News Briefs for June 6, 2011
June 6, 2011• A-B InBev is reportedly preparing for a U.S. reintroduction and revitalization of its Bass Pale Ale beer label in 2012. While A-B didn’t comment, the move represents the first major marketing push for the brand in many years. A high-flying brand through the 1990s and early 2000s, Bass has lost more than half its volume since peaking in 2002 at 7.8 million (2.25-gallon) cases. Throughout that period, it’s been handled by three different marketers—Diageo-Guinness USA, InBev USA and Anheuser-Busch. Even so, Bass remains among the top 20 imported beers in the U.S. market, at around 3 million cases annually.
• Washington-based Riesling producer Pacific Rim has signed a long-term distribution deal with Young’s Market Company of California. Young’s has been Pacific Rim’s California distributor since early 2009. Founded by Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard in 1992, Pacific Rim was acquired by the Mariani family of Banfi Vintners in January of this year. The winery makes Rieslings under the Pacific Rim brand across a wide range of expressions including dry, sweet and sparkling—as well as a number of single vineyard Rieslings. Pacific Rim has nearly doubled its case volume over the past three years, rising to 165,000 cases in 2010, according to Impact Databank. For its full-year 2010 (ended February 15, 2011), the winery reported shipment growth of 35% and depletion growth of 36%.
• Craft brewing group The Brewers Association held its fourth annual “Savor: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience” beer and food-pairing event in Washington, DC over the weekend. The two-day event showcased beers from 72 craft breweries, paired with dishes inspired by nationally acclaimed chefs. Private tastings and educational sessions were also held. The event was attended by 2,000 people each night. Two of the star attractions were Sam Calagione, founder and president of Dogfish Head Brewing, and Jim Koch, chairman and founder of Boston Beer Co. They presented Savor Flowers, a collaborative brew made for the Washington event. Brewed with rosewater, dried lavender, hibiscus, jasmine and rosebuds, just 30 barrels of the beer was produced. Other breweries participating included Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Deschutes, Bell’s, Harpoon and Boulevard. Reyes Beverage Group served as host supporter.
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