Skyy Pokes Fun at Absolut Situation
Skyy is capitalizing on the supposed out-cry surrounding Absolut’s “anti-American” ad in Mexico. As you’ll recall, the ad featured a 1830s-era map when Mexico included California, Texas and other southwestern states before the Mexican-American war. The tagline “In an Absolut World” is displayed at the bottom. The ad only appeared in Mexico, not the U.S.
Skyy took the opportunity to issue a press release in support of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which officially ended the Mexican-America War last week as a tongue-in-cheek response.
“Like Skyy Vodka, the residents of states like California, Texas and Arizona are exceptionally proud of the fact that they are from the United States of America,” said Dave Karraker, Skyy Vodka. “To imply that they might be interested in changing their mailing addresses, as our competitor seems to be suggesting in their advertising, is a bit presumptuous.”
Skyy also took the opportunity to highlight its Made in the USA status, since, as we all know, Absolut is produced in Sweden and now owned by a French company.
In response, BoycottAbsolut.com sent a press release commending Skyy.
"This is the first time we have ever seen an American brand stand up, recognize, and support US Sovereignty against an import that is pandering to illegal immigration supporters," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "We want to thank Skyy Vodka for showing themselves as a patriotic and top shelf alternative to Absolut."
Adage.com also posted a blog entry on the issue. To check it out, click here.
BRUCE CARBONARI TALKS ABSOLUT WITH WSJ
Our friend David Kesmodel from the Wall Street Journal sat down with Fortune ceo Bruce Carbonari last week to discuss the failed Absolut deal and the company’s future. As David put it, Bruce was generally hailed on Wall Street for his restraint in the V&S deal, but now people are wondering which brand Fortune will set its eyes on next (namely Stolichnaya and Patron).
Bruce said the company is exploring several acquisition opportunities in the spirits business. When asked about the effects of the economy, he said that consumers are drinking a little less at bars and restaurants and more people are buying at liquor stores, but it's not a significant change. Oh, and incase you’re wondering, his favorite drinks are Laphroaig on ice and Maker’s Mark with Diet Coke.
To read the interview in full, click here.
INTERVIEW WITH IVAN MENEZES
In an interview with the Miami Herald, Diageo North America president Ivan Menezes talks economy, trading up and explains why the U.S. market has been so successful. He says shifting demographics has helped the recent boom in the spirits industry, along with the perception that super-premium spirits drinks are an “affordable luxury.”
When asked what areas Diageo is focusing on in terms of innovation, Ivan said: “A space we're very excited about is our premium prepared cocktails, like the Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita with Grand Marnier and line of cocktails under Smirnoff, the Vodka Mojito and a Cosmopolitan.”
“We also see premium spirits as a very exciting space for innovation,” he continued, adding that Diageo has introduced two ultra-premium line extensions for Crown Royal and Johnnie Walker.
To read the interview, click here.
CHILEAN WINES MAKE NEW HEADWAY IN THE U.S.
The value of Chilean wine exports to the U.S. increased 24% and expanded by $40 million in 2007, according to a year-end Gomberg-Fredrikson report. Chile’s export volume to the U.S. rose by 13%, totaling over six and a half million cases. Chile is the fifth largest wine exporter to the U.S. with 4% of U.S. market share.
The greatest growth occurred in Chile's red blends, rising 33% over the past year, according to the report. In 2007, 1,034,300 nine-liter cases were imported to the U.S., an increase of 258,800 over last year. Chilean Sauvignon Blanc also saw higher demand in 2007, increasing by 47%, with approximately 141,000 more cases than last year having entered the U.S. market.
"These numbers show Chilean wines are increasingly gaining favor among U.S. wine drinkers," said Juan A. Somavia, managing director of Wines of Chile.
SAUZA GETS A MAKEOVER
Beam Global is introducing the new “Expect Fresh” marketing campaign for Sauza Blanco and Sauza Gold Tequilas. The "Expect Fresh" campaign emphasizes refreshment and mixability and will be accompanied by a new “sleek bottle design” for Sauza. The company will also update Sauza’s ready-to-drink margarita mix with new recipes and a new mango flavor.
