Growth brands: Beverage Dynamics identifies the fastest-selling wines and spirits in the U.S.[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Despite a modestly weakening economy in the latter half of 2007, the spirits and wine industries continue to expand their business in the U.S. market. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the latest statistics recently released in the Handbook Advance 2008, published by The Beverage Information Group, Norwalk, CT (formerly the Adams Beverage Group), U.S. distilled spirits sales volume rose in 2007 for the tenth straight year, gaining almost 6.0 million 9-liter cases from 2006 to more than 182.4 million cases, an increase of 3.2%. That gain was slightly less than the 3.7% posted in 2006. On the other hand, wine sales in the U.S. gathered even more momentum in 2007, increasing 4.0% overall, compared to a 3.6% gain in 2006. Wine volume grew by more than 11 million 9-liter cases in 2007, from 283.0 million cases to almost 294.4 million, a record. This marks the fifteenth straight year that wine volume grew in the U.S. As has been reported in previous years, a major driver of the ongoing wine and spirits consumption increases is the American consumer's continued movement toward high-end products. Even in an economy that has lost a little steam, prestigious wine and spirits brands are still viewed as affordable luxuries by most consumers. Indeed, at a recent press conference, the Distilled Spirits Council of America (DISCUS) released its latest statistics on the state of the spirits industry, which show that spirits suppliers' gross revenues grew by 5.6% in 2007 to $18.2 billion (based on wholesale case prices). By itself, the superpremium segment of all combined spirits categories grew a hefty 16.4% in 2007; by comparison, the value segment was down 2.7%. And, as one would expect, retail revenue growth once again increased substantially in 2007. According to the Handbook Advance, retail sales (combined on- and off-premise) of distilled spirits advanced 9.2% in 2007 to more than $62.6 billion, while retail revenues of wine increased 10.6%, to exceed $28.1 billion. Still, several other cultural, demographic and industry-specific trends explain the continuing vitality of the wine and spirits industries: the increasing cultural acceptance of the potential health benefits of moderate wine and spirits consumption; a thriving cocktail culture; the American consumer's slow but steady movement away from beer--resulting in beer's falling market share--in favor of wine and spirits. Other trends bolstering the market include: legislative progress in ending archaic blue laws blue laws, legislation regulating public and private conduct, especially laws relating to Sabbath observance. The term was originally applied to the 17th-century laws of the theocratic New Haven colony, and appears to originate in nationwide, with particularly positive results from the growth of Sunday sales (which DISCUS tabs at an extra $212 million in new retailer revenue in 2006); a more spirits- and wine-savvy public that is responding to increasing product education from retailers, restaurateurs, distributors, suppliers and the media; a recognition that beverage alcohol can be a flavorful flavorful - flavour enhancement to meals; a general modernization modernization Transformation of a society from a rural and agrarian condition to a secular, urban, and industrial one. It is closely linked with industrialization. As societies modernize, the individual becomes increasingly important, gradually replacing the family, of retail outlets retail outlet n → punto de venta retail outlet n → point m de vente retail outlet retail n → , as they focus on making beverage alcohol shopping a more enjoyable and less intimidating in·tim·i·date tr.v. in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing, in·tim·i·dates 1. To make timid; fill with fear. 2. To coerce or inhibit by or as if by threats. experience, especially for women; and the simple fact that the legal drinking age The legal drinking age is a limit assigned by governments to restrict the access of children and youth to alcoholic beverages. In most countries the legal age to purchase alcohol is at least 18, but there are notable exceptions. population in the U.S. is growing. SPIRIT CATEGORY OVERVIEWS Most spirits categories registered increases in 2007, with flavored spirits, particularly in the fast-growing white spirits categories, once again expanding in volumes and offerings. The largest spirits category, vodka vodka (vŏd`kə), traditional spirituous drink of Russia, the Baltic states, and Poland; it is now consumed internationally. The