Barwick Wines
appoints UK agency
UK wine merchant Chalié Richards has taken on the agency for Western Australian winery Barwick Wines – the region’s fourth largest producer, with vineyards in Margaret River, Pemberton and Blackwood Valley.
The Barwick Wines UK portfolio includes three key brands: St John’s Brook, Barwick Estate White Label and Barwick Estate Black Label. The multi-tiered range will be targeted at the UK independent sector, offering a range of quality wines across various price points.
Pike announced as global brand director
Gavin Pike is to take over from David Giles as the global brand director for Diageo’s Johnnie Walker. He is presently marketing and innovation director with Diageo’s venture Brandhouse Beverages in South Africa.
The announcement follows a recent change in Diageo’s global marketing department which saw David Gates appointed to the role of global category director for Whisk(e)y.
Pike’s transition will be effective when his replacement is found.
William Grant completes C&C acquisition
Premium spirits business and independent family distillers, William Grant & Sons is the new owner of a portfolio of Irish spirits and liqueur brands, including Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist, following today’s completion of its acquisition of C&C’s spirits and liqueurs business for €300m.
• Read the report
Burn Stewart Distillers will be promoting Whyte & Mackay single malts, The Dalmore and Jura, in Taiwan, alongside its own portfolio of Scotch whiskies.
• Read the report
OAAA Gold for Appleton ads
The Outdoor Advertising Association of America has awarded a Gold OBIE to Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum for its “Sip Up” advertising campaign created by the New York advertising agency DeVito/Verdi, which ran through 2009 on billboards, bus shelters and wallscapes in New York, Miami, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles. The campaign by distributors Kobrands Corp was the largest the rum producer has undertaken in the US.
Green light for test-tube drinks
Alcohol can still be sold in test-tubes following an inquiry under the Portman Group Code into whether this packaging causes people to drink rapidly.
• Read the report
Makers Mark in £1.5m UK promo
Maxxium UK is to launch a major consumer campaign for Maker’s Mark as part of a £1.5 million investment in the brand this year.
• Read the report
Caviro targets UK market
Italy’s largest wine co-operative, Caviro, has unveiled plans to develop its business in the UK, build market share and reposition the company as a leading supplier of branded product.
• Read the report
Stolichnaya sponsors Red Bull air race
Stolichnaya Premium Vodka has linked up with the Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2010 as the official supporter of the British team. Stolichnaya branding will appear on the aircraft and the pilot’s uniform, as well as other high impact locations, such as floating barges within the track. The partnership also includes exclusive sponsorship at all Red Bull hospitality areas and associated events throughout the year.
Autard joins Skalli as MD
Skalli wines in the South of France has appointed of Franck Autard as its new MD based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He replaces Marc Badouin who has been MD since 1993.
Franck Autard, 39, is a graduate of ESA Purpan Agricultural Engineering College and completed an MBA at the business schools ESSEC and EM Lyon. He joined Lustucru Frais in 1999 (Skalli group), chiefly to develop the brand’s international profile, and later became sales and marketing director in 2005. He was appointed as the deputy MD of Lejay-Lagoute, a subsidiary of Henriot and the Japanese group Suntory, in 2007.
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
Baileys spring 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 |
| 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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