Jason Moore

Market Watch Magazine unveiled its annual list of “Hot Brands” award winners, recognizing the fastest-growing brands across the wine, spirits, and RTD categories. Tequila and whiskey dominate the spirits field, making up 80% of this year's Hot Brands roster. Tequilas like Don Julio, Lunazul, Teremana, Milagro, and Espolón stand out, alongside American whiskeys such as Woodford Reserve, Ole Smoky, Buffalo Trace, and Old Forester. Tito’s vodka leads with over 12 million cases, followed by Aperol and 99 whiskey. In the ready-to-drink category, 20 brands earned Hot Brand status, with High Noon Sun Sips topping the list. California table wines dominate, with Josh Cellars leading the pack, followed by brands like Vendange and La Marca Prosecco from Italy. 🔗 Read the full list >> https://lnkd.in/dficTbDT #LiquorLawyer #Entrepreneurship #LegalServices #Law #DrinksIndustry #Regulations #AlcoholCompliance #WineIndustryAdvisor #AlcoholIndustryAdvisor #BeverageIndustry #SpiritsIndustry #AlcoholIndustry #MarketWatch #HotBrands #WineAndSpirits

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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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Exploring the Rise of Mezcal: From Craft Spirits to Bartender Favorites, Plus a Look at the Top 15 Mezcals to Elevate Your Cocktail Game in 2024. Recently, mezcal has moved from the fringes of the spirits world into the limelight, earning a dedicated following among bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and spirit connoisseurs alike. Once overshadowed by its cousin, tequila, mezcal has made a name for itself through its diverse flavor profiles and artisanal production methods. Distilled primarily from the Espadin agave, though many varieties use wild agaves like Tepeztate or Tobala, mezcal offers a broad range of flavors—from intensely smoky and earthy to delicate and floral. This surge in mezcal’s popularity has coincided with a growing appreciation for craft spirits and sustainability. Small-batch producers, traditional methods, and the rich cultural heritage surrounding mezcal have captivated bartenders, who recognize the spirit’s versatility in both cocktails and neat servings. Mezcal’s trendiness is also fueled by consumer interest in authenticity and traceability, as each bottle often tells the story of the village or producer behind it. Given the expanding role of mezcal in bars worldwide, the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards highlighted some of the best offerings available. These top 15 winners showcase Mezcal’s diversity, quality, and potential in the modern bar. Each mezcal reflects the evolving trends in the industry—from heritage-driven, small-batch creations to those crafted by well-established producers pushing the boundaries of innovation. Let’s dive into the top 15 winners that have captured the attention of bartenders and mezcal enthusiasts alike:

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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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We chat with Samuel Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation on NYWGF's key achievements, programs, and future goals of the foundation. Sam Filler, as the Executive Director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation (NYWGF), has spearheaded various initiatives to elevate the state's wines and grapes. From promoting sustainability to expanding global markets, Sam's leadership has been instrumental in advancing New York's wine industry. In this interview, Sam shares growth and success with our editor Malvika Patel of USA Ratings and Beverage Trade Network. "I am most proud of our export program, which is funded through a grant from the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service. They have underwritten an export program for New York Wines for over 30 years." - Sam Filler. Here are some questions we ask: Sam, as Executive Director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, you've overseen various initiatives to promote the state's wines and grapes. Can you share some of the key achievements and programs you're most proud of during this time? Sustainability is a key focus in the grape and wine industry. How has the New York Wine & Grape Foundation supported sustainability efforts under your leadership, and what do you see as the future of sustainability in the industry? The wine industry has seen significant changes over the past few years with DTC and e-commerce gaining importance. How has the New York Wine & Grape Foundation adapted its strategies and programs to support wineries and growers in navigating these changes? Could you share some insights into the key initiatives the New York Wine and Grape Foundation is currently focusing on, and how these initiatives contribute to the overall goals of the foundation? Millennials are emerging as a significant audience for wine consumption. How is the New York Wine & Grape Foundation adapting i How do you think the trend of moderation among Gen Z drinkers in the US, particularly their embrace of no- and low-alcohol beverages? Read the full story on USA Ratings wine website by clicking on below link.