best vodka is distilled from rye and barley malt, but the cheaper corn and potatoes are commonly employed. , continued to gain market share with sales of nearly 53.0 million 9-liter cases, a 6.7% gain over 2006. Rum grew 5.1% to reach 24.0 million 9-liter cases, and tequila tequila Distilled liquor, usually clear in colour and unaged, made from the fermented juice of the Mexican agave plant. (See agave family.) It contains 40–50% alcohol. continued its upward surge with a 9.4% gain to end the year with almost 11 million cases. The second-largest distilled spirits category, cordials and liqueurs Liqueurs are high-alcohol, high-sugar beverages with added flavorings usually derived from herbs, fruits, or nuts. Liqueurs are distinct from flavored liquors, fruit brandy and eau de vie which contain no sugar. Most liqueurs range between 15 and 70 percent alcohol by volume. , saw a modest increase of 0.5% to reach 21.5 million cases in 2007, while brandy brandy [for brandywine, from Du.,=burnt, i.e., distilled, wine], strong alcoholic spirit distilled from wine or from marc, the residue of the wine press. The most noted brandy is cognac, made from white grapes in the Charente district of France. and cognac Cognac (kônyäk`), city (1990 pop. 19,932), Charente dept., W France, in Angoumois, on the Charente River. The French brandy to which Cognac gives its name has been manufactured and exported from the city since the 18th cent. climbed 2.2% to achieve nearly 10.7 million cases. Gin registered a 1.5% increase in sales volume last year to end the year with about 11.2 million cases. The prepared cocktails segment decreased by 5.0% to end 2007 just shy of 6.2 million cases. Among whiskies, straights grew 1.0% to finish the year at 14.7 million cases; Irish grew 17.5%; and Scotch eked out a 0.2 % gain to reach just over 9.0 million cases. Canadian whisky Canadian whisky is whisky made in Canada; by law it must be aged there at least three years[1] in a wooden barrel of not greater than 700 L capacity[2]. showed a slight 0.6% decline, while American blends were also off, down 1.9% to end the year at 5.1 million cases. IMPRESSIVE WINE GAINS Last year's overall gains in wine sales were again driven by table wine, which now accounts for 91.4% of the total U.S. wine market. Led by premium varietals, table wine grew 4.3% to reach 258 million 9-liter cases in 2007, after a 3.7% increase in 2006. Similar to 2006, imported wines showed a larger percentage gain (+7.6%) than domestically produced table wine (+3.1%). Still, domestic table wine comprises about two-thirds of the entire U.S. wine market. Champagne & sparkling wine continued to bubble up Verb 1. bubble up - move upwards in bubbles, as from the effect of heating; also used metaphorically; "Gases bubbled up from the earth"; "Marx's ideas have bubbled up in many places in Latin America" intumesce last year (+3.6%), to end the year with more than 13.8 million cases, while the vermouth vermouth (vərm  th`), blend of white wines fortified with additional alcohol and flavored with aromatic herbs, spices, and roots. It contains up to 19% alcohol. and dessert & fortified wine for·ti·fied winen. Wine, such as sherry, to which alcohol, usually in the form of grape brandy, has been added. fortified wine Noun sales volumes both declined slightly. WHY GROWTH BRANDS? As in many other industries, "brand equity" is perhaps the most valuable asset a product possesses; perhaps this is especially true in the beverage alcohol industry, where a seemingly inexplicable in·ex·pli·ca·ble adj. Difficult or impossible to explain or account for. in·ex  pli·ca·bil change in consumer tastes and perceptions can propel pro·pel tr.v. pro·pelled, pro·pel·ling, pro·pels To cause to move forward or onward. See Synonyms at push. [Middle English propellen, from Latin or erase a brand's prospects (remember California Coolers See Wine fly ?). As reported previously, a combination of resources, creativity, perseverance Perseverance See also Determination. Ainsworth redid dictionary manuscript burnt in fire. [Br. Hist.: Brewer Handbook, 752] Call of the Wild, The dogs trail steadfastly through Alaska’s tundra. [Am. Lit. , the fight economic environment and sometimes just plain luck often lead to the development of a successful brand. It's no surprise that there are beverage alcohol products in every category and at every price point that, for any number of reasons, have either lagged behind or outpaced their respective competitors. And although identifying category consumption trends is helpful, actual brand activity can often run counter to them (i.e., Crown Royal perennially outperforms the Canadian whisky