Wine & Spirits

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Kōloa Rum Co. released Kaua ‘I Coffee Rum in Hawaii and California. 

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Austerity line launched a new Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. 

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is just around the corner. After things wind down from the holiday rush, I enjoy reflecting on everything that I experienced during the year. However, I must admit, I also have a tendency to start planning new adventures and challenges for the year ahead.

As of July, the Google Play store and the Apple App Store each offered more than 1.5 million apps for download, according to Statista. There’s pretty much an app to make just about anything easier and more convenient.

The holidays are here, and time with family and friends spent over food and drinks is a big part of many gatherings. Beverage brands also hop on the holiday bandwagon by displaying festive flavors in brightly colored packaging to entice consumers.

Bay Pac Beverages Inc. released its Fair Belize 5-Year Rum, which now is available in select markets. 

Demand for wine packaging in the United States is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2019, according to a new study from New York-based Freedonia titled “Wine Packaging.” Growth will benefit from continued favorable gains in domestic wine consumption and production as well as increases in disposable personal income, the market research firm states. In the United States, wine is becoming more prevalent as an accompaniment to meals at home rather than a beverage consumed at restaurants or special events. Opportunities for related packaging will benefit from the importance of packaging both as a marketing tool and for its ability to enhance the perception of wine quality. 

The Bardstown Bourbon Co., Bardstown, Ky., announced the creation of its Collaborative Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye Wholesale Distilling Program, which is slated to open this summer. The new program will offer wholesale customers the opportunity to create custom, authentic, Kentucky whiskey products, while also providing barrel financing, the company says. The program works to expand the growth of the craft distilling industry by providing craft distillers and brand owners high-quality whiskey to strengthen their supply, it adds.

Creating a new beverage presents myriad challenges. According to Chicago-based Mintel’s Global New Products Database, 3,142 new beverages were released in the United States from January to October 2015.

In 2009, reality-TV celebrity Bethenny Frankel founded Skinnygirl Cocktails on the premise that women want low-calorie, great-tasting Margaritas. In 2011, Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Suntory acquired the brand, which has since grown to include 21 low-calorie products in the vodka, wine and ready-to-drink categories, according to Brendan Lynch, senior marketing director at Beam Suntory.