David Maloni

The U.S. wine market is poised for continued growth in 2024 🍷 The market accounted for $10.4 billion in sales through September 9, 2023, according to Nielsen. California is by far the most significant contributor of dollar value in the U.S., generating over $9.1 billion in sales to take up a 90% market share. Washington, the second largest wine-producing state, takes up a 5% share, reaching $486 million, while Oregon claims a 3% share at $261 million. The remaining U.S. states combine for $240 million in sales and a 2% market share. For more resources on wine, visit https://hubs.li/Q02CflDd0 🍇 #WineIndustry #WineProducingStates #FutureOfWine

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In this article, we share with you the top Vodkas that offer excellent quality for the price and have a great package that judges picked at the USA Spirits Ratings. USA Ratings

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The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's SipSource data tracker forecasts that consumers will continue to shift to spirits brands in the "affordable luxury" segment—mainly in the $18-$25 and $25-$50 price bands—amid challenging conditions for the industry. #AffordableLuxury #SpiritsTrends Overall, SipSource projects a decline for spirits in the U.S. through the rest of this year and at least the first half of 2025, with the group projecting depletions to decline 5.65% by the end of the year and by 5.59% for the first half of 2025. #MarketInsights #IndustryForecastAt the individual category level, SipSource is projecting declines in vodka to broadly remain in line with the overall industry but says American whiskey could be in for a sharper drop, potentially 6.82% by Q2 2025. #VodkaTrends #WhiskeyMarket SipSource attributes the overall decline to a variety of factors, including the rise of lower-priced RTDs, the U.S.'s growing cannabis market, and post-pandemic consumption normalization. #RTDCocktails #CannabisImpact #PostPandemicConsumptionThe projections are based on models leveraging depletions from 19 WSWA member wholesalers, more than 10 macroeconomic indicators, and other data. #WSWAInsights #SipSource #IndustryAnalysis —Shane English #AlcoholIndustry #BeverageIndustry #MarketProjections

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TheWineProPodcast latest episode. How wine industry vendors/service providers are trying to get noticed by winery decision-makers. https://lnkd.in/gkBtzU4C

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There's a lot of wine out there. I 100% agree with Mario Zepponi when it comes to the limited options for distributors in the US....five years ago. LibDib, LLC is now available in 15 markets, including the top 5 (CA, NY, FL, IL, TX) in the US. Wineries need to commit to doing the work to sell their wine. Being in the market, tastings, events, meeting Buyers (vs. distributor management and reps) and consumers alike. Selling. Relationship building. We can provide an efficient distribution route to market for everyone. However, there is more work to be done than just posting on a web site or selling a pallet to a traditional distributor. Wine is one of the most crowded CPG categories out there. Convincing a Buyer to bring on your brand is hard work. And there is no better sales person than someone from the winery themselves. Spending time and resources doing that.... hopefully wineries will find success. https://lnkd.in/gsnzY7ra

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Constellation Brands Inc. saw its stock climb during premarket trading on Thursday following an upward revision of its adjusted fiscal 2025 profit forecast, surpassing analyst predictions. The company also reported a robust fourth-quarter profit, driven by the stronger-than-anticipated performance of its beer division. CEO Bill Newlands highlighted the beer business's consistent volume growth over 56 quarters, coupled with impressive margins, although wine and spirits sales experienced a decline. https://lnkd.in/ggNU_G9r Constellation Brands Bill Newlands Branded Hospitality Ventures #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital MarketWatch

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"It’s hard to beat great prices and expansive selection, and Total Wine has this at scale," says Mark Ryski, Author, CEO & Founder of HeadCount Corporation. "Achieving scale is a key element of their success strategy as it will ensure that they have buying power and access to product that others can’t get. I can’t see any immediate barriers that would slow Total Wine’s continued rise other than a potential slow down in overall alcohol consumption due to health concerns since the CDC and WHO came out with strong statements declaring that no level of alcohol consumption is safe." Check out more insights from one of the retail industry’s leading experts - https://buff.ly/3qRfPx2. More great comments on this topic by RetailWire's BrainTrust experts including: Neil Saunders, Brian Numainville, Kai Clarke -L.I.O.N., Gene Detroyer, Robert Amster, Ryan Grogman, Peter Charness, David Weinand, Christopher P. Ramey, Mark Self, Gary Sankary, Dick Seesel, Cathy Hotka, Lisa Goller, MBA, and • Shep Hyken.

