Jon Holecz

Star Power in Spirits: How Celebrity Brands Are Holding Up" With George Clooney's Casamigos turning into a billion-dollar success, celebrities are flooding the spirits market. But in today's saturated scene, how are these star-backed brands evolving, and do they hold any real advantage? #CelebritySpirits #StarBrands #SpiritsMarket #AlcoholIndustry #BeverageTrends

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Keeping it fresh. NEW how-tos on lead nurturing in foodservice. Try these 4 things and never look back. Or, do look back, but with a greater sense of confidence. Full article in comments. 🍅 Segment your lead lists to the max. 🍅 Go in with this three-pronged content strategy. Full article in comments. 🍅 Use the Big 3 Operator Archetypes as a lens. What are those, you say? Check out the article. It's a short read! 🍅 Demonstrate BOH aptitude with digital cuttings and “tastings”. Matato #foodservicemarketing

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When you select a wine, do you care about the winery's power? It's an interesting brand positioning strategy by Viña Santa Carolina - Carolina Wine Brands. On a bottle of inexpensive wine, there's a gold stick that says: "World's Most Powerful Wine Brands 2022." Personally, that doesn't make an impact. I don't care about power, I care about taste and quality. It's why I'm swayed by stickers on bottle featuring the scores of reviewers. If it's above a 90, it has to be good wine, right? A key part of positioning is making it relevant to prospects and customers. Does it matter to them? Will it have an impact personally or professionally? A powerful wine brand matters to some target audience but I'm not sure it works on a wine bottle. #wine #brandpositioning #marketing #branding

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Tequila!   Many large players such as White Claw, and The Boston Beer Company (maker of Truly) are expanding their offerings and releasing tequila-flavored ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails as consumers are increasingly turning to tequila offerings in the beverage alcohol sector.   I had the opportunity to share my insights and thoughts on this surging trend with The Food Institute. In the article, I emphasized how innovations in ready-to-drink (RTD) formats, including tequila-based seltzers and margaritas, are meeting consumer demand for novel flavors. Additionally, I pointed out that tequila production has remained stable despite global supply chain disruptions and highlighted the increasing consumer preference for high-quality artisanal spirits.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gB9f-3Ci   #Tequila #BeverageIndustry #MarketTrends #ConsumerInsights #RTDCocktails

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Exploring new horizons in the consumer goods industry is key to revitalizing its remarkable growth from the 2000s. In the 3rd edition of our State of CPG report, Jessica Moulton, @pavlosExarchos, and @WarrenTeichner dive into the four megatrends shaping topline growth and how companies can enhance their value creation models for the future. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/epKZjrAY

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GOT SCORES? (Updated with link to PDF of full document): https://lnkd.in/enBx4WX6 Here's this year's post of all the information you need to enter wine and spirits into the competitions that matter in the U.S. market. The first question suppliers, importers, retailers will often ask is "Got Scores?" And there's only one answer to that question. Because if you say "No" the conversation can stop right there. So the procedure I recommend is for my clients to enter the competitions that make sense for your brands and hype the results that matter to the market (90+ scores, Gold/Double Gold etc.) and ignore the rest. The competitions listed here are the ones that are most recognized by the trade. And I've presented them with a key column identifying whether they accept not-currently-imported brands. Since many of my clients are just starting their U.S. market entry. That's because you'll need scores before you can even start conversations. If you can't access the link to the Excel sheet, connect with me on LinkedIn or email me a request at [email protected] and I'll send the file directly to you. Best to all for a successful O/N/D and fiscal 2025 Steve

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Only retailers that truly deliver value to both shoppers and advertisers will be able to maintain sustainable growth. Mars United Commerce's Michele Roney offers eight changes we see taking place over the next five years that every hopeful network needs to consider going forward: https://lnkd.in/gDXpss9W #retailmedia #trends #retailmedianetworks

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Great points below from MiO Marketplace partner Connectivity Media Strategy and the rapid pace at which consumer behavior has changed across multiple verticles. Through their partnership with YouConnex - A Digital Media Marketplace and their seat on The Trade Desk they’ve been helping brands all year to build hyper-targeted local campaigns at the on and off premise level. One of their more interesting campaigns was Geo fencing around specific retailers for smaller brands to drive mobile ads in-store and to split test that to potentially supliment an existing retail media network campaign. Strategic scalpel precision is often what’s needed to survive mixed in with potential new types of partnerships like Swish Brand Experiences. Sri Rajagopalan and Peter V.S. Bond what are you seeing from a The CPG Guys perspective? Eric Dopkins, Sean Eckhardt, Jamie Miller, Brandon Cason, Tim Carter what are you seeing? Diana Haussling, Vinny Rinaldi, Adam Stave what do you feel like consumer CPG brands figured out earlier in that consumer shift that other verticles could learn from?

