News Briefs for April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019•In case you missed this morning’s news alert, Pernod Ricard has added to its gin range, agreeing to acquire the Malfy brand from Biggar and Leith for an undisclosed sum. Malfy, which has volume of around 100,000 cases globally, is produced in Italy and retails at around $30. It includes an Originale gin, along with Con Limone, Gin Rosa, and Con Arancia flavored varieties. Here’s the full story.
•Mast-Jägermeister reported that sales of its flagship bitter brand rose 5% to 7.5 million 9-liter cases globally in calendar 2018, despite ongoing struggles in the U.S. While U.S. depletions declined 7% to 1.54 million cases, according to Impact Databank, Jägermeister continued to enjoy strong gains in Eastern Europe, and is also making a move in Asia, where China “has become a major sales engine and a significant emerging market for the Jägermeister brand,” the company notes. CEO Michael Volke warned that growth could slow to “a moderate increase” this year, however, amid “a global economy that is showing signs of a downturn.”
•A gala tasting event, “OperaWine: Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers,” kicked off the 53rd edition of Vinitaly, the annual wine trade fair, which took place April 7-10 in Verona. Italian wine’s diversity was on full display at OperaWine. Held in Verona’s historic Palazzo della Gran Guardia and limited to 1,600 invited guests, the tasting showcased 103 of Italy’s top winemakers, selected by Wine Spectator. All 20 Italian wine regions were represented, from the Alps to Sicily. Wine Spectator has more on the festivities.
•Napa, California-based Quintessential Wines has taken over marketing and sales for Russian River Valley winemaker Foppiano Vineyards. Founded in 1896, the 160-acre, family-owned estate includes 117 acres of vineyards, planted to Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Quintessential’s footprint for Foppiano will be nationwide, retailing between $20-$35 a 750-ml. Foppiano formerly was marketed by Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits.
•Louisville, Kentucky’s Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. has released A Song For You, a new brandy celebrating the distillery’s five-year anniversary. The 50% abv brandy is a blend of 8-, 12-, 13-, and 18-year old brandy that has matured together in ex-Bourbon barrels for five years. The blend of Muscat de Alexandrie, Chenin Blanc, and French Colombard, among other varietals, was sourced from seven states. A Song For You is now available across Copper & Kings 35-state (and Washington, D.C.) distribution footprint and at the distillery. Constellation has a minority stake in Copper & Kings.
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