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U.S. wine exports, 90 percent of which are from California, reached $1.62 billion in winery revenues in 2016, a new record, according to the San Francisco-based Wine Institute. Despite challenges from a strong dollar, winery revenues were up 1 percent from 2015.  Volume was 412.7 million liters or 45.9 million cases, it adds. 

The distilled spirits sector achieved accelerated growth in 2016 with supplier sales up 4.5 percent to $25.2 billion, volumes up 2.4 percent to 220 million cases and a seventh straight year of market share gains relative to beer, the New York-based Distilled Spirits Council announced at its annual economic briefing for media and Wall Street analysts, sponsored by Spirited Funds.

Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) published insights that revealed short- and long-term growth opportunities for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies by identifying and capitalizing on dynamic consumer trends, particularly those that can command a premium in a particular niche, it says. 

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (CCBCC), Charlotte, N.C., announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., to expand the company's distribution territory in northern Ohio. 

For the second year, Xyience, a brand of Austin, Texas-based Big Red Inc., announced that it is teaming up with Campus Insiders, a digital destination and content source for college sports fans, to produce a new series hosted by veteran sports journalist Seth Davis, titled “Don’t Mess with Seth.” In addition, the brand is sponsoring a national sweepstakes that will send one fan and a guest on a VIP Experience to the 2017 national college basketball championship weekend in Phoenix, the company says.  

Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, announced that it will be offering free weddings and vow renewals on Feb. 14. As part of the love and romance of Valentine’s Day, anyone 21 and older, with a marriage license, can be wed for free at Lakefront Brewery, the company says.