category). Thus is the rationale behind "Growth Brands," our annual report that uses the latest industry results to highlight those wine and spirits brands that have demonstrated noteworthy growth over recent years. These are the brands that in many instances provide the backbone of the wine and spirits business for retailers. They are also the brands to watch, as they grow beyond their natural competition and stake their own successful claims in the marketplace. [The September/October 2008 issue of Beverage Dynamics will publish Beer Growth Brand results.] SPIRITS FAST TRACK BRANDS To attain Fast Track status, a brand must have maintained double-digit sales growth over each of the past four years (with sales of more than 100,000 9-liter cases). As brands expand their volume, this clearly becomes more difficult with each passing year. For example, last year's Fast Track leader, Jagermeister, saw sales increase by an admirable 160,000 cases in 2007; however, that 5.8% gain on its large sales base was not enough to keep the brand in the Fast Track, and it is now in the Established Growth Brands category. Thus, the spirits brands that are identified here are the cream of the Growth Brand crop, and often among the fastest-selling spirits in the U.S. This year 14 spirits brands are included (up from 13 last year), and among them are nine vodkas This is a list of brands of vodka. Australia
Once again, vodka dominates, in keeping with national sales trends that saw the vodka category comprise slightly less than 29% of the entire U.S. spirits market in 2007, according to the Handbook Advance. The vodka brands cited here run the pricing gamut See color gamut. gamut - The gamut of a monitor is the set of colours it can display. There are some colours which can't be made up of a mixture of red, green and blue phosphor emissions and so can't be displayed by any monitor. from value to premium to above-premium to superpremium. In addition, several of the brand portfolios listed boast a lineup A criminal investigation technique in which the police arrange a number of individuals in a row before a witness to a crime and ask the witness to identify which, if any, of the individuals committed the crime. of flavors, which has clearly helped increase sales. Indeed, the explosion of flavors in the category has coincided with--and maybe helped spur--the expansion of flavors in the spirits industry overall. At the top of the Fast Track ranking is Grey Goose Vodka, the high-end import from France, which had another amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. year in 2007, gaining an estimated 25.0% in sales to reach more than 3.3 million 9-liter cases. Bacardi purchased the brand three years ago and has continued managing it to phenomenal success. The brand now includes the pear-flavored Grey Goose La Poire, the orange-flavored L'Orange, citrus-flavored Le Citron citron (sĭt`rən), name for a tree (Citrus medica) of the family Rutaceae (orange family), and for its fruit, the earliest of the citrus fruits to be introduced to Europe from Asia. , vanilla-flavored La Vanille and the original Grey Goose. Svedka Vodka, purchased last year by Constellation Constellation, ship Constellation (kŏnstĭlā`shən), U.S. frigate, launched in 1797. It was named by President Washington for the constellation of 15 stars in the U.S. flag of that time. , gained almost 500,000 cases, for sales of more than 1.5 million cases, a 47.6% increase over 2006. Seagram's Vodka, which was a Rising Star Growth Brand last year, entered the Fast Track this year for the first time. Launched in 2003 by Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard (Euronext: RI) is a French company producing alcoholic beverages. Their most famous product, Pernod Anise (40% alcoholic volume) and Ricard Pastis, are both pastis, and often referred to as simply Ricard or Pernod. USA as a companion to its top-selling Seagram's Gin, the brand moved to the newly formed Infinium Spirits in 2005. Also boasting a lineup of flavors, Seagram's Vodka notched 890,000 9-liter cases in 2007. Three Olives, another superpremium imported vodka with a broad portfolio of flavors, vaulted to an eye-opening 220,000 cases last year to 850,000 9-liter cases. Newly formed Proximo prox·i·mo adv. Archaic Of or in the following month. [Latin proxim  (m Spirits purchased the
brand from White Rock Distilleries in fall 2007. For its part, White
Rock is shepherding another successful vodka into the Fast
Track--Pinnacle Vodka, which also features a range of flavors and has
had success with a blue-hued PET package. Pinnacle grew by an amazing
74.2% in 2007, to end the year with 263,000 cases.