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Talk about a sweet (and salty) deal! 👆Continues the trend of focusing on strengths for growth in CPG M&A. It's official: Mars will be acquiring Kellanova for $35.9B per the statement on Mars.com. The combined brand portfolios will give Mars substantially greater presence in snacking and confectionary as well as granola/cereal bars. They are building on a solid foundation with equally strong addition: This is less than a year after Kellogg Co. split and only a few months since Kellanova ramped up their commercial activities from merchandising to pack size to a feature movies to forecast an organic 3% lift in sales this year. Brands have been optimizing their portfolios, adding brands to their focus categories while ditching those that aren't delivering: The J.M. Smucker Co. sold Crisco (B&G Foods) and several pet brands to Post Consumer Brands along with other sales while acquiring Hostess Brands. B&G Foods Inc. picked up Crisco from is considering divesting Green Giant after sales dropped 16.9% Post has also acquired some cereal brands, combined with their pet purchases contributed a 23% sales lift in Q2. Having a greater presence in their target categories helps brands hold and/or gain their share, especially private label. The consolidated power and budgets make it more difficult for emerging brands to compete. Makes it especially important that: 1) use social & in-store to build brand/community and inspire/add value 2) ensure packaging both pops on shelf AND is easy for consumers to read 3) leverage retailer programs for increased discovery & trial via secondary locations, flyers, loyalty program points etc 4) use discounts and rebates to drive sales ------------------------------------------------------------- Get more product off shelves and into baskets with the latest in CPG, retail & consumer trends at 10:30am M, T, H & Sat by following Jared Kligerman! Launch new products with confidence & gain market share with Caddle - DM me to learn more. Sources: Food Business News, Food Dive, Mars, Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine, Strategy Online #CPG #foodandbeverage #confectionary #petfood #snacks #acquisition

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Checkout this article I just read on One Bite Foodie's 'Back of House' digital magazine about Beverage Brilliance, titled: 'A Beverage Writing Service with A Difference: Crafting Stories - One Sip At A Time'. Give it a read and share your thoughts: https://lnkd.in/gJe6JQnP

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Great time with Elanie and Kay from the Renegade Nutrition Podcast! Their content is always so timely related to changes in the science of nutrition, it's impact on our wellness, and how we can all be better at 'biohacking'. We discussed the importance of polyphenols in the diet for longevity, data from blue zones, and Goode Health. Give it a listen (if you have an hour or listen at 1.75x speed) and follow Renegade!

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Clear. Strategic. Insightful. Marketing is a multidimensional field that requires more than just digital know-how. It is getting more and more complex but there are a few critical competencies all marketers need to master… Read the full article from my esteemed colleague Bronwyn Heys at The CMO Syndicate to unlock the full power of marketing! 🚀🚀

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🌟 2025 Sales & Marketing Trends for Wine, Spirits, and Beer Brands 🍷🍸🍺 Alright, fellow rebels in the industry, let’s talk about where the future’s headed. We’re not just peeking into 2025; we’re smashing the door wide open. Here’s what you need to know about the trends that are going to shake up your world – and why you need to be ready to ride this wave or get left behind. 1. AI-Driven Personalization Goes Mainstream 🤖 By 2025, brands that don’t leverage AI for hyper-personalized marketing are going to feel as relevant as dial-up internet. We’re talking about AI that understands your customers’ tastes better than they do. Imagine sending a targeted campaign that knows they prefer an oaky Chardonnay over a fruity Sauvignon Blanc. Yeah, it’s that real. Get Ready: If you’re not on the AI train, it’s time to punch your ticket. This is where marketing is headed, and it’s not waiting for anyone. 2. Experiential Marketing 2.0 🎤 Forget the old-school tastings. 2025 is all about immersive, hybrid experiences. Virtual reality tours of your distillery? Augmented reality cocktail recipes? Yes, please. Consumers are craving something more than just a sip – they want a story, a journey, an adventure. Warning: If you’re still pouring samples behind a table at a trade show, you’re about to be upstaged. Time to level up your game. 3. Sustainability Isn’t Just a Buzzword Anymore 🌱 By 2025, sustainability isn’t an option; it’s a demand. Brands that can’t show their eco-credentials will be left behind in the dust. We’re talking about transparent sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and a genuine commitment to doing better. No more lip service – it’s time to walk the talk. Action Item: Start implementing sustainable practices TODAY. This is going to be your biggest selling point. 4. Community-Led Growth 👫 Brands that win in 2025 will be the ones that build communities, not just customer lists. Think exclusive memberships, private tastings, and online forums where your most loyal fans can connect, share, and spread the word for you. Next Step: Start cultivating your community now. The days of mass marketing are fading; it’s time to build deeper, more meaningful connections. The Bottom Line: If you’re not adapting, you’re dying. 🔥 2025 isn’t the year for playing it safe. It’s the year for pushing boundaries, taking risks, and rewriting the rules. If you want to thrive, you’re going to need to be bold, be brave, and be ready to disrupt the market. Stay rebellious. Stay relevant. 🍻 👉 Follow me for more industry insights and bold moves.

