Ritual Zero Proof Hires Industry Veteran Tom Halaska as National Sales Director
Spirit alternative maker Ritual Zero Proof this week announced it has hired craft non-alcoholic beer veteran Tom Halaska as its National Sales Director.
News
Benchmark Beverage Company Buys into Traditon Mexico GmhB
After starting from bottle one only 6 years ago, Benchmark Beverage Company is making a splash into supplier ownership.
The GlenDronach Introduces Limited Release Cask Strength Batch 10
The GlenDronach Distillery announces the tenth release of its highly anticipated Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This expression is expertly crafted by Master Blender Rachel Barrie from a marriage of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.
Aimsir Distilling Co. Releases Vættir Aquavit
The Aimsir Distilling Co., (pronounced aim-sure), a Portland-based maker of award-winning whiskey and gin, announces the release of its newest spirit, Vættir Aquavit (pronounced vay-teer). Named after the spirits of Norse mythology, including elves, dwarves, gods, and giants, Vættir Aquavit will be available at the Emerald Room at Aimsir Distilling starting June 24, 2022, and in Oregon liquor stores in July.
This Week’s New Beverages: Minions Soda, Adventurous Mocktails and Lemon Tea
In this week’s roundup of new beverages, Olipop rolled out a new limited edition soda flavor inspired by Illumination’s Minions, KUL MOCKS unveiled its 3-SKU Adventure Collection and Montauk rolled out Lemon Tea amid rapid sales growth in the Tri-State.
Guest Column: Your Baby’s Not Ugly, It Just Has the Wrong Name
Whether you’ve raised millions of dollars, been in the market for over a decade, have a cult following or just recently launched, renaming can be an amplifier to success, not a deterrent. Reframing a name and brand change is an opportunity for greatness rather than an admission of failure.
Minna Acquired by Holding Company, Expands Whole Foods Business
Wisconsin-based holding company New Berlin Beverage Co. announced this week that it has acquired sparkling tea brand Minna, providing the startup with a capital infusion to support its manufacturing and retail expansion.
Rock Star Guitarist John Petrucci Teams Up with Iron Smoke to Launch Rare Specialty Bourbon
After selling out the first batch of "Rock the Barrel" bourbon in less than 18 hours, GRAMMY-award winning guitarist John Petrucci and internationally acclaimed craft bourbon whiskey distillers Iron Smoke bring you their newest batch in the “Rock the Barrel” lineup: “Rock the Barrel 2.”
Pernod Ricard USA Partners with Keep America Beautiful to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Responsib’All Day
After a two-year hiatus, Pernod Ricard USA will celebrate its 10th annual Responsib'All Day of service on June 16. This year's focus — in partnership with Keep America Beautiful, a leading national nonprofit designed to end littering, improve recycling and beautify communities — will be on protecting nature and improving biodiversity. More than 18,000 Pernod Ricard USA employees will participate around the world to work on a wide variety of community projects, ranging from planting trees in natural conservation areas and renovating green urban spaces, to collecting waste from beaches and rivers.
Diversity in Spirits: Pronghorn and Distilled Spirits Council Partner To Increase Hiring of Black Community in Spirits
The pronghorn is the second-fastest land mammal in the world, second only to the cheetah. But the pronghorn can sustain its speed for longer than a cheetah, according to Dia Simms, a co-founder of Pronghorn, an initiative focused on cultivating the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, executive leaders, and founders within the spirits business. Simms, the CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal, called the name Pronghorn symbolic of the race to correct inequity in the spirits industry, which she described as a marathon, not a sprint.
GuS Soda Introduces New Mango Peach Flavor
Utmost Brands, Inc., maker of GuS – Grown-up Soda introduces its new Mango Peach flavor at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Made with ripe mango puree, sweet peach juice, and a touch of cane sugar, the new flavor delivers a full-bodied tropical taste sensation in a craft soda. With only 90 calories per 12oz. bottle, it clocks in at 40% fewer calories and carbs than a typical 150 calorie soda.
Olé Cocktail Co. Signs New Distribution Agreement with Southern Glazer’s
Olé Cocktail Co. is also pleased to announce it has entered into a strategic partnership with global beverage distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits as of March 1, 2022. With over one million points of distribution, Southern Glazer is the premier beverage distributor in the U.S. and Canada, and will serve as a critical partner in Olé’s rapid expansion plans. As the newly named recipient of a Spirits Awards Double Gold Medal, Olé is well-positioned for its eventual entry into the American market and is predicted to be a top RTD cocktail choice for consumers.
IRI 2021 Pacesetters: Consumers Crave Innovative Convenience and Unique Flavor Combinations
Consumers are searching for new forms of convenience, whether as clever packaging or new products, and prioritizing exciting and unfamiliar flavors at mealtime, according to market research firm IRI’s annual New Product Pacesetters report, released yesterday.
Star Power: What Makes Celebrity Booze Brands Fly or Fail
From actors to musicians to the world’s richest man, high profile figures have built their own category within the alcohol industry: celebrity spirits. But as celebrity-owned or endorsed brands become the norm, what makes them succeed or fail?