Both UV Vodka, from Phillips Distilling, and Vincent Van Gogh Vodka Van Gogh Vodka produces super premium vodka, flavored vodka and gin. Introduced in January 2000, Van Gogh Vodka is handcrafted at the Royal Dirkzwager Distillery in Schiedam, Holland, and now offers 19 flavors. Van Gogh Vodka is owned and imported by Luctor International, L. (Luctor International Luctor International is the importing company for Vincent Van Gogh vodkas, vodka-based liqueurs, and Van Gogh gin. Luctor International Luctor International is the producer and importer of Van Gogh vodkas, vodka-based liqueurs, and Van Gogh gin. ) include extensive flavored vodka portfolios. For its part, UV jumped an impressive 35.9% last year, eclipsing the half million case mark for the first time, while Van Gogh notched a healthy 160,000 9-liter cases. Tito's Handmade hand·made adj. Made or prepared by hand rather than by machine. handmade Adjective made by hand, not by machine Adj. 1. Vodka, a micro-distilled spirit hailing from the Fifth Generation distillery, located in the unlikely location of Austin, TX, grew sales by one-third last year, hitting 213,000 cases. The final vodka on the list is Pearl, distilled in Canada and sporting four flavors in addition to the original: pomegranate pomegranate (pŏm`grănĭt, pŏm`ə–), handsome deciduous and somewhat thorny large shrub or small tree (Punica granatum , plum, coconut coconut, fruit of the coco palm (Cocos nucifera), a tree widely distributed through tropical regions. The seed is peculiarly adapted to dispersal by water because the large pod holding the nut is buoyant and impervious to moisture. and blueberry blueberry, plant of the large genus Vaccinium, widely distributed shrubs (occasionally small trees) of the family Ericaceae (heath family), usually found on acid soil. They are often confused with the related huckleberry. . Pearl reached sales of 135,000 cases last year. Continuing as one of the industry's fastest-growing brands is Patron, the line of superpremium tequilas, which increased sales by about 555,000 cases to end 2007 at 1.63 million cases, a whopping 51.6% gain. Another line of superpremium tequilas, 1800, is included here for the first time. The brand notched 505,000 9-liter cases, growing more than 16% in 2007. Far and away the top-selling Irish whiskey Irish whiskey n. Whiskey made by the distillation of barley. Noun 1. Irish whiskey - whiskey made in Ireland chiefly from barley Irish whisky, Irish whiskey, whisky - a liquor made from fermented mash of grain in the U.S., Jameson has been a perennial member of the Fast Track. In 2007, it posted a 23% gain, representing about 100,000 cases, to achieve sales of 540,000 cases. The other tequila in the Fast Track is 1800, featuring a portfolio of superpremium offerings. The brand gained 16.1% last year, eclipsing the half million case mark. Both Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum and Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum are first-time members of the Fast Track, the latter first introduced in 2003 while the former has been on the market for much longer. The success of both brands reflects the popularity of flavored rums. Admiral Nelson increased sales 20% last year to reach 330,000 9-liter cases, while Sailor Jerry jumped a hefty 60% to end 2007 at 200,000 cases.
FAST TRACK
The brand must have exceeded 100,000 9-liter cases in 2007, with
double-digit growth over each of the past four years. All brands must
be at least five years of age.
