News Briefs for March 23, 2012
March 23, 2012•Depletions of California wine (excluding exports) rose 3.3% to reach an all-time high of 212.3 million nine-liter cases in 2011, according to Impact Databank. Likewise, total U.S. wine market sales (including imports, excluding exports) were up 2.5% by volume to 315.5 million cases. The rapid rise of categories like Moscato and sweet reds, as well as signs of recovery from the restaurant sector, helped to drive growth. According to the Wine Institute, meanwhile, U.S. wine exports (90% of which come from California) increased 5.8% by volume to 50.6 million cases, and reached a record $1.39 billion in winery revenue, on 21.7% growth.
•Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has released a limited edition bottle to commemorate the 2012 Kentucky Derby, which will be held May 5. Featuring artwork from illustrator Michael Schwab, the 1-liter bottles will be available in early April in 45 states, priced at $42.99. The official Bourbon brand of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve also sponsors the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is held on Derby Day. The brand moves around 125,000 nine-liter cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
•Panache Beverage’s Wódka vodka has announced a distribution partnership with New York-based BR Guest Hospitality. The vodka brand will roll out at 15 BR Guest locations throughout New York City including Blue Water Grill, Dos Caminos, Atlantic Grill, Kibo, Isabella’s, Primehouse, Strip House and Wildwood. Panache also recently announced a partnership deal with renowned chef Daniel Boulud and his restaurant management company The Dinex Group to make Wódka the house vodka brand for Boulud’s 12 restaurants worldwide, as well as an expansion into additional markets such as Wisconsin and Nevada. Wódka, produced in eastern Poland, retails at around $8.99-$9.99 a 750-ml.
•Delta Air Lines is opening five full-service restaurants and nine casual eateries at Terminal C of New York’s LaGuardia Airport, some of which will open this Sunday, with the entire project slated for completion in fall 2013. Airport food and beverage operator OTG Management will run the new dining venues—many of which come from renowned New York City chefs including Michael White, Anne Burrell, Andrew Carmellini and Aarón Sanchez, among others.
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