Breakthru CCO Talks Backing Out of RNDC Deal, Priority Categories
After backing out of a deal for Republic National Distributing Company’s (RNDC) Kentucky and Indiana operations in August, Breakthru Beverage is charting a cautious path forward.
Seth Green’s Hellbent Cocktails Turned a Scrapped Robot Chicken Sketch Into A Brand
Not every Robot Chicken pitch makes it to air. But at least one rejected sketch made it to the fridge.
Judge Dismisses Patco Brands’ Counterclaims in BuzzBallz Trademark Case
A federal judge dismissed the last of Patco Brands’ counterclaims against BuzzBallz, ending a three-year fight between two rival orb-shaped, ready-to-drink (RTD) brands.
Bev-Alc Growth Looking Smaller, Lighter and More Retro, Per Mintel
As global consumers moderate they’re seeking stronger value, smaller formats, nostalgia, and sensory experiences, according to a new report from Mintel.
Straightaway Turns Its Portland Airport Bar Into a Brand Lab
As many ready-to-drink (RTD) brands aim to expand shelf space, Straightaway Cocktails has invested in gate space instead. Three months into its Portland International Airport bar, the company is using the new space to interact with customers in different ways and trial drinks it otherwise wouldn’t be able to test at scale.
Sazerac Confirms Bid For Berentzen
Sazerac has signed a binding agreement to acquire Berentzen-Gruppe AG, the German schnapps producer it was reportedly pursuing last week. The deal gives Sazerac a different approach to add international volume than its failed Brown-Forman pursuit.
After Brown-Forman Snub, Sazerac In Talks With European Beverage Group
Sazerac is in talks to acquire German schnapps producer, Berentzen-Gruppe AG, according to a report from Bloomberg News. The move could extend an acquisition run that has added a UK vodka brand and a Kentucky distillery in the past three months alone.
From Oaxaca to Sin City: How a Craft Zero-Proof Agave Spirit Found Volume on the Strip
Tomonotomo debuted as an agave spirit alternative made from semi-traditional methods just two years ago, but much has shifted in the adult non-alc (ANA) category since then.
Diageo Leverages Core Brands Into Low-Alc
Diageo, the first major spirits company to scale non-alc spirits alternatives, is building a mid-strength range in the UK.
Meet the Brands Bringing Spain’s Iconic Wine And Cola Cocktail To America
Two independent ready-to-drink (RTD) brands are betting Americans are ready to mix their wine with cola. Little Sun’s Calimocho and Wine and Cola, two Southern California-based companies inspired by the Spanish staple cocktail Kalimotxo, have hit the market recently with different spins on the liquid, branding and sales strategy.
Quarter Proof Founders Return to Low-Alc With ‘Half-Cocktail’ Strength Demi Vodka
Rohan Radhakrishnan and Fabian Clark’s first attempt at building a mid-proof spirits category didn’t go as planned. Now, they’re trying again.
RTD Cocktails: New Releases From Salt Point, Deep Eddy, Freixenet and More
August’s ready-to-drink (RTD) releases include a Bay Area canned cocktail brand suiting up with the 49ers and a top sparkling wine brand making its RTD debut, plus several fall-themed cocktails and one controversial breakfast-flavored libation. Here’s what’s new on shelf.
Morales Beverage Group Moves In On RNDC Indiana Assets
Morales Beverage Group (MBG), the distribution arm of Mexcor International, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire Republic National Distributing Company’s (RNDC) Indiana assets and operations, the companies announced today. The deal would add a sixth state to MBG’s distribution footprint.
Finnish Long Drink Cuts Sales Roles After Mark Anthony Acquisition
Several members of The Finnish Long Drink’s sales force have announced the elimination of their roles in the wake of the ready-to-drink cocktail’s (RTD) acquisition by Mark Anthony Brands earlier this year.