whisky reached record levels in 2009 despite the economic downturn in some major markets, according to annual figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association. • Read the report Bacardi wins Havana Club rum dispute E&J Gallo Winery has appointed Namaqua Wines to market and distribute its portfolio of wines in South Africa. The first two brands to be launched will be Gallo Family Vineyards and Barefoot in May. Two pack sizes from the E&J brandy range will be launched later in the year. Namaqua Wines was formed with the amalgamation of Vredendal and Spruitdrift Wineries in 2001. The company has its own distribution company for the South African market and their main brand, Namaqua, accounts for sales of around 5,5 million 9-litre cases per annum. |
| Aspall invests £1m+ in cider presentation
Aspall is putting over £1m behind its premium range of Suffolk cyders. The first stage of the investment includes a packaging revamp that includes new labels, caps and the use of amber-coloured glass bottles instead of the current green. Government health and sensible drinking messages are now clearly displayed on the back label. |
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| EU regulations guide updated Checklists, the WSTA's guide to wine and spirit regulations in the EU, has been substantially revised to incorporate the changes introduced as part of the reform of the EU wine regime, completed last year. The guide, which provides every aspect of technical information required to meet EU trading and labelling regulations, is available on CD Rom free to WSTA members (£425 to non-members). Call David Tromans on +44 20 7089 3880 or email david@wsta.co.uk. Bacardi and Brown-Forman renew distribution deals Bacardi and Brown-Forman have renewed contracts for Bacardi to distribute Brown-Forman brands in Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal and Andorra, and for Brown-Forman to distribute the Bacardi portfolio of brands in the Czech Republic. Bacardi will cease distributing the Brown-Forman portfolio in The Netherlands at the end of April and stop distributing in Russia at the end of September where Bacardi wants to focus on its own core portfolio. The two companies’ cooperation will continue in the US and UK as well in other markets worldwide. Research highlights marketing opportunity Research commissioned by the WSTA into patterns of wine-buying highlights the scope for specialist retailers and independent wine merchants to boost their marketing effort. A YouGov poll* shows that wine drinkers value expertise and variety of choice above price, yet over half (53%) do not buy wine from their local merchant. • Read the report Gonzalez Byass to distribute Jacquart in UK Maison Jacquart, part of the Alliance Champagne group, is to be distributed by Gonzalez Byass in the UK, commencing April 1. Martin Skelton, MD of Gonzalez Byass UK, says: “This is fantastic news for our company. We have been very successful at developing our own premium wine and sherry business in recent years, as well as building a portfolio of high quality agency brands including Quinta do Noval and Jackson Estate. We always had a desire to add Champagne to this list.” |
CEO Hudson leaves Australian Vintage |
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| Budget sees more unwelcome tax rises on alcohol The UK government has announced in today’s Budget (March 24, 2010) a 5.1% increase in alcohol duty, which means taxes on wine and spirits have risen by over 25% and 20% respectively since March 2008. Since 1997 the Government has taken an extra £4bn from consumers in alcohol taxes. Typically this means 10p on a 75cl bottle of wine, 36p on a 70cl bottle of spirits, and 2p on a pint of beer. The Chancellor went ahead with the tax escalator, which automatically increases tax on beers, wines and spirits by two percentage points above inflation for two further years from 2013. Cider, the Chancellor said, had been under-taxed in comparison and therefore he has increased duty on cider by 10% above inflation. This comes ahead of further changes in September to the definition of cider to ensure specific strong ciders are taxed more appropriately. • Read / add comments |
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Yegaar's label banned for being misleading to consumers |
Rémy Cointreau strengthens its travel retail marketing team Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail has added three new trade marketing managers to its Paris-based marketing team. |
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Courvoisier in £15m marketing spend
Maxxium UK is investing £15m in its cognac brand Courvoisier in a move it says will “revolutionise” the cognac category and drive growth through “innovative promotional activity and education tools”. |
Lusovini appoints Clink Wines in UK |
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Diageo campaign to drive Easter spirits sales
