Victor, N.Y.-based Constellation Brands announced it has reached an agreement with Charles Smith Wines LLC to acquire its fast-growing Washington State wines for approximately $120 million. The transaction, which closed in October, includes five super and ultra-premium wines: Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Velvet Devil Merlot, Boom Booom! Syrah, Eve Chardonnay and Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon.
KonaRed Corp., Koloa, Hawaii, the manufacturer of premium Hawaiian Cold Brew and Whole Bean Coffee, announced that its comparative revenue grew by 132 percent from $174,000 in Q3 2015 to $404,000 for the three-month period ending Sept. 30. Revenue for the comparative nine-month period grew by 34 percent from $587,000 to $789,000, the company says.
The 31st Annual Natural Products Expo East, which took place Sept. 21-24 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, hosted more than 1,450 brands, including 450 first-time exhibitors. With more than 28,000 attendees, it was the largest show on record, growing by 10 percent, according to Boulder, Colo.-based New Hope Network, which produces the event.
The Alexandria, Va.-based National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) hosted its 79th Annual Convention, Sept. 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Attendees learned about important issues that beer distributors and the industry are facing and sampled new products during a two-day Product Demonstration Showcase that included more than 160 exhibitors, including 35 breweries, highlighting more than 100 labels of beer.
St. Helena, Calif.-based Sill Family Vineyards announced it acquired the Ardente Estate Winery, an Atlas Peak AVA Napa winery. The property consists of 24.4 acres within the fabled Atlas Peak appellation, it adds.
Honey is a versatile, all-natural ingredient being used to add flavor and sweetness to a plethora of products, including beer, ready-to-drink teas and energy drinks as well as spirits.
New line of CSDs features traditional soda flavors
November 10, 2016
Bai Brands, Princeton, N.J., announced the introduction of Bai Black, a line of carbonated beverages with traditional soda flavors. Available nationwide in January 2017, the Bai Black lineup will feature five flavors: Kohala Kola, Simbu Citrus, Rioja Root Beer, Jambi Ginger Ale and Colombia Cream.
Limited-edition gift set includes 100 percent single-grain whiskeys
November 8, 2016
Timber Creek Distillery, Destin, Fla., launched a bourbon blending kit. The limited-edition gift set features a selection of 100 percent single-grain whiskeys and Timber Creek's Bourbon Blending Guide, allowing consumers to create their own bourbon blend.
Old Elk Distillery launches Dry Town spirits in Colorado
November 8, 2016
Celebrating the city of Fort Collins, Colo. and its legacy of craft beverages, Fort Collins, Colo.-based Old Elk Distillery introduced Dry Town Vodka and Dry Town Gin. These high-quality spirits are the first products from Old Elk Distillery, an endeavor by Curt and Nancy Richardson, founders of OtterBox and Blue Ocean Enterprises. Production on the spirits started nearly three years ago, it says.