Monthly Archive: October 2011
News Briefs for October 18, 2011
•Boston Beer Co. is rolling out an offering in the tiny, but fast-growing alcoholic cider segment. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 18, 2011Wine In Kegs Catching On
A growing number of restaurants and bars are stocking wine in kegs, reports Wine Spectator, and pouring wines by the glass from a tap. While not a new idea, keg wines—and their economic and environmental benefits—now seem to be gaining traction. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 17, 2011News Briefs for October 17, 2011
•Online local deals site LivingSocial is launching LivingSocial Gourmet, an invitation-only service that “creates exclusive offers for leading restaurants to reach LivingSocial’s most frequent, discerning and high-value restaurant patrons,” according to the company. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 17, 2011INTERVIEW: Midwest Retail Giant Hy-Vee Prospers Despite Downturn By Thinking, Acting Locally
Sales of beverage alcohol at the 245-unit Hy-Vee Inc. supermarket chain throughout the Midwest approached $500 million at the end of its fiscal year on September 30, according to Jay Wilson, vice president of wine & spirits. Total sales at the employee-owned chain were at $7 billion for the period. Hy-Vee is opening 3 new stores this year, and will have 248 units in the following eight states by year-end: Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. Its beverage alcohol departments range from 6,000 square feet down to a single 40-foot aisle. Wine and spirits each account for 30% of sales, with beer at 40%. The chain has made a commitment to educating its sales staff and has become a destination for wine, spirits and beer drinkers seeking selection and good value. So far, over 350 employees have received certification recognized by The Society of Wine Educators. Shanken News Daily recently spoke with Jay Wilson about trends in his markets. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 14, 2011News Briefs for October 14, 2011
•The recently signed U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement has the potential to open up a new key emerging market to U.S. winemakers, according to the Wine Institute. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 14, 2011Sprinting Barefoot Leads Blue Chip Wines’ Awesome Growth While Cavit Stands Tall As Lone Import
Impact awards “Blue Chip Brand” status to products that have achieved sustained growth, but the latest crop of wine honorees is also notable for some remarkably rapid progress. Continue reading →
Posted in News on October 13, 2011