DISTILLED SPIRITS (Thousands of 9-liter cases)
Brand Supplier
Grey Goose Bacardi USA
Patron The Patron Spirits Company
Svedka Spirits Marque One/Constellation
Seagram's Vodka Infinium Spirits
Three Olives Proximo Spirits
Jameson Pernod Ricard USA
UV Vodka Phillips Distilling
1800.00 Proximo Spirits
Admiral Nelson Luxco
Pinnacle White Rock Distilleries
Tito's Handmade Vodka Fifth Generation
Sailor Jerry William Grant & Sons
Vincent Van Gogh Vodka Luctor International
Pearl Luxco
Brand 2003 2004 2005 2006
Grey Goose 1,400 1,650 2,075 2,660
Patron 203 340 615 1,075
Svedka 306 448 640 1,023
Seagram's Vodka 460 640 727 807
Three Olives 175 350 475 630
Jameson 262 304 360 439
UV Vodka 120 214 282 373
1800.00 313 355 395 435
Admiral Nelson 160 200 230 275
Pinnacle 17 33 58 151
Tito's Handmade Vodka 35 58 106 160
Sailor Jerry 11 30 57 125
Vincent Van Gogh Vodka 80 100 125 140
Pearl 40 52 65 120
2007 06/'07 03/'07
Brand (P) % Chg % ACGR
Grey Goose 3,325 25.0% 24.1%
Patron 1,630 51.6% 68.3%
Svedka 1,510 47.6% 49.0%
Seagram's Vodka 890 10.3% 17.9%
Three Olives 850 34.9% 48.5%
Jameson 540 23.0% 19.8%
UV Vodka 507 35.9% 43.4%
1800.00 305 16.1% 12.7%
Admiral Nelson 330 20.0% 19.8%
Pinnacle 263 74.2% 98.3%
Tito's Handmade Vodka 213 33.1% 57.1%
Sailor Jerry 200 60.0% ++
Vincent Van Gogh Vodka 160 14.3% 18.9%
Pearl 135 12.5% 35.5%
(p) Preliminary. ACGR = Annual Compound Growth Rate. (++)
Greater than 100%.
SPIRITS RISING STAR BRANDS Twelve spirits brands met the criteria for a Rising Star this year, one less than last year. Only two of them are returning Rising Stars--Pama Pomegranate Liqueur liqueur (lĭkûr`), strong alcoholic beverage made of almost neutral spirits, flavored with herb mixtures, fruits, or other materials, and usually sweetened. The name derives from the Latin word to melt. and 10 Cane Rum--and, interestingly, there are as many liqueurs cited here (four) as there are vodkas. There are also two rums, a gin and a tequila. The liqueurs include Pama, from Heaven Hill Distilleries, which notched sales of 60,000 9-liter cases its second year on the market. The pomegranate-flavored liqueur was the first widely available spirit to use that flavor, and since its launch, pomegranate has become a favorite of spirits producers, appearing in other liqueur brand line extensions and a number of vodkas. Three other liqueurs debuted in 2007 to some success and warrant watching. Wide Eye, an energy drink liqueur, is a prepared cocktail schnapps schnapps n. pl. schnapps Any of various strong dry liquors, such as a strong Dutch gin. [German Schnaps, mouthful, schnapps, from Low German snaps, from with extra caffeine caffeine (kăfēn`), odorless, slightly bitter alkaloid found in coffee, tea, kola nuts (see cola), ilex plants (the source of the Latin American drink maté), and, in small amounts, in cocoa (see cacao). , available in three flavors: Pomegranate Spice, Mango Chill and Cherry Bomb. Wide Eye, from Barton Brands Barton Brands, Ltd. is a company that produces many liquors, including Ten High bourbon, the 99 line of schnapps (99 Apples, 99 Bananas, et al), and Montezuma tequila. , retails for about $20 for a 750 ml bottle and enjoyed sales of 27,000 cases in 2007. Kajmir, from Constellation, is a 40 proof vanilla-flavored liqueur, made from a blend of brandy, vodka and NGROI vanilla vanilla, a plant of the genus Vanilla of the family Orchidaceae (orchid family). Vines of hot, damp climates, most are indigenous to Central and South America, especially Mexico, but are now cultivated in other tropical regions. . Priced at approximately $19 for a 750 ml bottle, Kajmir sold 20,000 9-liter cases since its debut last year. