Traditional Martini Ranks Most Popular
Martinis, Mojitos and Red Bull and vodkas are the most commonly requested spirits drinks at bars and restaurants, according to an on-premise survey conducted by Information Resources Inc (IRI). In a study titled “Success In The Cities,” IRI surveyed over 500 on-premise accounts (bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs) across the top metro-areas (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas/Ft. Worth) to find out what’s hot and what’s not. Jager bombs are the most popular shots on-premise, while Chardonnay continues to be the number one requested table wine varietal. In addition, Moet Hennessy French Champagne brands have the highest distribution as compared to its competition.
Martinis reportedly account for 31% of all cocktail requests. The “traditional” martini is most commonly ordered, followed by apple martinis, miscellaneous fruit martinis, dirty martinis and chocolate martinis. Mojitos are the second most popular cocktail and Red Bull and vodkas are the third most popular.
The majority of people that order wine on-premise (40%) go for a chardonnay. White Zinfandel (23%) is the second most popular varietal, followed by Merlot (12%), Pinot Grigio (4%), Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) and Pinot Noir (2%). Interestingly, 10 of the top 12wine brands in distribution are domestic wines from California, according to IRI. The average establishment offers 10 wine brands.
Meanwhile, Jager bombs (mix of Jagermeister and Red Bull) are the most popular shots at bars and nightclubs. IRI says the average shots or “bombs” are typically offered as “drink specials” in the $3-$6 price range. This includes a shot of Jameson, a SoCo/lime shot, Jager bombs, Effen Cherry bomb, Bacardi bomb, Morphine bomb, Pear bomb and Patron Silver shot.
The top five sparkling wine/Champagne brands are: Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Roederer and Perrier Jouet. As you can see, the Moet Hennessy portfolio dominates the on-premise. IRI found that more expensive Champagnes tend to have better distribution then moderately priced offerings. Korbel had 13% distribution, while Perrier Jouet had 18% and Veuve Clicquot had 24%, for example.
SKYY GOES ALL-NATURAL WITH INFUSIONS LAUNCH
Skyy Spirits, owned by Gruppo Campari, is launching a new Skyy Infusions in the U.S. – an all natural blend of Skyy Vodka and real fruit. Infusions will launch in five flavors: Citrus, Cherry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry and Grape. The product will begin rolling out in April 2008 with full national coverage by May.
“With SKYY Infusions, we are going a completely different direction. We are introducing a proprietary infusions process that allows us to really capture that ‘true-to-fruit’ taste, while meeting a real consumer desire for all-natural products,” said ceo Gerry Ruvo.
The new bottle is still blue, but is taller, sleeker and more contemporary than the original, says Skyy. SKYY Infusions will be available in 50ml, 750ml, 1L and 1.75L (Citrus only).
In addition, the brand will be supported by a 360 degree marketing campaign anchored by the tagline “Go Natural.” An ad for Skyy Infusions Raspberry features BTI scores and the tag line: "Why drink artificially tasting vodka when you can go natural?"
Skyy has discontinued its previous flavor line.
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY VOTES FOR “TRUTH IN LABELING”
The California legislature approved a measure to oppose two rule changes proposed by the TTB that were generally unpopular in the wine industry. The bill requires the TTB to withdraw the two controversial proposals, one concerning Calistoga and the other concerning the AVA approval process altogether. TTB’s Notice No. 77 would create a “grandfather” clause allowing at least one winery that doesn’t source its grapes from Calistoga to continue using “Calistoga” on its label. The other proposal (No. 78) would have altered the approval process in creating AVAs within AVAs (such as Calistoga AVA within the Napa AVA). To read more background on the story, click here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:
FLORIDA LEGISLATORS have introduced two sets of companion bills that would put a volume cap on wineries shipping directly to consumers. HB 1293, HB 693, SB 1096 and SB 1736 would ban winery-to-consumer shipments from any medium-sized or large winery producing more than 250,000 gallons. If one of these bills passes into law, Florida would be the largest state ever to rescind its winery-to-consumer shipping privilege. A summary judgment is expected this spring, according to Free The Grapes.
MARYLAND LEGISLATORS, meanwhile, rejected a bill that would allow Maryland consumers to buy wine directly from internet sellers and wineries in a House committee last week. The bill was also debated in the Senate, but its chance of being passed is unlikely, according to local reports.
WSD BRIEFS:
SCOTCH WHISKY PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE in the next 18 months, says the Scotsman, as a result of rising production costs, an increase in duty and growing global demand in emerging markets. Prices will have risen by 40% since 2005 and premium brand will cost more that £30 a bottle next year. A weak dollar and strong pound also make Scotch exports to the U.S. more expensive.
ABSOLUT MANGO will be introduced in global travel retail next month, according to Maxxium. The launch is set to be unveiled at the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale.
Until tomorrow, Megan
“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.”
G. K. Chesterton
--------- Sell Day Calendar ----------
Today's Sell Day: 6
Sell days this month: 21
Sell days this month last year: 22
This month ends on a: Mon.
This month last year ended on a: Fri.
