Unconventional wines from a popular wine region are being introduced to the on-trade via Matthew Clark.
Rare Vineyards comprises a Carignan, Malbec and Pinot Noir, each created using grapes sourced from selected growers in the Languedoc.
"Carignan is usually found as a component in a blend, while Malbec and Pinot Noir are associated with other French wine-producing regions," said Peter Crameri, UK manager for producer Alain Grignon. "We have found parcels of vineyards in the Languedoc producing excellent examples of each of these grapes, and the story of these 'rare vineyards' is told on the front label." [...more]
Diageo has launched two new flavours of its 100 proof Smirnoff vodka.
Spiced root beer and dark roasted espresso, under the Blue Label portfolio, are the first flavoured additions to 100 proof.
David Tapscott, Diageo director of Smirnoff vodka, said: "Spiced Root Beer and Dark Roasted Espresso are great additions to our portfolio, and signify the brand's commitment to being 'there'- 'there' at the forefront of innovation with a unique approach to the category; and 'there' offering consumers new ways to enjoy life's many flavours and good times responsibly." [...more]
Recalling the Gallo Pinot fraud of recent weeks, Harpers wine and spirit reports that Scotland Yard has made six arrests in connection with a suspected fine wine investment scam.
Fraud squad officers believe that tens of thousands of pounds have been handed over by investors who were told they were buying premium Australian wines. Reports say the alleged offences had already netted the organisers more than £3 million.
Two women and four men were arrested at addresses in south east London. [...more]
Subcontractors working for drinks firm AB InBev UK have been dealt a blow after its decision to transfer its primary logistic operations to DHL's Tradeteam division.
A spokeswoman for AB Inbev says: "I can confirm the company has written to members of our haulage partnership scheme to advise that the scheme will terminate at the end of March. All members have been put in touch with Tradeteam to discuss the opportunity to work together going forwards."
Subcontractors who agree to work with Tradeteam can be released from the notice period early to begin working under the new agreements, however, terms and conditions will be set by the drinks haulier, and not AB InBev.
The Beck's and Stella Artois maker has awarded Tradeteam primary logistics operations from its Magor, Preston and London breweries to several DCs including Enfield, Knowsley and Sheffield. Tradeteam is already handling secondary distribution for the firm. [...more]
Bavaria S A's Pilsen has been chosen as the official sponsor of the Columbian football team Deportivo Independiente Medellin (DIM) for the next two years.
The official presentation of the new shirt endorsed by the beer company took place on Friday (March 5th).
Fernando Jaramillo Giraldo, vice-president of corporate affairs at Bavaria, said that the new agreement strengthens the brand's "emotional ties" with its consumers and also "fills us with joy, for this team is a hallmark in the city, as well as being one of the oldest clubs in the country". [...more]
Brewer Molson Coors is relaunching Caffrey's Irish Ale with a lower ABV and a collector card scheme to drive sales
From 15 March the premium draught will be reduced from 4.2% ABV to 3.8% ABV.
On-trade sales will be supported with a "Buy three get a free one next time you're in" collector card scheme.
A new point of sale kit will be available to help promote the rebranding. [...more]
Bombardier is providing UK pubs with kits in the run-up to St George's Day, supported by its biggest campaign for the brand to date.
Merchandise in the kits includes bunting, pump-clip wobblers, balloons, tent cards and competitions to win VIP trips to the Great British Beer Festival.
"Every year St George's Day has grown and last year our stockists sold more Bombardier in St George's Day week than ever before," said Wells & Young's marketing director Chris Lewis. "The kits are just one element of Bombardier's support to the trade for St George's Day." [...more]
Carlsberg has launched Vintage 3 - the third in an exclusive beer trilogy.
Under the leadership of Jacobsen Brewery's brewmaster, Morten Ibsen, six Carlsberg brewers from Norway, France, Great Britain and Denmark helped develop Vintage 3.
Meanwhile, three artists - Kaspar Bonnén and two artists from the project 'Radiant Copenhagen' - joined forces to create six unique labels that tell the story of what Carlsberg City may look like in the future.
The basic recipe for Vintage 3 was developed in Copenhagen; it was then further developed at Kronenbourg Innovation Centre in France and according to Carlsberg, it is the only currently available beer to be aged in French Côte d'Or oak barrels in JC Jacobsen's original cellar from 1847. [...more]
A number of beers are being bottled for the first time by the Hop Valley Brewing Company in Springfield, Oregon, it has been revealed, which could interest those looking at packaging research.
This follows the launch of its ales at a pub in the nearby area and the transition will enable home consumers to enjoy its beverages, the Register Guard has reported.
Jonas Kungys, one of the firm's owner-partners, stated that the company is new and is simply reacting to demand for its Elias Briggs Cream Ale, Alphadelic IPA and Natty Red Imperial Red Ale. [...more]
Pernod Ricard UK is launching the campaign this April with television adverts supported by the recent introduction of new packaging across Montana’s Classic and Reserve ranges.
“Montana is committed to continuing to leading development of the New Zealand wine category in 2010. We expect TV advertising to make a million new customers aware of it,” said marketing controller Mathew Bird.
“This marketing campaign will really cement our brand values in the mind of the consumers.” [...more]
E&J Gallo Winery plans to expand its on-trade distribution in the UK this year and its Barefoot brand will be the one to watch, it announced today.
The Californian-based family-owned wine producer restructured its portfolio last year, leaving five core brands for it to focus on in the UK and Europe for 2010: Gallo Family Vineyards, Turning Leaf, Redwood Creek, Carlo Rossi and Barefoot.
"We are looking to expand our route to market and our on-trade presence and we will heavily invest in the on-trade despite difficult market conditions at the moment," said regional sales director UK and Ireland, Mark Tinsley. [...more]
A beer celebrating a school's 150th anniversary has been created by Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire.
A Shining Light derives its name from Bloxham's School's Latin motto - Justorum Semita Lux Splendens (the path of the just is a shining light). The school has close links with the local community.
"We are very pleased that the family-owned Hook Norton Brewery, founded 11 years before the school in 1860, is supporting us in this way," said headmaster Mark Allbrook.
For every bottle sold, 5p is donated to the school's chosen charities. [...more]
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