News Briefs for October 18, 2012

•Rémy Cointreau has reported a sales rise of 25.5% for the six months through September to €595.8 million ($781m). Organic growth registered 13.3%. The increase was driven primarily by a strong performance from flagship Cognac brand Rémy Martin—up 20.1% on an organic basis—in the Americas (including a double-digit advance in the U.S.), Asia and Europe. Within the French group’s liqueurs and spirits unit, organic growth was at 3.5%, due in part to Cointreau’s recent momentum in the U.S., Germany and Russia, as well as gains from St. Rémy and Passoa. Meanwhile, the company expressed confidence in the potential of its Bruichladdich single malt Scotch whisky brand, acquired last month for £58 million ($92.2m).

•Due to unfavorable weather conditions, Europe’s 2012 grape harvest is expected to be the smallest in half a century. According to a recent report from the Associated Press, experts predict that France’s grape harvest will shrink by nearly 20%, with Champagne and Burgundy’s Beaujolais regions falling by as much as 40% and 30%, respectively. Bordeaux is expected to decline by 10%. Italy’s wine crops, meanwhile, are expected to drop 7%, on top of a reduced harvest the prior year. Still, winemakers are predicting a high-quality vintage, though the smaller harvests could lead to price increases.

•Accolade Wines North America has launched Stone’s ready-to-serve frozen cocktails in the U.S. The line includes four flavors—Mojito, Piña Colada, Lemonade and Margarita, all with a twist of ginger. The 10-ounce pouches will initially be available in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Accolade Wines—formed via CHAMP private equity’s early 2011 acquisition of the former Constellation Europe and Australia businesses—established its North America unit earlier this year. On October 1 it took over U.S. distribution of the Australian brands Banrock Station and Hardys from Constellation.

•SABMiller has reported organic volume growth of 4% in the six-month period ending September 30, led by Europe with a 9% increase, followed by Africa (+6%), Central America (+6%), Asia Pacific (+5%) and Latin America (+4%). MillerCoors’ U.S. domestic sales to retailers were down 1.9% for the six-month period, following a 2.4% decline in the second quarter. Domestic sales to wholesalers for the second quarter were also down, slipping 2.7% from a year earlier. Coors Light grew in the low single digits, but Miller Lite fell by mid single digits. MillerCoors’ Tenth and Blake craft and import division continued its double-digit growth, driven by Leinenkugel’s—in particular its Summer Shandy variant—as well as Blue Moon.

•Nightlife and hospitality management company EMM Group will be debuting three new concepts at 199 Bowery in New York City later this year. The 19,000-square-foot space will be separated into three venues: a nightclub called Finale, a restaurant dubbed The General and a yet-to-be-named rock-and-roll-inspired nightclub in the basement. The General will offer modern Asian cuisine from Top Chef winner and executive chef at EMM’s Catch restaurant, Hung Huynh. EMM is aiming for a December opening.

Tagged : Accolade Wines, Remy Cointreau, restaurants, SABMiller

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