YTD sell days Over/Under: +1
WINE & SPIRITS DAILY
Subscribe or check back issues at: www.winespiritsdaily.com
Send news and comments in confidence to: megan@winespiritsdaily.com
© 2008 Wine & Spirits Daily, all rights reserved. May quote with attribution.
Martinis reportedly account for 31% of all cocktail requests. The “traditional” martini is most commonly ordered, followed by apple martinis, miscellaneous fruit martinis, dirty martinis and chocolate martinis. Mojitos are the second most popular cocktail and Red Bull and vodkas are the third most popular.
The majority of people that order wine on-premise (40%) go for a chardonnay. White Zinfandel (23%) is the second most popular varietal, followed by Merlot (12%), Pinot Grigio (4%), Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) and Pinot Noir (2%). Interestingly, 10 of the top 12wine brands in distribution are domestic wines from California, according to IRI. The average establishment offers 10 wine brands.
Meanwhile, Jager bombs (mix of Jagermeister and Red Bull) are the most popular shots at bars and nightclubs. IRI says the average shots or “bombs” are typically offered as “drink specials” in the $3-$6 price range. This includes a shot of Jameson, a SoCo/lime shot, Jager bombs, Effen Cherry bomb, Bacardi bomb, Morphine bomb, Pear bomb and Patron Silver shot.
The top five sparkling wine/Champagne brands are: Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Roederer and Perrier Jouet. As you can see, the Moet Hennessy portfolio dominates the on-premise. IRI found that more expensive Champagnes tend to have better distribution then moderately priced offerings. Korbel had 13% distribution, while Perrier Jouet had 18% and Veuve Clicquot had 24%, for example.
SKYY GOES ALL-NATURAL WITH INFUSIONS LAUNCH
Skyy Spirits, owned by Gruppo Campari, is launching a new Skyy Infusions in the U.S. – an all natural blend of Skyy Vodka and real fruit. Infusions will launch in five flavors: Citrus, Cherry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry and Grape. The product will begin rolling out in April 2008 with full national coverage by May.
“With SKYY Infusions, we are going a completely different direction. We are introducing a proprietary infusions process that allows us to really capture that ‘true-to-fruit’ taste, while meeting a real consumer desire for all-natural products,” said ceo Gerry Ruvo.
The new bottle is still blue, but is taller, sleeker and more contemporary than the original, says Skyy. SKYY Infusions will be available in 50ml, 750ml, 1L and 1.75L (Citrus only).
In addition, the brand will be supported by a 360 degree marketing campaign anchored by the tagline “Go Natural.” An ad for Skyy Infusions Raspberry features BTI scores and the tag line: "Why drink artificially tasting vodka when you can go natural?"
Skyy has discontinued its previous flavor line.
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY VOTES FOR “TRUTH IN LABELING”
The California legislature approved a measure to oppose two rule changes proposed by the TTB that were generally unpopular in the wine industry. The bill requires the TTB to withdraw the two controversial proposals, one concerning Calistoga and the other concerning the AVA approval process altogether. TTB’s Notice No. 77 would create a “grandfather” clause allowing at least one winery that doesn’t source its grapes from Calistoga to continue using “Calistoga” on its label. The other proposal (No. 78) would have altered the approval process in creating AVAs within AVAs (such as Calistoga AVA within the Napa AVA). To read more background on the story, click here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:
FLORIDA LEGISLATORS have introduced two sets of companion bills that would put a volume cap on wineries shipping directly to consumers. HB 1293, HB 693, SB 1096 and SB 1736 would ban winery-to-consumer shipments from any medium-sized or large winery producing more than 250,000 gallons. If one of these bills passes into law, Florida would be the largest state ever to rescind its winery-to-consumer shipping privilege. A summary judgment is expected this spring, according to Free The Grapes.
MARYLAND LEGISLATORS, meanwhile, rejected a bill that would allow Maryland consumers to buy wine directly from internet sellers and wineries in a House committee last week. The bill was also debated in the Senate, but its chance of being passed is unlikely, according to local reports.
WSD BRIEFS:
SCOTCH WHISKY PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE in the next 18 months, says the Scotsman, as a result of rising production costs, an increase in duty and growing global demand in emerging markets. Prices will have risen by 40% since 2005 and premium brand will cost more that £30 a bottle next year. A weak dollar and strong pound also make Scotch exports to the U.S. more expensive.
ABSOLUT MANGO will be introduced in global travel retail next month, according to Maxxium. The launch is set to be unveiled at the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale.
Until tomorrow, Megan
“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.”
G. K. Chesterton
--------- Sell Day Calendar ----------
Today's Sell Day: 6
Sell days this month: 21
Sell days this month last year: 22
This month ends on a: Mon.
This month last year ended on a: Fri.
YTD sell days Over/Under: +1
WINE & SPIRITS DAILY
Subscribe or check back issues at: www.winespiritsdaily.com
Send news and comments in confidence to: megan@winespiritsdaily.com
© 2008 Wine & Spirits Daily, all rights reserved. May quote with attribution.
posted at 12:32 PM
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