The portfolio expansion not only increases the number of brands the company will represent, it further solidifies the firm’s commitment to offering customers more breadth and depth of quality spirit selections, it says.
Designed to meet increased consumer demand for Yogi’s products as well as prepare for future expansion initiatives, the new Yogi facility is pursuing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification, a first for a tea production facility in the nation, the company says.
Los Angeles-based Icelandic Glacial announced that its sustainably sourced spring water has added thousands of doors in the convenience and grocery channels nationwide. This is in addition to its on-premise growth the company has seen in restaurants and hotels, it says.
U.S. wine exports to China were up 14 percent in value to $38.4 million for the first six months of 2018, January through June, compared with the same time period last year, despite the continued threat of increased China tariffs.
White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA is asking drinkers to see past the trimmings, open a cold Heineken and Celebrate What’s Inside, during the upcoming holiday season, it says. The new national program features TV spots, social media and a limited-edition Magnum (1.5-liter) bottle to share with friends and family, it adds.
Spirits-makers will collaborate to develop custom bourbon, whiskey
September 11, 2018
The Bardstown Bourbon Co. (BBCo), Bardstown, Ky., announced that Grain & Barrel Spirits, the maker of pre-prohibition brand Chicken Cock Whiskey, has joined BBCo’s Collaborative Distilling Program. Grain & Barrel will work with BBCo to produce custom bourbon and whiskey for the Chicken Cock brand, which dates back to 1856. BBCo and Grain & Barrel concluded their first distillation of 616 barrels at the end of August.
Gran Patrón Smoky roasted in underground stone pits
September 10, 2018
Patrón Tequila, a brand of Hamilton, Bermuda-based Bacardi Ltd., launched Gran Patrón Smoky, which uses agave that is roasted with mesquite for about seven days in small underground stone pits to craft the artisanal tequila. Gran Patrón Smoky honors traditional production methods dating back hundreds of years, it says. Like all Patrón Tequila, the process for Gran Patrón Smoky begins with the high-quality, 100 percent Weber Blue Agave.
William Grant & Sons Ltd., North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom, announced a global brand refresh which includes new packaging and a renaming of its signature blend, a refined portfolio and a new direction for its communication’s campaign, the company says.
Accelerator program seeks 10 start-ups in US, Canada
September 6, 2018
PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., announced the launch of its Nutrition Greenhouse accelerator program in North America, an innovation initiative designed to discover and support emerging brands in the food and beverage sector. The North American program follows the launch of PepsiCo's Nutrition Greenhouse in Europe, now in its second year.
The American Beverage Association (ABA), Washington, D.C., announced that Katherine Lugar, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), will join ABA as its new president and CEO later this year. Lugar will succeed Susan K. Neely, who led the ABA for 13 years. Neely was named president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in May 2018.