News Briefs for September 6, 2012
September 6, 2012•Anheuser-Busch wholesaler Grey Eagle Distributors has agreed to buy Illinois Distribution Co., another A-B wholesaler based in Belleville, Illinois. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It would allow Maryland Heights, Missouri-based Grey Eagle to acquire Illinois Distributing’s assets and sales territory. An approval by A-B is required and is expected by the end of the year. The purchase would add 2.6 million cases to Grey Eagle’s business, which already sells about 7 million cases of beer per year. Grey Eagle will keep Illinois Distributing’s operations in Belleville.
•Acker Merrall & Condit has announced its fall 2012 auction lineup. The season kicks off September 8, with a New York City sale featuring classic and cult California offerings, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhones and Italian reds. Highlights include notable names like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Leroy, Ramonet and de Vogue, as well as Italy’s 1985 Sassicaia in both bottle and magnum formats. After New York, Acker Merrall will hold its next auction on September 21-22 in Hong Kong, which will feature an emphasis on Champagne. Additional fall auctions also include New York sales on October 20, November 17 and December 15, Hong Kong sales on November 9-10 and December 7-8 and a Chicago sale on October 27.
•William Grant & Sons has unveiled an online creative project for Stolichnaya vodka, entitledORGNL.TV. As an extension of the brand’s global ad campaign launched in April (under the tagline “The Most Original Moments, Deserve The Most Original Vodka”), the digital platform will highlight the talents and creative processes of professionals in fashion, music and art around the world. Between September 5 and October 29, consumers in participating countries will also be given the chance to upload their own videos. Stoli fans will select six finalists to attend a music, art and fashion show in New York in December. Stoli’s U.S. volume slipped 1.4% to 1.8 million cases in 2011, according to Impact Databank.
•Hess Select wines, part of The Hess Collection, has launched two new line extensions—Central Coast Pinot Noir ($19.99) and Treo red blend ($16.99). The inaugural vintage of Treo will include Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah with small amounts of Malbec and Mourvèdre. Both of the new wines begin shipping this month; Treo will receive nationwide distribution while the Pinot Noir will initially launch in nine key markets. The brand also plans to add a Malbec (likely priced between $17-$20) to the portfolio in early 2013. The three new varietals join Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay, North Coast Sauvignon Blanc and North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon in the brand lineup. Hess Select wines have also received updated labels on the bottles, which are expected to appeal to younger wine consumers.
•Southern California-based Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is slated to open a new outlet in Beverly Hills next month. The 7,200-square-foot Beverly Hills location will seat 250 guests and feature a two-story, all glass wine room. In addition to offering Fleming’s signature menu of aged beef, chops and fresh seafood, the new outpost will also serve more than 100 wines by the glass. Founded in 1998, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar currently operates 64 restaurants in 28 states.
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Tagged : Acker Merrall & Condit, Anheuser-Busch, auctions, restaurants, Stolichnaya