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U.S. Wholesale Wine Distribution Today and What Does the Future Promises. Our editor covers the current state of distribution in the US market on USA Wine Ratings USA Ratings. So what is the state of wholesale wine distribution in the U.S. today? The wholesale wine market lies amidst a huge transformation. Consolidation among distributors, the rise of private-label brands, and shifting consumer preferences have reshaped how wine producers, both domestic and international, bring products to the American market. While large producers may have the resources to navigate these changes, small and medium-sized wineries face mounting challenges as they struggle to compete for distribution and shelf space. This situation also affects independent wine retailers. The Shrinking Wholesale Tier and the Concentrated Power of Large Distributors At the heart of any issue facing winemakers is the vastly decreasing number of U.S. distributors. Today, three major players—Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Republic National Distributing Company, and Breakthru Beverage Group—dominate the landscape, limiting opportunities for smaller wineries. The annual Impact Databank Report from Shanken (which includes spirits sales) showed that Southern Glazer’s and RNDC together will control a projected 53% of the market in 2024. If we expand that to the top 10 companies, they will control a projected 81.5%. Barry Herbst, Wine Director at independent retailer Bottle Barn in Sonoma, summarizes that distribution is “greatly consolidated now. Fewer companies carrying more products in their books.” But there are many “products and services the big guys don't want to bother with.” Southern Glazer’s, for example, represents more than 1,700 beverage suppliers, including more than 7,000 individual brands. There are, however, about 12,000 wineries in the US, many with multiple brands. Wine in Warehouses Rob McMillan of Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division explains the current situation: “Wine distribution continues to be stacked up in the warehouses.” This is affecting everyone involved, but not equally. “Larger premium wineries with good brands are getting their wine through to retailers and consumers while other wine inventory continues to linger.” McMillan is not convinced that this situation will be resolved quickly. “There are occasional speeches that are made by the senior people in larger wholesalers and those in a few larger wineries as well, that they think the backlog will start to abate next year, or that we are on the precipice now. But thus far, the data aren’t supporting that.” He points to the graph pictured above. “At the peak, the backup in inventories was 1.67x sales in May 2023. Inventories have dropped through July 1st to 1.59x sales. That’s about a 5% drop in a little over a year. It’s progress, but that’s still a long way from historical averages.” Read the full story here.

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American Single Malt gets official Standard of Identity from TTB. In a final rule, available now on the Federal Register’s Public Inspection page and scheduled to be published on December 18, 2024, we are amending the distilled spirits standards of identity regulations to include “American single malt whisky” as a type of whisky that is produced in the United States and meets certain other criteria. The adopted criteria for American single malt whisky specify that the product be a type of whisky that is mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States; is distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery; is distilled to a proof of 160 or less; is distilled from a fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley; is stored in oak barrels (used, uncharred new, or charred new) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters; and is bottled at not less than 80° proof. In addition, the criteria allow for the use of caramel coloring as long as its use is disclosed on the product label. The regulation will also allow the use of the term “Straight” for an American single malt whisky that is aged for at least two years. This final rule is effective on January 19, 2025. We have also established a 5-year transition period so that a label with the designation “American single malt whisky” or “straight American single malt whisky” may be used on distilled spirits bottled before January 19, 2030, if the distilled spirits conform to the applicable standards set forth in 27 CFR part 5 in effect prior to January 19, 2025.

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Key Figures and Companies in the U.S. Bulk Wine Market: The bulk wine industry plays a crucial role in the American wine market. Bulk wine, shipped in large containers and bottled at its destination, is a cost-effective and sustainable solution that caters to a wide range of consumer needs. From private-label wines at major retailers to high-quality table wines, bulk wine serves diverse market demands. Let’s talk about the important companies and key figures driving the bulk wine industry in the USA, providing insights into their contributions and the overall significance of bulk wine in the market. International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show

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The impact of tariffs goes beyond mere numbers, affecting small businesses, restaurants, and consumers directly. President Ben Aneff from the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance recently discussed in the Dallas Observer how proposed tariffs on imports could have a significant impact on the hospitality sector: 👉 Restaurants heavily rely on profit margins, and tariffs could jeopardize their sustainability. 👉 These tariffs disrupt the three-tier system, affecting U.S.-based importers, distributors, and retailers, many of which are small enterprises. With inflation already squeezing profits, the additional burden of tariffs could escalate costs, posing challenges for both consumers and businesses. To delve deeper into this issue, check out the full article. #WineTrade #Tariffs #SmallBusiness #DallasObserver #USWTA #HospitalityIndustry Colangelo & Partners Gino Colangelo Collin T. Smith Maria R. Harmon Skurnik

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A can of beans that used to cost $0.99 is now $1.50—an alarming 50% increase due to the current administration’s policies. This isn’t just a number but a reflection of how man-made inflation is driving us into poverty. With prices continuing to rise, it's crucial that we address these issues before they get worse. Remember: ”They're not after me,
 They're after you
…I'm just standing in the way!” - Donald J. Trump #InflationCrisis #EconomicImpact #PriceFixing

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The Mezcal sector has been growing at an annual growth rate of 10% compared to tequila’s 7% increase. According to The Spirits Business, “In 2022 Tequila accounted for 96% of total agave spirits volume. Mezcal was responsible for a mere 3%, but it’s making headway – growing by 23% in volume between 2021 and 2022.” Sasma is pleased to offer several different types of agave-based spirits including 100% Smoked Agave Spirit, a mezcal alternative. Learn more about our agave-based offerings on our website, or inquire at [email protected]. To read more head over to ➡️ https://bit.ly/4c2Yeag #Mezcal #AgaveSpirits #SpiritsIndustry

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Can the Federal Trade Commission's lawsuit charging Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits with violations of anti-trust law succeed in leveling the playing field for independent wine merchants? Can it succeed in providing consumers with a more competitive marketplace from which to purchase and access the wines they want? Is this lawsuit a good thing for the wine industry? Will the lawsuit survive the turnover in administrations? All good questions that I address in this free-to-all edition of the Fermentation Substack. I'd love to know the thoughts of the industry about this important effort.

