News Briefs for March 24, 2023

•Belvedere vodka, part of the Moët Hennessy portfolio, has unveiled a new limited-edition bottle exclusively for the Miami market. The bottling is the fourth destination-themed release from the brand and marks the first U.S. locale to get a special edition following international hot spots like Ibiza, Spain; Mykonos in Greece; and France’s Côte d’Azur. The pink and green 1.75-liter bottle features the city’s name plus Art Deco-inspired details and also lights up. The 1.75-liter bottle is now available in Miami’s leading restaurants and clubs. Next month, 1-liter bottles will launch in retailers and other on-premise accounts.

•Mike Milo has been appointed EVP of Breakthru Beverage Virginia. Effective April 1, Milo will be responsible for all aspects of the market including sales, operations, and regulatory matters. Milo’s career includes a nine-year span with Breakthru Florida and its legacy companies before moving to E.&J. Gallo Winery where, as retail director, he managed multimillion-dollar budgets to drive strategic initiatives and market growth for the winery’s Southeast Division, according to the company. In his new role he succeeds the retiring Dale Farino.

•Catalyst Spirits, marketer of Howler Head Bourbon, has hired Ed Bello as global senior vice president of marketing. In this new role Bello will report directly to Catalyst CEO Simon Hunt. Prior to signing on with Catalyst, Bello served as head of luxury at Diageo for the North American market. He has additional experience at Diageo with Bulleit, Ketel One, and Smirnoff. In addition to roughly 15 years of experience in the spirits world, Bello spent over a decade at Procter & Gamble. Campari took a 15% stake in Howler Head last summer for $15 million.

Tagged : Belvedere, Breakthru Beverage, Catalyst Spirits, Howler Head

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