News Briefs for November 21, 2013
November 21, 2013•In the first of five 2013 vintage reports, Wine Spectator has found that California winegrowers up and down the coast are celebrating a long, sunny year. After last year’s high quality and high yields, 2013 offers more of the same. The one lingering concern is persistent drought conditions that could mean trouble down the road. As for final quality in the bottle, it’s too early to know, but here’s a sneak peek.
•France’s Les Vins Georges Duboeuf is launching the 2013 edition of its Beaujolais Nouveau in the U.S. today. This year’s rollout, which is 1920s-themed, will be supported by a series of “Nouveau Retro” parties in major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis. Priced at $10.99 a 750-ml. and made from 100% Gamay, this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau offering is characterized by its strawberry, currant and raspberry notes, according to winemaker Georges Duboeuf. The Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, handled in the U.S. by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits and released annually on the third Thursday of November, sells around 160,000 cases in the U.S. market.
•Diageo has formed a new, multiyear marketing partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) that make it the league’s exclusive spirits partner. Diageo’s Cîroc and Crown Royal brands will be integrated into marketing initiatives across the NBA, and Baileys will be featured in activities with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Crown Royal’s presence will be centered around its ongoing “Reign On” campaign, with initiatives including unique video content on digital and broadcast channels. Cîroc, meanwhile, will have a branded lounge at the NBA All-Star game in New Orleans in February. The Diageo brands will also have a significant presence during NBA national game telecasts on ABC, ESPN and TNT.
•SABMiller’s global beer volume rose by 1% in the first half of its fiscal 2014, as marked progress in Africa offset declines in Europe and North America. The brewing giant’s profit figures were more encouraging though, as solid EBITA growth in North America (+3%), Africa (+15%) and Asia Pacific (+7%) led to a reported overall EBITA gain of 4%, to $3.27 billion, for the six months ended September 30. At constant currency, SABMiller’s organic EBITA growth for the period was 7%. The company says that trading conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged in the second half of its fiscal year, and that selective price increases will be taken as its focus remains on premiumization.
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