Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/485350
FYI NEWS, NOTES & TRENDS 12 Beverage Dynamics • March/April 2015 www.beveragedynamics.com BACARDI REDESIGNS PACKAGING Celebrating its 153rd anniversary today, BACARDÍ rum announced the fi rst packaging update in more than a decade to the world's top-selling rum. The new bottle design refl ects the brand's heritage and provenance. Infl uenced by Art Deco style, the design also seeks a "timeless quality" attractive in bars from the 1920s to today. The bottle is taller, slimmer and more cylindrical, with "proud" shoulders reminiscent of the more classic style of bottles. It also includes numerous fi ne touches. The BACARDÍ bat logo — representing good fortune, good health and family unity — crowns a label of hand-cut fonts inspired by those adorning the Art Deco El Edifi cio Bacardi, the brand's former sales offi ce and iconic bar in Havana, Cuba. Each new bottle from the por tfolio of light and dark rums also features its own unique printers ornament, a brief story from the Bacardi family's history and a simple taste description and drinks serve on the back. Additionally, all paper labels are made from recycled cane fi ber, a by-product of rum making. More than 150 years of heritage and awards adorn the pack: the Royal Spanish coat of arms awarded for quality in 1888, a selection of medals won since 1862 (BACARDÍ rum is the most awarded spirit in the world) and the signature of Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, the founder of the company, which remains family-owned since 1862. BUSINESS BRIEFS Following the long success of its National Retail Wine Panel, Beverage Dynamics is in the process of forming a new Retail Beer Panel to review the newest and most interesting beers to hit the market. Together with our sister publication Cheers, which will collect reviews from on-premise beer experts, we'll create a continuous stream of new beer reviews for our readership. Many retailers use our wine reviews to promote products on- shelf, and we hope they'll do the same with these new beer reviews. If you're a beverage retailer who specializes in beer sales (especially craft) and you'd like more information about joining our panel, please contact Editor Jeremy Nedelka at jnedelka@ specialtyim.com or 203-855-8499 x213. ANHEUSER-BUSCH PURCHASES ELYSIAN BREWERY Anheuser-Busch is expanding further into the craft beer market. The company announced the purchase of Seattle-based craft brewery Elysian Brewing Company. Elysian sold 50,000 barrels of craft beer in 2014. Its Immortal IPA accounted for more than a quarter of total volume. Elysian began operations in 1995 and currently operates four breweries in Washington. It distributes products in 11 states and internationally. The Anheuser-Busch purchase includes Elysian's four Seattle branded pubs. The deal is expected to close by the end of the fi rst quarter of 2015. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. BEVMO! KICKS OFF CRAFT PROGRAM BevMo! is broadening its commitment to craft-beverage drinkers. This program will include price reductions, in-store events and YouTube videos about industry pioneers. Customers of the stores in California, Arizona and Washington can now purchase craft beer, wine and spirits with discounts of 20 to 30 percent. Additionally, BevMo! will host weekly in-store tastings so customers can discover, experience and learn more about craft beverages. BevMo! has selected a number of craft brands to tell the stories behind their barrels in a series of online videos. Featured brands include St. George Spirits, Anchor Distilling Company, Joel Gott Wines, Garnet Vineyards, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits. CALLING ALL BEER EXPERTS!