StateWays Newsletter – 08/15/12

Stateways Features

Sometimes, a spirit category can seem to be heading in many different directions at once. That seems to be the case with rum today: white rum has been losing a bit of its massive attraction, though it’s still responsible for more than half the rum business. Spiced rum sales are going through the roof, with new brands, line extensions and packaging signaling a lively interest among both consumers and suppliers. Flavored rums continue to be a source for innovation, and aged and superpremium rums are developing a fan base among the cocktail cognoscenti.

Stateways Product Watch

Kahlua is adding three new flavors to its premium, 200-ml. Cans-To-Go pre-mixed cocktail portfolio: Kahlua Iced Espresso, Iced Mocha and Cinnamon Spice. Available in four-packs of 200-ml. cans as well as single serve formats, the launch of Kahlua Cans-To-Go is being supported by custom-designed POS materials. Kahlua Cans-To-Go will have a suggested retail price of $2.50 for a single can and $9.99 for a four-pack.

VNC Cocktails are a new line of ready-to-drink cocktail mixes from New Zealand available on-premise. The 13.9 percent ABV flavors include Strawberry Daiquiri, Pacific Mai Tai, Pomegranate Cosmopolitan and Passionfruit Caprioska.

Caribbean Cosmo Light is the newest pre-mixed cocktail from Malibu. The 12.5 percent ABV pre-mixed cocktail is a blend of Malibu Coconut, Lime, Orange and Cranberry and has 100 calories per 4-ounce serving.

Stateways News

New report says this is the 27th year in a row beer production has increased – China is the world’s leading beer producer, accounting for nearly 25 percent.

Bodi resigned following years of pressure from the NH governor’s office and Attorney General. Following his departure, several scandals have been reported by the NH media. Bodi also resigned from his newly-appointed position as Chairman of the NABCA.

If the first half is any indication, 2012 is shaping up to be a good year for America’s small and independent craft brewers. Numbers released by trade group The Brewers Association show that dollar sales were up 14% in the first half of this year.

The wine list at seasonal hotel and restaurant in Montauk, N.Y., includes a special section for its chilled red wine. But while the idea of cooling red wine has gained some traction in recent years, some experts remain opposed to the practice.

Liquor sales in Oregon have risen steeply since Washington state passed its law privatizing the sale of beverage alcohol off-premise. The assumption is that many Washington residents, upset with increased taxes, are traveling across the border into Oregon’s control stores to purchase spirits.

Industry Happenings

International music superstar CeeLo Green, the new co-owner of TY KU Sake & Spirits, relaxes at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, CO, where he hosted a pool party for the launch of the new TY KU Coconut Nigori sake.