"Sauza is focused on doing things a little differently in this category and we're really excited to introduce our new packaging and 'unexpected' drinking experiences to consumers," said Mara Melamed, associate brand manager, Sauza Tequila. "We believe the 'Expect Fresh' campaign will resonate with consumers, especially with women who are looking for a refreshing way to enjoy tequila."
FUTURE FLOOD OF WINERIES FOR SALE
Financier Bill Price, a vineyard owner and co-founder of Texas Pacific Group, told vintners at a conference in Santa Rosa last week that now might be a good time to sell their winery. Citing a recent study by Silicon Valley Bank, Bill said up to a thousand family-owned wineries in California, Oregon and Washington could be sold in coming years because the next generation is either unprepared or unwilling to follow in their parents’ footsteps, according to an article by Kevin McCallum of the Press Democrat. Bill said that if wineries sell now, they’ll likely make more money then if they wait based on the history of consolidation in other industries.
"If you spent 20 or 30 years building up a business and say 'Hey, things are really pretty good,' that's not necessarily a bad time to sell," Price said. "Because when things aren't going well, buyers are going to want to take advantage of the situation."
WSD BRIEFS:
CONSTELLATION HAS NAMED Michael Walker to the newly created position of vice president for external affairs effective today. Walker will be based in San Francisco, and report to Jim Finkle, senior vice president for external affairs.
ALASKA LEGISLATURE approved a bill that requires state residents to renew their drivers’ licenses after they turn 21 and pass an eight-question test about drugs and alcohol and their relation to driving.
COLORADO GOV. BILL RITTER SIGNED A BILL TO REPEAL A BAN on Sunday alcohol sales, according to Discus.
Until tomorrow, Megan
“Half of the modern drugs could well be thrown out of the window, except that the birds might eat them.”
Dr. Martin Henry Fischer
--------- Sell Day Calendar ----------
Today's Sell Day: 11
Sell days this month: 22
Sell days this month last year: 21
This month ends on a: Wed.
This month last year ended on a: Mon.
YTD sell days Over/Under: 0
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.
Skyy took the opportunity to issue a press release in support of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which officially ended the Mexican-America War last week as a tongue-in-cheek response.
“Like Skyy Vodka, the residents of states like California, Texas and Arizona are exceptionally proud of the fact that they are from the United States of America,” said Dave Karraker, Skyy Vodka. “To imply that they might be interested in changing their mailing addresses, as our competitor seems to be suggesting in their advertising, is a bit presumptuous.”
Skyy also took the opportunity to highlight its Made in the USA status, since, as we all know, Absolut is produced in Sweden and now owned by a French company.
In response, BoycottAbsolut.com sent a press release commending Skyy.
"This is the first time we have ever seen an American brand stand up, recognize, and support US Sovereignty against an import that is pandering to illegal immigration supporters," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "We want to thank Skyy Vodka for showing themselves as a patriotic and top shelf alternative to Absolut."
Adage.com also posted a blog entry on the issue. To check it out, click here.
BRUCE CARBONARI TALKS ABSOLUT WITH WSJ
Our friend David Kesmodel from the Wall Street Journal sat down with Fortune ceo Bruce Carbonari last week to discuss the failed Absolut deal and the company’s future. As David put it, Bruce was generally hailed on Wall Street for his restraint in the V&S deal, but now people are wondering which brand Fortune will set its eyes on next (namely Stolichnaya and Patron).
Bruce said the company is exploring several acquisition opportunities in the spirits business. When asked about the effects of the economy, he said that consumers are drinking a little less at bars and restaurants and more people are buying at liquor stores, but it's not a significant change. Oh, and incase you’re wondering, his favorite drinks are Laphroaig on ice and Maker’s Mark with Diet Coke.
To read the interview in full, click here.
