News Briefs for April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017•California’s Michael David Winery is launching 7 Deadly Red this month as an extension to its 7 Deadly Zins franchise. 7 Deadly Red is sourced from the Lodi appellation and retails at $16 a bottle, in line with the parent brand. 7 Deadly Zins, an Impact “Hot Brand,” grew 15% to more than 300,000 cases in the U.S. last year.
•Connecticut-based United States Beverage (USB) will begin testing Malibu Beer in select U.S. markets on May 1. The coconut-flavored light beer—which is licensed by the Malibu rum brand owned by Pernod Ricard—will debut in Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), California (San Diego) and Michigan (Ann Arbor and Lansing). Jean-Baptiste Viton, global innovation director for Malibu, noted that beer has a roughly 50% share of the summer drinking occasions that the Malibu franchise is targeting for expansion, and expects the new brew to prosper in that space. The 5%-abv light lager will be available in six-packs of 330-ml. bottles.
•Novato, California-based WX Brands (formerly Winery Exchange) has acquired Napa Valley wine label Bread & Butter, as well as the Jamieson Ranch Vineyards portfolio. Bread & Butter, which includes a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay retailing around the $15 mark, was founded by Carmel, California-based Alcohol By Volume three years ago. WX will look to expand Bread & Butter’s distribution across the U.S. The Jamieson Ranch lineup includes the Double Lariat, Reata, Whiplash and Light Horse brands. Jamieson was acquired by its president, Bill Leigon, from Madison Vineyard Holdings back in September of 2015, and will now transition to WX Brands. In addition to its own brands, WX produces exclusive wine, spirits and beer labels for retailers around the world.
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