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, imported from France by Cooper Spirits International, is made from elderflower blossoms picked in the French Alps The French Alps are those parts of the Alps mountain range which lie in France. They are within the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes. The specific subranges of the Alps that are at least partly in France include (from south to north): The four vodkas qualifying as Rising Stars have each been on the market barely a year, with the exception of p.i.n.k., which debuted the second half of 2006. Imported from Holland by the p.i.n.k. Spirits Co., p.i.n.k. Vodka is a so-called "energy" spirit that is distilled five times, featuring a blend of caffeine and guarana guarana /gua·ra·na/ (gwah-rah´nah) [Tupi-Guarani] the Brazilian woody vine Paullinia cupana, or a dried paste prepared from its seeds which is used as a stimulant and tonic in folk medicine and for the treatment of headache in . The brand retails for $38 to $40 for a 750 ml bottle and sold 16,000 9-liter cases last year. Sobieski Vodka, from Imperial Brands, boasts a Polish heritage and is quadruple-distilled there. Priced at $12-$13 for a 750 ml bottle, Sobieski notched a handsome 50,000 cases its first year on the U.S. market. Equally successful was Russian Standard Russian Standard, Russkiy Standart or Russky Standart is a brand of vodka owned by entrepreneur Rustam Tariko's Roust Group. Introduced to the market in 1998, Russian Standard vodka contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is available in sequentially more expensive Vodka, also fairly new to the U.S.; however, the brand is also the top-selling vodka in Russia. Imported by Remy Cointreau USA, the superpremium vodka has been sponsoring several Russian-inspired programs (such as a Russian Film Festival, etc.) and other life-style events in its major markets. It sold 42,000 9-liter cases in 2007. Finally, McCormick Distilling debuted 360 Vodka, the "green," eco-friendly superpremium vodka that comes in a green bottle. The brand is quadruple-distilled and filtered five times, however, its positioning emphasizes the fact that the bottle is made from 80% recycled glass and all print and label materials come from recycled paper. In addition, the production process apparently reduces a variety of pollutants pollutants see environmental pollution. dramatically. The brand saw sales of 16,000 9-liter cases last year. E&J Gallo is behind the leading Rising Star, New Amsterdam New Amsterdam, Dutch settlement at the mouth of the Hudson River and on the southern end of Manhattan island; est. 1624. It was the capital of the colony of New Netherland from 1626 to 1664, when it was captured by the British and renamed New York. Gin, which launched just last year. The 80 proof, domestically produced gin, retailing for approximately $13 for a 750 ml bottle, hit 100,000 cases in its first year on the market. Tommy Bahama Tommy Bahama is a licensed line of clothing that markets high-end tropical-themed wear amongst other clothing and household goods. The company sells these products through its own chain of retail outlets in Canada and the United States, and through other retailers. Rum, from Sidney Frank Sidney E. Frank (October 2, 1919 – January 10, 2006) was an American businessman who became a billionaire through his savvy promotion of Grey Goose vodka and Jägermeister. Importing, also had a stellar initial year, reaching sales of 50,000 9-liter cases in 2007, as did the tequila El Diamante This article is about the wrestler. For the high school in California, see El Diamante High School. Julio César López is a Puerto Rican professional wrestler best known by his most famous ring name El Diamante del Cielo, which hit 32,000 cases in 2007. Imported by Blavod Extreme Spirits, the brand's name means "diamond in the sky." The tequila line includes a Blanco Blanco (meaning the color white in Spanish) is an adjective often used in Spanish surnames. Below is a list of famous people and places associated with the word. ($40), Reposado ($50) and Anejo ($60). Finally, 10 Cane, from Moet Hennessy USA, a superpremium rum that uses the juice from freshly pressed sugar cane in its production process, returns as a Rising Star. The high-end Trinidadian rum reached 30,000 9-liter cases last year, a 50% gain over 2006 sales. RISING