Diageo GB is launching a ‘Perfect Easter, Perfect Choice’ consumer campaign to drive sales of the spirits category during this important period. The marketing activity includes brand-led above the line investment and in-store cross category promotions. |
| Alcopops lead the way in supermarket promos
Alcopops are still the most promoted alcohol product across supermarkets, drinking at home is set to grow with sales forecast to rise to £12.bn* by the end of the year and men are still the biggest purchasers of alcohol, according to the latest data published today (March 19) by mySupermarket.co.uk |
| Diageo Australia takes on Jose Cuervo Diageo Australia is to manage the full marketing and distribution of Jose Cuervo tequila brands in Australia from April 1. The agreement includes Jose Cuervo spirits, Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix, Gran Centenario and 1800 tequilas, but not Jose Cuervo’s RTD brand Vivezo. An interim agreement has also been reached whereby Diageo will sell the core product Especial (700ml and 1litre) from March 22 to help meet immediate customer supply requirements. |
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Diageo and Coca-Cola collaborate This summer, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) and Diageo Great Britain (Diageo GB) are working together to launch their biggest joint marketing campaign to date, to drive spirit and mixer sales in the off-trade and grow basket spend. |
Chalié Richards make Rishworth chairman UK wine merchant Chalié Richards’ MD Bob Rishworth has taken on the role of chairman following a restructure of the group. |
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Callia appoints Gauntley's |
Jeanjean Languedoc and Rigal appoint D&D in UK D&D Wines International, an independent wine supplier to the UK and Irish markets, has been appointed the principal UK agent (off-trade) for Jeanjean Languedoc and Rigal, both part of Advini, the new group formed from the merger of Jeanjean and Laroche in January 2010. |
 David Garlick, D&D and Sebastien Narjoud, MD Jeanjean Languedoc |
Minimum pricing is illegal DISCUS introduces craft distiller membership The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has introduced a craft distiller affiliate membership programme designed to organise the growing number of small distilled spirits producers across the US and alert them to public policy issues affecting the industry at every level of government. |
| Bibendum signs Cognac and Armagnac agencies Bibendum has signed up four exclusive agencies from Cognac and Armagnac. The new arrivals into the UK wine merchant’s portfolio are Samalens Armagnac, Larressingle Armagnac, Cognac Pierre Ferrand and Landy Cognac and include the oldest vintage dated Cognac available on the commercial market. • Read the report |
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| Bibendum has also signed two new Chablis producers in Patrick Piuze and Domaine Jean Defaix as agencies for the on trade, independent merchants and travel retail sectors in the UK. Piuze and Defaix replace Domaine Laroche in Bibendum’s portfolio following the latter’s recent merger with Jeanjean |
Significant logistics contracts signed in the UK A range of logistics contracts have been signed recently to support the trade in the UK: Kuehne + Nagel has grown its business in the UK wine and spirits market with Concha Y Toro; DSV Road has won a two year contract to transport all Marks & Spencer’s beer, wine and spirits from its UK suppliers to the M&S distribution centre in Daventry; and logistics provider JF Hillebrand it has been awarded new contracts from two of the UK’s largest retail chains. Passengers making duty free purchases at airports in the US and Canada who are travelling to Europe and then transiting onwards are no longer subject to normal EU restrictions on taking liquids and gels on board aircraft. The drinks industry is failing to adhere to a voluntary agreement with Government on alcohol labels and just 15 per cent of drinks give consumers enough information about units and health harms, according to a report published on Monday, February 15, 2010 by the Department of Health Mosaiq acquires Lemon Hart rum from Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard sells Nordic brands for €82m Pernod Ricard is to sell a number of Swedish and Danish assets to Altia for SEK835 million (€82m) cash. The transaction includes a number of local wine and spirits brands including Explorer vodka, Lord Calvert whisky, 1 Enkelt bitter, Blossa glögg and Chill Out wines, plus a bottling facility in Svendborg, Denmark and two logistic centres in Odense, Denmark and Årsta, Sweden. Tail to be distributed in UK by Percy Fox VIA Wines appoints Hallgarten Druitt in UK New agency for Mexican travel retail market Bibendum adds André Lurton to Bordeaux portfolio Datamonitor analyses the key to brand success |
QWS in Clink partnership deal |