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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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🚨 Mark your calendars for the USA Trade Tasting Conference on May 22nd and 23rd in Chicago! It's your chance to dive deep into the ever-evolving world of the beverage alcohol industry. Our lineup of speakers and panelists is packed with seasoned experts ready to share their insights on a wide range of topics. Whether you're looking to uncover the latest marketing strategies, explore new revenue streams, or discover innovative approaches to boosting sales, this conference has something for everyone. 🏷 And don't miss out on engaging panel discussions covering everything from enhancing restaurant wine sales to navigating the complexities of import pitching. 🔖 But that's not all! Immerse yourself in the refined world of Japanese sake with a masterclass, and deepen your understanding of traditional brewing methods and flavor profiles. And for those intrigued by the emerging market of hemp beverages, our panel on exploring hemp beverage trends with Midwest distributors is a must-attend. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights, network with industry peers, and stay ahead of the curve. We can't wait to see you there! 🍷 Sid Patel Kaleigh Theriault Matthew Caskey, MBA Brian Rosen Mark Guillaudeu, MS Arthur Hon Cassandra E. Sakai Morgan Harris Mike Ryan Julieta Campos Sam Garcia Abraham Vucekovich Timothy Sullivan Callan Dodge deBruyn Joseph V Micallef Rachel Speckan Daisy P. Raj Sabharwal Lee Schlesinger, MBA, DipWSET Caroline Schrader Susan Danenberger Ari Klafter Andrew Howell Jeff Ruhle Christopher Lackner Ryan Crane, CFA wesley phillips Toshio Ueno DipWSET and others #USATradeTasting #BeverageIndustry #Networking

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This article provides a well-done analysis of global wine trends, offering data-based summaries of the challenges and insightful solutions. Well done Tina Caputo. Check it out for a comprehensive overview: https://lnkd.in/gBheBHxN

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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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From the Sommeliers Choice Awards Judge's Table: Here comes the insights from Ermoni Best Sommelier at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern. Ermoni Best, currently a sommelier at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern under Auberge Resorts Collection, brings an extensive background in the hospitality and beverage industry to the ever-evolving world of wine. With a resume that spans Michelin-starred establishments in both Chicago and Santa Barbara County, Best combines her expertise in sommelier certifications with a progressive approach toward sustainable business practices in wine. Her journey, which has now taken her to France to pursue an International Master's in Sustainable Business, underscores a commitment not just to understanding wine, but also to integrating sustainable business strategies within large wine corporations. Ermoni is participating as a judge in the 6th edition of the Sommeliers Choice Awards. Best’s approach to judging is deeply influenced by her understanding of sustainability and a broad palate honed through diverse gastronomic experiences. This extensive background equips her with the ability to identify and understand emerging trends, often revealed through selections offered "by the glass" in various establishments—a telltale sign of evolving consumer preferences that ripple through the industry. When judging wines, Best emphasizes the importance of balancing typicity, quality, value for money, and packaging. He notes that approachability is key; a wine must immediately appeal to consumers, suggesting that its complexity should be inviting rather than overwhelming. This balance is critical, especially in a competitive marketplace where the clarity of a wine's appeal can make or break its success on a wine list. The impact of winning a medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards can be significant, particularly for smaller or emerging wineries. According to Best, such recognition serves as a "considerable recommendation letter" from sommeliers, breaking barriers and enhancing awareness not only of the wineries themselves but also of the grape varietals and regions they represent. This can catalyze new trends and shift market dynamics favorably for the awarded brands. A unique opportunity to present your wines to America's top sommeliers. The wine scores are benchmarked for on-premise channels by top sommeliers, master sommeliers, wine directors and restaurant wine buyers. Submission deadline is April 24.

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Maximizing Sales and Customer Satisfaction with the Best Pinot Noirs of 2024. From a revenue perspective, a strong Pinot Noir selection will boost sales. By offering a range of Pinot price points and styles restaurants will appeal to different customer segments, encouraging both casual and celebratory purchases. We survey the best Pinot Noirs of 2024 for restaurant wine programs. Including a good selection of Pinot Noir on a restaurant's wine list is crucial due to its versatility and appeal across a wide range of diners. We have, therefore, curated eight top Pinot Noirs for 2024 wine lists based on judging at the London Wine Competition. London Competitions