STARS The brand must be less than five full years of age, and must have exhibited notable growth over the past few years. DISTILLED SPIRITS (Thousands of 9-liter cases) Brand Supplier New Amsterdam E & J Gallo Winery Pama Heaven Hill Distilleries Sobieski Imperial Brands Tommy Bahama Sidney Frank Importing Russian Standard Remy Cointreau USA El Diamante del Cielo Blavod Extreme Spirits 10 Cane Moet Hennessy USA Wide Eye Barton Brands Kajmir Centerra Wine/Constellation 360 Vodka McCormick Distilling p.i.n.k. The p.i.n.k. Spirits Company St-Germain Cooper Spirits International Brand 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (p) % Chg New Amsterdam -- -- -- -- 100 -- Pama -- -- -- 50 60 0.0% Sobieski -- -- -- -- 50 -- Tommy Bahama -- -- -- -- 20 -- Russian Standard -- -- -- 9 42 (++) El Diamante del Cielo -- -- -- 6 32 (++) 10 Cane -- -- 11 20 30 0.0% Wide Eye -- -- -- -- 27 -- Kajmir -- -- -- -- 20 -- 360 Vodka -- -- -- -- 16 -- p.i.n.k. -- -- -- 5 16 (++) St-Germain -- -- -- -- 12 -- (p) Preliminary. (++) Greater than 100%. SPIRITS ESTABLISHED GROWTH BRANDS Most of this year's 27 Established Growth Brands represent a cross-section of the largest and most successful spirits brands in the U.S. These brands are often leaders in their respective categories, and in many instances, make repeat appearances as Established Growth brands. To deliver sales gains year after year is no easy task, so these brands must be commended for maintaining their positive sales momentum despite ever-changing consumer taste trends and evolving macroeconomic mac·ro·ec·o·nom·ics n. (used with a sing. verb) The study of the overall aspects and workings of a national economy, such as income, output, and the interrelationship among diverse economic sectors. conditions. They are, for the most part, mature brands that have been on the market for years, brands that enjoy a loyal following thanks to ongoing brand-building efforts. Overall, the Established Growth Brands reflect the range of spirits Americans are consuming, from prestigious superpremiums to everyday value brands to a host of recognizable, quality spirits in between. Of the 27 brands, 17 are imports, and almost every major product category is represented--there are eight vodkas, one gin, four rums, three tequilas, three brandy and cognac brands, two liqueurs and six whiskies (one Scotch, two Canadians and three bourbon/American whiskies). Prepared cocktails is the only unrepresented unrepresented adj → nicht vertreten category. The variety of price and product type among these top-growing brands serves to underline underline an animal's ventral profile; the shape of the belly when viewed from the side, e.g. pendulous, pot-belly, tucked up, gaunt. one tenet TENET. Which he holds. There are two ways of stating the tenure in an action of waste. The averment is either in the tenet and the tenuit; it has a reference to the time of the waste done, and not to the time of bringing the action. 2. of the industry's conventional wisdom--that consumers approach different consumption occasions by purchasing different classes and types of spirits. This year, all the Established Growth brands sold more than 550,000 9-liter cases in 2007, with 15 of them eclipsing 1 million cases. Once again, Bacardi, the top-selling spirit in the U.S., saw impressive gains. The brand grew 5.0% last year, adding another 450,000 cases for a total annual volume of 9.45 million 9-liter cases. Captain Morgan Captain Morgan is a brand of rum produced by Diageo. It is named after the 17th-century Caribbean privateer from Wales, Sir Henry Morgan. Captain Morgan's slogan is "Got a little Captain in You?" History Original Spiced Rum increased sales by more than 200,000 cases last year to reach 5.75 million 9-liter cases. Absolut increased just shy of 200,000 cases, breaking through the 5 million case mark, while Jack Daniel's For the running coach, see . For the British car engineer, see . For the American politician, see . Jack Daniel's is a Tennessee whiskey