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| France's third largest wine group launched French wine producers JeanJean and Laroche have sealed their merger (first announced September 09) forming Advini - the country’s largest wine group and the first to be listed on the French stock market. New brewery for Badger ales Dorset-based brewer of premium bottled ales Hall & Woodhouse is building a new £5 million brewery for its Badger ales on the existing Blandford St Mary site. Work will commence on-site in October 2010. The company says the installation of the new plant will be supported by the Hall & Woodhouse workforce, and it is intended to utilise existing resources where feasible. Bacardi and B-F end distribution deal in Germany |
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Investments boost Stock Spirits market share Branded spirits and liqueurs producer Stock Spirits Group is showing remarkable growth at a time when others are struggling. Recent investments in Central European operations have increased production by over 75% and its market share in Poland from 10% to over 30%. |
| JF Hillebrand acquires forwarder ABV logistics UK drinks industry specialist freight forwarder JF Hillebrand UK has strengthened its capability to provide dedicated wine and beverage logistics services with the strategic acquisition of another UK specialist beverage forwarder, ABV Logistics. James Graham talks to JF Hillebrand UK's managing director David Mawer. • Read the report |
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Alcolol labeling needs to change say Tories |
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The WSTA appoints a new policy manager Laura Davies joins the trade body from the Conservative Party, having been special adviser to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling. She was previously policy adviser at the Federation of Small Businesses and before that a policy adviser and analyst at the Home Office. Laura replaces Stephen Hogg who is returning to the Civil Service. Stephen has been on secondment from the Home Office since 2006. |
Precept Wine Brands buys Corus Estates & Vineyards LLC Heineken to acquire Mexican beer giant Femsa Lager brands must act differently to appeal to women concludes new Mintel research report |
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Aspall cyder beats recession with 85% year-on-year sales growth |
| Patrón gains duty-free listings aboard major airlines The top-selling ultra-premium tequila is now available onboard American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air Transat, Swiss Air and Virgin America. Patrón Spirits International has secured new partnerships with DFASS to offer Patrón Silver tequila for duty free sales onboard international flights on American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Canada’s Air Transat. Patrón’s first airline listings began several months ago with United Airlines (via Duty Free World), and Virgin Atlantic Airways (via Tourvest). Additional airline listings are also planned. The tequila is also now featured on the menu in the first class cabin on Swiss International Air Lines, and poured onboard Virgin America flights. Patrón is supporting these airline listings with various promotional and advertising executions, including in-flight and online. Patrón also advertises and promotes the brand in major airports throughout the world, both in passenger terminals and in duty-free stores. |
 In just four years since launching in travel retail, Patrón is now available in 114 airports, and almost 700 duty free outlets. |
| Cellar Trends to distribute Finest Call Cellar Trends, a UK specialist distributor of wines, Champagne, spirits and liqueurs, has been appointed to distribute the Finest Call range of premium cocktail mixes. Finest Call is a market leader in the US where it is recognised as offering the bar trade a quick, easy and profitable way to make a quality range of cocktails. Owned by The American Beverage Marketing Company, the distribution agreement comes into effect on February 1, 2010. |
| Howard-Sneyd to join Direct Wines Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, previously head of wine at Waitrose, is to join Direct Wines as global wine director at the end of February. He takes over from Dan Snook who is relocating to France to be MD for a Bordeaux negociant. Howard-Sneyd will be responsible for Direct Wines’ portfolio of wines across its international businesses, including its largest UK brand, Laithwaites Wine. |
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| Minimum pricing won’t work, claims new research The urgent need to tackle Britain’s drink-fuelled violence and health problems has led to calls for a minimum retail price for alcohol. But rather than reduce consumption of alcohol, new research shows that if the price of alcohol was significantly increased in supermarkets, only 21% (just over 1 in 5) of adult British drinkers said they would buy less alcohol and spend the same amount as they do now. |
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