INTERVIEW WITH IVAN MENEZES
In an interview with the Miami Herald, Diageo North America president Ivan Menezes talks economy, trading up and explains why the U.S. market has been so successful. He says shifting demographics has helped the recent boom in the spirits industry, along with the perception that super-premium spirits drinks are an “affordable luxury.”
When asked what areas Diageo is focusing on in terms of innovation, Ivan said: “A space we're very excited about is our premium prepared cocktails, like the Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita with Grand Marnier and line of cocktails under Smirnoff, the Vodka Mojito and a Cosmopolitan.”
“We also see premium spirits as a very exciting space for innovation,” he continued, adding that Diageo has introduced two ultra-premium line extensions for Crown Royal and Johnnie Walker.
To read the interview, click here.
CHILEAN WINES MAKE NEW HEADWAY IN THE U.S.
The value of Chilean wine exports to the U.S. increased 24% and expanded by $40 million in 2007, according to a year-end Gomberg-Fredrikson report. Chile’s export volume to the U.S. rose by 13%, totaling over six and a half million cases. Chile is the fifth largest wine exporter to the U.S. with 4% of U.S. market share.
The greatest growth occurred in Chile's red blends, rising 33% over the past year, according to the report. In 2007, 1,034,300 nine-liter cases were imported to the U.S., an increase of 258,800 over last year. Chilean Sauvignon Blanc also saw higher demand in 2007, increasing by 47%, with approximately 141,000 more cases than last year having entered the U.S. market.
"These numbers show Chilean wines are increasingly gaining favor among U.S. wine drinkers," said Juan A. Somavia, managing director of Wines of Chile.
SAUZA GETS A MAKEOVER
Beam Global is introducing the new “Expect Fresh” marketing campaign for Sauza Blanco and Sauza Gold Tequilas. The "Expect Fresh" campaign emphasizes refreshment and mixability and will be accompanied by a new “sleek bottle design” for Sauza. The company will also update Sauza’s ready-to-drink margarita mix with new recipes and a new mango flavor.
"Sauza is focused on doing things a little differently in this category and we're really excited to introduce our new packaging and 'unexpected' drinking experiences to consumers," said Mara Melamed, associate brand manager, Sauza Tequila. "We believe the 'Expect Fresh' campaign will resonate with consumers, especially with women who are looking for a refreshing way to enjoy tequila."
FUTURE FLOOD OF WINERIES FOR SALE
Financier Bill Price, a vineyard owner and co-founder of Texas Pacific Group, told vintners at a conference in Santa Rosa last week that now might be a good time to sell their winery. Citing a recent study by Silicon Valley Bank, Bill said up to a thousand family-owned wineries in California, Oregon and Washington could be sold in coming years because the next generation is either unprepared or unwilling to follow in their parents’ footsteps, according to an article by Kevin McCallum of the Press Democrat. Bill said that if wineries sell now, they’ll likely make more money then if they wait based on the history of consolidation in other industries.
"If you spent 20 or 30 years building up a business and say 'Hey, things are really pretty good,' that's not necessarily a bad time to sell," Price said. "Because when things aren't going well, buyers are going to want to take advantage of the situation."
WSD BRIEFS:
CONSTELLATION HAS NAMED Michael Walker to the newly created position of vice president for external affairs effective today. Walker will be based in San Francisco, and report to Jim Finkle, senior vice president for external affairs.
ALASKA LEGISLATURE approved a bill that requires state residents to renew their drivers’ licenses after they turn 21 and pass an eight-question test about drugs and alcohol and their relation to driving.
COLORADO GOV. BILL RITTER SIGNED A BILL TO REPEAL A BAN on Sunday alcohol sales, according to Discus.
Until tomorrow, Megan
“Half of the modern drugs could well be thrown out of the window, except that the birds might eat them.”
Dr. Martin Henry Fischer
--------- Sell Day Calendar ----------
Today's Sell Day: 11
Sell days this month: 22
Sell days this month last year: 21
This month ends on a: Wed.
This month last year ended on a: Mon.
YTD sell days Over/Under: 0
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 2:15 PM
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