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💡 US Beer Market Trends: A Nationwide Decline, with a Few Bright Spots -Beer volumes across the US dropped by -3.6% from January to August 2024 vs. the same period in 2023, with declines seen in almost every state. However, Indiana bucked the trend, posting +0.5% growth, while major beer markets like California, Ohio, and Georgia underperformed the national average. What’s driving this decline? Despite overall declines, there’s a silver lining: 🔸 Super-Premium Beer Growth: +4% nationwide, with high single-digit growth in key markets like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. 🔸 Value Tiers Dragging Overall Volumes: Double-digit losses in Value segments across states like California, Illinois, and Wisconsin are pulling total beer volumes down. “Premium beer resonates with price-conscious consumers seeking affordable indulgence compared to more expensive spirits or wines. This trend will likely continue.” Marten Lodewijks, President of IWSR’s US Division. 💡 Premiumisation is driving shifts across the board: Premium-and-above beers show resilience as consumers seek affordable upgrades. Growth in imported products (especially from Mexico) is also reshaping the market, with imports leaning heavily toward Super-premium segments. For more insights into these trends and in-depth data on US beverage alcohol performance by state and price tier, check out IWSR US Navigator, the industry’s trusted source for monthly data since 2019. Want to dive deeper? Let’s connect! #BeerIndustry #MarketTrends #IWSR #USAlcoholInsights #beer #premiumization

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#DYK that only 14,191 stores in #CA can sell spirits-based #RTDs, whereas over 28,000 stores can sell malt- & wine-based RTDs? It is UNFAIR to force spirits lovers to make a special trip for their fav spirits products. Tell your #CA Reps to support SB 277, to allowing spirits RTDs to be sold under the same license used for beer and wine!

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Craft Beer Market - Craft has been going through ‘a painful period of rationalization’ Craft saw an estimated decline in production of 2%. And Q3 scan data suggests weaker performance than the first half of the year – ‘this suggests a full-year number may be weaker than the midyear estimate #beer #beers #craft #craftbeer #beerindustry #beermarket #breweries

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In just few hours, I will be hosting a panel of top Bartenders of USA for Bartender Spirits Awards along with our media asset readership Bartenders Business. Here are the questions that distillers and spirits brand owners have sent me that I will be asking 5 different bartenders. What can a new growing brand do to stand out on first introductions? When do you realise there is a new trend in the market and how you then decide to look for that product? What do you think is better approach - keeping cost of bottle low so the cost to bar can be low? or invest extra money in bottle but the cost to bar may be little high? Do you see a justification to pay extra for bottle quality? How do you deal with your boss or owner when they asks you to sell certain brands because they signed an agreement but you don't like the brands? Do you look consider spirits awards or competition reviews when evaluating new brands? does it help in your decision? What makes customers choose a more expensive spirit when they can get a different brand that's cheaper? What is your opinion about the contemporary gins (more flavoured) from all around the world instead of the "classic" ones? Could you give advise on what sort of pay to play small brands can do to compete with the giants to access menu features and shelf space What are some recommendations on disrupting the industry and convincing bartenders about a new spirit type? Which cocktail do advise for whiskey brands in 2024 to attract new consumers. As a small independent spirits manufacturer, what is the best way to get stocked in a bar when the larger companies generally 'own' the space Best incentives for on-premise accounts? What spirits types you prefer from craft distilleries? What do you consider "local" when if you had to stock some local spirits? What do you suggest for patrons on Digestives or Liqueurs at the Bar or Restaurant after dinner? And what is your go to after dinner drink to recommend? Would you be open to recommend Tequila based liqueurs? I would like to know which is the best strategy to grow a Brandy Brand. What is the fastest growing trend in mixology today in USA? I'm curious about what bartenders and distributors look for in smaller brands, if there was a checklist of 10 things. What craft spirits could do differently to gain more placements in this very competitive market? What could they do that big companies cant? What is the fastest growing trend in mixology today? Do you prefer if Brand owners suggest cocktail recipes or to come up with them on your own? There is still time to RSVP. Please RSVP here and will send you the zoom link. RSVP form: https://lnkd.in/dH52r4pB

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What was Patron thinking?!? 🤔 Discontinuing Tequila Patrón XO just as the Espresso Martini became one of the most popular cocktails. Now, they are bringing it back because they realized they made a big mistake. Completely missing the most popular cocktail trend. Espresso Martini 🍸 But, I feel like this just screams as a move out of desparation. And that's why TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Too many underestimate the power of timing. Many brands fail being being too early or too late. Here are my thoughts on returning Patron XO for a "limited time.” 1) They are only making it "limited" so they can test the market and manage the price while not looking silly by bringing it back full time yet. Scarcity is also a very good marketing opportunity. 2) Patron is frantically trying to get back their missing market share that they gave up in the first place! Once again, that's why timing is everything. Do you think this is a desparation move by Patron?

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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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