News Briefs for August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023•Single malt Scotch whisky Laphroaig, part of the Beam Suntory portfolio, has debuted a refreshed, more sustainable design to its packaging in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of each bottle. The new packaging will reduce the brand’s carbon emissions by 30%, and supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy and commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its value chain by 2040. The new packaging design retains the green bottle with black and white label but replaces the plastic bar top with a beech wood alternative, as well as switching out the secondary packaging tube for a more recycling-friendly carton. The carton also introduces additional quality cues on pack, including embossed Laphroaig lettering on the side as a nod to the brand’s Islay distillery.
•Heaven Hill has announced Elijah Craig Limited-Edition Toasted Barrel finished in European Toasted Oak Barrels, the latest limited offering from the brand, released to commemorate the 2023 Ryder Cup. The whiskey starts as fully matured Elijah Craig Bourbon that’s finished in oak barrels toasted with a profile inspired by those used in the Lazio region of Italy, near Rome. The new entry is rolling out now on an allocated basis and carries a suggested price of $100. Last year, Elijah Craig was up 33.6% to 402,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.
•Organic wine brand Avaline has launched in over 500 Whole Foods Markets across the U.S. The distribution expansion will begin with the brand’s rosé, with Avaline’s sparkling and white wines coming to Whole Foods in select regions in the coming months. According to the company, Avaline is now available in more than 10,000 stores across the U.S., a 45% jump over Q3 last year. Avaline was founded by actress Cameron Diaz and entrepreneur Katherine Power, and has a portfolio of six wines, including red and white blends, and a Sauvignon Blanc, among others. Avaline grew 46% to 80,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.
•Twisted Tea is launching a higher-alcohol variant called Twisted Tea Extreme. The spinoff is at 8% abv instead of the usual 5% abv. As with other Twisted Teas, it’s made with brewed tea and not carbonated. Twisted Tea Extreme is launching in two flavors, Lemon and Blue Razz, packaged in single 24-ounce cans. It’s rolling out now across five test markets: New York, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Twisted Tea is part of the Boston Beer Company. It earned Impact “Hot Brand” honors for its 2022 performance after jumping 27% to 33 million (2.25-gallon) cases.
•St. Helena, California-based Colgin Cellars has appointed Neil Bernardi as COO. He joins from The Duckhorn Portfolio where he spent 15 years in a variety of positions, including vice president and general manager of its Kosta Browne, Canvasback, and Goldeneye wineries. As COO, Bernardi will oversee Colgin Cellars’ overall operations and report directly to chairwoman and founder Ann Colgin and CEO Joe Wender. Colgin Cellars was founded in 1992 and entered into a strategic partnership with LVMH in 2017 as the only U.S. winery in its Vins d’Exception Group.
Subscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning.Tagged : Avaline, Beam Suntory, Boston Beer, Colgin Cellars, Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill, Laphroaig, Twisted Tea, Whole Foods
