Shanken News Daily

As the U.S. spirits market continues to normalize post-pandemic, growth has slowed this year but will remain in positive territory, according to the 2024 edition of The U.S. Spirits Market: Shanken’s Impact Databank Review & Forecast. Total spirits volumes are expected to crest 300 million cases for the first time ever this year, marking the industry’s 29th consecutive annual gain. The spirits market is also expected to register another gain in dollar terms in 2024. #spiritsindustry #wineindustry https://lnkd.in/g6FTG6Az

Each year, Impact salutes the fast-growing smaller brands from the wine and spirits business with its “Hot Prospect” awards. This year, a total of 66 brands from the wine, spirits, and RTD cocktail categories met Impact Databank’s criteria to earn honors. This year, 27 spirits brands earned Hot Prospect awards, including 12 agave spirits (11 Tequilas and one mezcal), eight whiskies, three vodkas, two rums, one liqueur, and one gin. These brands show the propositions succeeding within trendy categories like Tequila and whiskey, as well as what’s on the rise in other segments. #spiritsindustry #wineindustry https://lnkd.in/e_QQacef

Nick Mehall took over as chief executive of Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in early 2022, amid a tumultuous period in the industry coinciding with the pandemic. Nearly three years later, RNDC has continued to expand its national footprint while onboarding a number of new suppliers and upgrading its operations for the digital age. This year, the second-ranked U.S. wholesaler of wine and spirits is projecting sales of $12.2 billion across its 40-market territory. Key suppliers include Brown-Forman, Delicato, William Grant, Edrington, Rémy Cointreau, Riboli, Treasury Wine Estates, Jackson Family Wines, Proximo, Gallo, Pernod Ricard, Trinchero, and Luxco, among others. SND executive editor Daniel Marsteller met with Mehall recently for an update. #wineindustry #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/eSc9MhbZ

Breakthru Beverage Group ranks as the third-largest distributor of wine and spirits nationally with a 16-market footprint and projected revenues of $8.7 billion this year, according to Shanken’s Impact Newsletter. Some of its suppliers include Brown-Forman, Diageo, Gallo, Moët Hennessy, Molson Coors, Rémy Cointreau, Tito’s, Treasury Wine Estates, and William Grant & Sons. Amid tough market conditions this year, Breakthru has been investing in its operations and workforce with an eye toward maximizing share gains and laying the groundwork for faster progress once the clouds lift. SND executive editor Daniel Marsteller spoke with Breakthru CEO Tom Bené for an update. #wineindustry #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/eP8pQWpu

Longtime Bacardi executive Pete Carr is set to depart the family-owned drinks giant at the end of the month, capping an impressive career in which he led the company’s North America business and eventually rose to become global chief growth officer. In a statement, Bacardi credited Carr with driving key growth initiatives during his decade-long tenure with the company. #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/gHYzXakK

While total imported table wine fell for the second year in a row in 2023, dipping to below pre-pandemic volume levels, brands from France have managed to steadily gain market share. Last year, French table wines’ share stood at 19% of total imports, compared to just 12.5% a decade earlier, according to the 2024 edition of The U.S. Wine Market: Shanken’s Impact Databank Review & Forecast. #wineindustry #frenchwine https://lnkd.in/eRXHd5kE

#WhiskyNews: Queen Bey enters the whisky world with SirDavis, her debut American rye! 🥃 Created in collaboration with whisky expert Dr. Bill Lumsden, this rye boasts a unique mashbill and a lush finish from Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Expect notes of raisin, orange peel, and cinnamon spice—a smooth sip that even non-whisky drinkers might enjoy. Named after Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, SirDavis is set to launch in early September, with nationwide availability and a global presence in key airports. https://lnkd.in/e-8Bd4AT #whiskyadvocate #beyonce #newwhiskies Bill Lumsden

Charlie Wagner of Caymus Vineyards and Wagner Family of Wine has acquired a majority stake in Spokane, Washington-based craft spirits player Dry Fly Distilling for an undisclosed sum. The move builds on collaborative projects between Dry Fly and the Wagners over the past 10 years, including a whiskey finished in Caymus Special Selection wine barrels that will be released next year. #wineindustry #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/g4P8QhvB

I have seen a lot of headlines simplifying and misrepresenting this study, arguing it shows any level of drinking is unhealthy. My colleague Kenny Martin does a great job breaking down the findings: —Light and moderate drinking can raise health risks for older people who already have health problems. —Light and moderate drinking does not raise health risks for older people who do not have existing health issues. —People who primarily drink wine and consume it with meals enjoy better health, regardless of whether they have existing health issues: https://lnkd.in/grKsC5ue

It’s no secret that conditions have been difficult lately in the Cognac category, with the top five brands losing a combined 1.1 million cases in the U.S. market last year, according to Impact Databank. Rémy Martin remains the second-ranked Cognac label with volume of just under 800,000 cases, and has focused on maintaining its premium positioning rather than cutting prices during the downturn. SND executive editor Daniel Marsteller caught up with Rémy Cointreau Americas CEO Nicolas Beckers for an update. #cognac #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/emXRRWSX