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‘World-first in winemaking’: Treasury Wine Estates unveils $10 million barrel hall automation system Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has launched an integrated automation and barrel handling system in its Barossa Valley winery in South Australia. The end-to-end automation features nine driverless forklifts, a custom barrel management software system, automated barrel washing and filling facilities, and individual barrel identification. The process currently runs 24 hours a day, five days a week, and is expected to boost the red wine handling capacity of the hall to 125,000 barrels. ... The $10 million investment expands the site’s production capacity by up to 60 percent and enhances traceability of the barrels across their life cycle, while also reducing energy consumption and creating a safer working environment by minimising manual handling tasks. The driverless forklifts, known as ‘autonomous guided vehicles’, are controlled by a customised digital barrel management system developed with digital technology company Nukon, part of the SAGE Group. This enables the wine producer’s international winemaking team to control the system remotely to move barrels through the maturation process. ... The laser-guided forklifts in the 35,000m2 barrel hall have been tailored to the particular characteristics of the site by Italy-based automation provider E80 Group. The enhanced data and analytics in the automated end-to-end system create greater traceability and improved quality for the site’s 60,000 barrels of wine across brands including Penfolds, Pepperjack and Saltram. Modern, lithium battery powered vehicles, powered by 100% renewable electricity contributes to TWE’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. Read on... https://lnkd.in/grmHZ7KB

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This phenomenon isn’t specific to viticulture, already known for its complex multi-tiered distribution channels… Many consumers think of Bordeaux as one of the elite segments of the global wine business led by famous Chateaux which have become global brands in their own right. Truth is, 75 % of Bordeaux production comes from indebted, qualitatively undifferentiated family producers entirely dependent on multi-tiered distribution networks. With the obvious and growing challenge of climate change, the retirement of approximately 1/3 of global arable land from production owing to soil erosion and mismanagement, and the estimated 40% of global food production lost to waste and inefficiency in increasingly concentrated processing and distribution channels, it is hard to describe Ag as efficient and sustainable from the perspective of consumers or family farming and ranching operations. According to the USDA, 2023 saw the lowest ever share of the $625 Bln US Ag market and value chain accruing to US farmers and ranchers: 14.5%. Science is also telling us that, as a major contributor to Climate Change, conventional Ag is also a victim of its own climate feedback loop. Press articles abound on the potency of CH4 or N2O as major climate change inducing green house gases… Much less is said of the impact of microplastics, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides leaching into rivers and the oceans and their impact on the most potent and most important natural engine of conversion of atmospheric CO2 into oxygen: the phytoplankton contained in the Oceans’ surface micro-layer which is not only the principal source of oxygen for our planet but also an important thermo-regulator of the liquid assets covering 71% of the surface of our Earth and the major engine of our climate: the Oceans… Where we will land is hard to say, but in view of climate considerations, the economic decline of rural communities, the impact of unhealthy processed foods on preventable infectious diseases and the ever growing food demands of an aging human population still forecast by the United Nations to reach 10.5 Bln by the end of this century, the question remains whether conventional Agriculture can rise to the challenge or is ripe for change and disruption. A few very smart investors have already taken notice… #ruraldecline #climatechange #regenerativeagriculture #infectiousdiseases

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16 sentences of wisdom from bond trader turned restaurateur, Sean Feeney, that will make you a better person, friend, and leader. 1. The most important ingredient is the one that’s left out. 2. The greatest gift is courage. Give someone the courage to be themselves. 3. Success is doing something every day for the rest of your life, happy to do it. 4. Everyone has genius inside them. 5. Truly showing belief in others will buy them a ticket to someplace they never knew. 6. Hospitality is creativity plus compassion. 7. “That’s just the way it is,” tells you there’s money to be made. 8. It is tempting to have something for everyone but there is preciousness in not filling demand. 9. Create a brand that people chase, don’t chase people with your brand. 10. Make others feel a part of something. 11. You are one of us, whether you work with us or you're dining with us. 12. Treating others well is good for business. 13. Finish the day, asking, “How did I impact someone in a positive way?” 14. Know what works and be honest with what doesn't and don't do that. 15. Block out all the noise and keep it simple. 16. Believe every day is a good day. But don’t think it’ll be easy.

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