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“In the ever-evolving world of social media, trends can emerge overnight, captivating audiences and driving consumer behavior. One such trend is the viral blueberry iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, which has taken TikTok by storm. This blog post explores the viral drink, the influencers behind its popularity, and the significant impact it is having on Dunkin’ Donuts’ brand and sales.” Check out our recent blog post on how influencers influenced a viral Dunkin Donuts drink: https://lnkd.in/gSsxiG6K  

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Don't forget to mark your calendar! If you want to gain the strategic insights needed to hit the ground running in 2025, find out where Mars United Commerce is headed so you can connect with us to jumpstart your commerce marketing in the new year. Stay up to date on where we'll be here: https://lnkd.in/e9YwBN63 #events #CES #NRF #IAB #FMI #commercemarketing

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Click through the link below and comment "Happy Birthday!" on our Reel to help Milton's support our nonprofit partner, The Birthday Party Project!

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Life as an Agile CMO in the Beer Industry with ARMED FORCES BREWING COMPANY Navigating the dynamic and fast-paced world of the beer industry, I’ve learned that being an agile Chief Marketing Officer is not just a preference—it's a necessity. In this fast evolving landscape, principled leadership, unwavering focus on our mission, and a steadfast commitment to our strategic goals are essential. Staying true to our mission and not being swayed by fleeting trends is key. While it’s tempting to jump on every new marketing fad, I’ve found it crucial to remember that not all trends align with our brand's core values and long-term vision. Here’s what guides my approach: 1. Principled Leadership: Making decisions based on core values ensures consistency and builds trust with our audience.    2. Mission Focused: Ensuring every campaign, message, and product aligns with our overarching mission. This focus not only drives growth but also fortifies our brand’s purpose. 3. Strategic Integrity: Recognizing that marketing tactics are tools, not the strategy itself. It’s easy to get distracted by shiny new tactics, but they should always serve the strategy, not stray from it. This disciplined approach helps maintain brand integrity and delivers sustained success. 4. Adaptability with Purpose: Being agile means being adaptable, but with a clear purpose. It’s about responding to changes in the market while staying anchored to our strategic goals. In a world of constant change, my dedication to these principles is what sets us apart. It's not about chasing trends; it's about creating lasting impact through thoughtful, mission-driven marketing. #CMO #MarketingLeadership #BrandIntegrity #StrategicSuccess #AgileMarketing #VeteranOwned #Veterans

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Great coverage from Brewbound on the bankruptcy filing of Boisson and what it means to that business model and the supplier partners. Beyond this coverage, I have two pieces to consider. 1. Is there a place for non-alc physical retailers? What purpose do they serve for the consumers vs the myriad alternatives? I'm incredible skeptical, but would love to hear some debate. 2. Small suppliers are particularly vulnerable to this type of distribution. You sell on credit - because that's how people do things 🤷🏼‍♂️ . It's not practical to the growing supply side, but you have to play ball. Then you get this great order and the stars shine so bright that you can't say no. As you can see here, that's a dangerous move. I always encourage businesses to think about these sales like lending money. Don't lend more than you can afford to lose. Check the credit worthiness of the retailer. If they are young and expanding fast, think twice. https://lnkd.in/e9kXAK6g

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