Affordable Luxuries
Strategies for Upselling Wine and Spirits in a Down Economy
Mark Esterman, a buyer for Midwest store chain, Meijer, wants to move up a segment of his grocery customers from their $5.99 white wine to a better one that costs $6.99. Dan Haas, a senior VP of Vineyard Brands, thinks that despite the slowing economy and a rising euro, there ... read more.

Garnishes Galore
Modern bartenders look to finish their drinks with a final, fancy flair.
How far has the cocktail revolution ranged? Take a recent night at one of the Manhattan headquarters for cocktail geeks, the Pegu Club. Standing at the bar, a number of men were proudly hoisting drinks gaudily garnished with pansies and orchids. Drinks bearing flowers are not often beheld in the ... read more.

A NEW GINERATION
THE COCKTAIL REVOLUTION HAS PUSHED GIN FRONT AND CENTER
Has gin finally turned the corner? After years spent watching vodka and rum become the white spirits of choice, brand managers and marketers have wondered what it would take to get consumers once again interested in what can arguably be called the first flavored spirit. But as the cocktail revolution unfolded ... read more.

The Return of Absinthe
After nearly a century, absinthe is legal in the U.S.
The green fairy has landed. For the first time since its ban in 1912, absinthe is now legal and available at your corner liquor store. Sure, we’ve all heard the stories: it causes hallucinations and psychotic behavior. It has prompted murder and caused Van Gogh to hack off his ear. ... read more.

Absolut Success for Pernod Ricard
With purchase of Vin & Sprit Group, Pernod Ricard also acquires Level vodka and Cruzan rum. Agreement calls for company to continue Future Brands distribution agreement through 2012. Pernod Ricard has recently signed a contract with the country of Sweden for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Vin & ... read more.