StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/48975
DA TELINE Business Briefs The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) recently announced the recipients of the 2011-2012 Alcohol Education Grant program. In all, 77 organiza- tions throughout the state will receive awards, totaling more than $1 million. "As a partner in the effort to prevent underage, binge and problematic drinking, we provide funds to local organizations committed to making a significant difference in their community," said Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton III, PLCB chairman. "At a time when public funds are stretched thinner than ever, we know Celebrating the opening of the latest duty-free New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet within the secure passenger area (beyond airport security) at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport were, from left, NHLC Commissioner Mark M. Bodi; Manchester Mayor Ted Gatas, NHLC Chairman Joseph W. Mollica; and NHLC Commissioner Michael R. Milligan. The 625 square-foot store is similar to other duty-free stores found at airports worldwide, and offers a selection of premium spirits, champagnes and wines. In addition, New Hampshire-made brands are also featured on a centerpiece display. these grant awards will go a long way towards improving the health and safety of communities across the common- wealth." PLCB grants help fund prevention programs focused on underage and college-age alcohol consumption as well as law-enforcement activities. Since 1999, the PLCB has awarded more than $7 million in competitive grants to hundreds of community groups….After separating itself from its non-beverage-alcohol businesses – through the sale of Acushnet, its golfing unit, and a spinoff to shareholders of its home and security business - Fortune Brands, Inc., officially changed its name to Beam, Inc., as it became a stand-alone spirits company in early October. The world's fourth-largest spirits company, Beam, Inc. is led by bourbon brands Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, as well as Courvoisier Cognac, Sauza Tequila and Canadian Club Whiskey, among other brands. The company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the letters 8 BEAM… After months of haggling, SABMiller reached an agreement to buy the Australian brewer Foster's for $10.15 billion. SABMiller is the world's second-largest brewer by volume after Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. But stay tuned: Industry wags are saying that A-B InBev may have its largest competitor in its own takeover sights…. Excelsior Wine Company (a sales and marketing joint venture between Banfi Vintners and Chile's wine producer Concha y Toro) is now the official representative of Little Black Dress and Five Rivers wines of California, transferred from Brown Forman. The two wine lines each include a Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, sourced from different winegrowing areas in California; in addition, Little Black Dress offers a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Moscato…. Gemini Spirits & Wine was named exclusive U.S. importer for the Heering and Xanté brands. Cherry Heering has been produced since 1818, and the cherry brandy has long been known as an important ingredient in cocktails. Xanté is a cognac-based pear spirit that has been available in the U.S. for a year or so, though it has been distributed in Europe for more than a decade…. V2 Wine Group of Sonoma, CA, and Qupé Wine Cellars of Santa Maria, CA, announced a national sales and marketing partnership. Under the agreement, V2 will provide sales and marketing services for all Qupé wines, which are distributed throughout North America…. Destilería Serrallés, Inc. and Death's Door Spirits, LLC have signed a U.S. distribution and marketing agreement. Death's Door Spirits will now have a national footprint to further grow its emerging portfolio of artisanal products via Serrallés USA's national distribution network.... Constellation Brands, Inc. has purchased the remaining 50.1% of Ruffino S.r.l. from MPF International S.r.l., an entity controlled by the Folonari family of Tuscany, Italy, for approximately $69 million. Constellation also assumes approximately $73 million of debt, net of cash acquired, as part of the transaction. Constellation now fully owns the well-known Ruffino brand and historical production facility located in near Florence…. Luxco, Inc., owners such brands as Everclear, Pearl Vodka, Arrow Cordials, Ezra Brooks Whiskey and Juarez Tequila, has acquired 100 % of the outstanding stock of Paramount Distillers, Inc., of Cleveland, OH, and its subsidiary company, Meier's Wine Cellars, of Cincinnati, OH…. Owsley Brown II, former chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman and well-known Louisville community leader, passed away at the age of 69. Beginning his career in 1968, he rose to become CEO in 1993 and added the title of chairman two years later. He retired from the CEO role in 2005, as chairman in 2007, and from the board of directors in 2008. During his tenure, he dramatically expanded the company's international presence and significantly modernized its marketing efforts. He was also a well-known philanthropist. StateWays www.stateways.com November/December 2011