News Briefs for July 13, 2011
July 13, 2011•Italian wine producer Santa Margherita has introduced a Chianti Classico Riserva extension to the U.S., in partnership with brand importer Terlato Wines International. The new Chianti Riserva retails at $25 a 750-ml. Best known for its popular Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita’s portfolio features a variety of sparkling, semi-sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, as well as an Estates Selection range.
•Diageo’s Crown Royal has reportedly inked a 2012 title sponsorship deal with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Brickyard 400. An official announcement is expected in the coming week. Last month, NASCAR pioneer Crown revealed that it would be ending its run as a Roush Fenway Racing team sponsor at the close of the 2011 season, instead choosing to focus on its “Your Name Here” program, which awards Sprint Cup event naming rights to an adult fan with recent military experience.
•Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) has named Bernardo Pinto Paiva chief sales officer. Currently serving as zone president for ABI’s Latin America South division, Paiva will now be based in New York. For the past two years, ABI CEO Carlos Brito has handled the chief sales officer duties, in addition to his chief executive role. Francisco Sá, zone president for Central & Eastern Europe, will be replacing Paiva, and U.K. president Stuart MacFarlane will in turn replace Sá. MacFarlane’s post will be filled by Inge Plochaet, vice president-commercial for Western Europe. All the executive changes are effective January 1, 2012.
•With Heineken USA’s Amstel Light brand struggling in recent years, the company has tapped into the burgeoning wheat beer segment with Amstel Wheat, the Amstel line’s first new product launch in 10 years. Heineken USA will be rolling out Amstel Wheat in September in select markets across the country, including New York, Boston, Providence, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco. The new product initially will be available only on draft. Unlike Amstel Light, Amstel Wheat is a full-calorie brew, containing 135 calories per 12-ounce serving.
•Cognac Ferrand is set to launch Pierre Ferrand Cognac 1840 Original Formula in the U.S. The new offering is making its debut in New Orleans next week at the Tales of the Cocktail event, and will be available nationwide starting August 1st. The 90-proof Cognac, created in collaboration with cocktail historian David Wondrich, is marketed toward the cocktail segment and will sell for $45 per 750ml.
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