distillery and brand known for its rectangular bottles and black label. eclipsed 4.74 million 9-liter cases. Diageo's Crown Royal increased sales 5.0% to approach 3.9 million 9-liter cases, while that company's Jose Cuervo Jose Cuervo is a brand of tequila produced by Tequila Cuervo La Rojeña, S.A. de C.V. The Jose Cuervo Especial brand has the highest sales out of any tequila in the world. brand expanded sales to 3.85 9-liter million cases. Other noteworthy Established Growth Brands include Jagermeister (up 5.8%), at 2.9 million 9-liter cases; E&J Brandy (up 5.4%), to reach 2.74 million 9-liter cases; Skyy Vodka SKYY vodka is produced by SKYY Spirits LLC in San Francisco, California. SKYY Vodka is 40% ABV or 80 proof. SKYY 90 Vodka is a 90 proof high-priced brand aimed at martini drinkers. When SKYY Spirits LLC first launched in 1992 SKYY vodka was its first product. (up 5.3%), to reach 2.39 million 9-liter cases; Hennessy Cognac (up 6.6%), to almost 2.38 million 9-liter cases; and Stolichnaya Vodka (up 4.3%), at 2.18 million 9-liter cases. For its part, Ketel One Ketel One Vodka is distilled from 100% wheat and made at the Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, Holland. It is distilled in alembic copper pot stills, filtered over loose charcoal, and rests in tile lined tanks until ready. Vodka, which gained 6.0% to end the year just shy of 1.86 9-liter million cases, recently entered into a deal in which Diageo agreed to pay $900 million for global rights to sell, market and distribute the brand. At these volume levels, double-digit percentage growth by any brand is noteworthy and three brands achieved that distinction this year. Malibu, from Pernod Ricard USA, hit sales of just under 1.67 million 9-liter cases, a 10.0% rise; Burnett's Vodka, from Heaven Hill Distilleries, gained 20.0% in 2007, to move 750,000 9-liter cases; and Juarez Tequila, marketed by Luxco, increased sales 22.2% to end 2007 at 550,000 9-liter cases. Other top performers include Sauza Tequila (up 5.6%), Bombay Sapphire Bombay Sapphire is a brand of gin distributed by Bacardi, launched in 1987, having been named via a competitive process whereby a number of leading Madison Avenue agencies were played off against each other. The name hints at the origins of gin's popularity in the British Raj. (up 4.0%), Johnnie Walker Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky produced in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is the most widely distributed brand of Scotch whisky in the world, sold in almost every country and with yearly sales of over 120 million bottles. Black (up 5.2%), Maker's Mark Maker's Mark is a hand crafted small batch type of bourbon whisky distilled in Loretto, Kentucky. When the famous T.W. Samuels family of distilling sold their distillery and their trademarks in the 1950s, those members of the family who wished to continue in the business (up 8.1%), Wild Turkey (up 5.0%), Cruzan Rum Cruzan Rum is a rum producer located in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Their distillery was founded in 1760 and claims the distinction of "the most honored rum distillery in the world." Weekday tours of the distillery in Frederiksted are given. (up 6.3%) and Grand Marnier Grand Marnier: see liqueur. (up 5.3%), among others.
ESTABLISHED GROWTH BRANDS
The brand must be a top seller, moving a minimum of 400,000 9-liter
cases annually, and must have grown moderately or substantially
over each of the past four years.
DISTILLED SPIRITS
(Thousands of 9-liter cases)
BRANDS Supplier 2002 2003
Bacardi Bacardi USA 7,800 8,140
Captain Morgan Diageo 3,933 4,492
Absolut Absolut Spirits 4,475 4,488
Jack Daniel's Brown-Forman Beverages 3,770 3,935
Crown Royal Diageo 3,058 3,225
Jose Cuervo Diageo 3,180 3,478
Jagermeister Sidney Frank Importing 900 1,300
E & J Brandy E & J Gallo Winery 2,350 2,375
Skyy Skyy Spirits USA 1,495 1,694
Hennessy Moet Hennessy USA 1,750 1,905
Stolichnaya Pernod Ricard USA 1,640 1,855
Ketel One Vodka Nolet Spirits USA 1,054 1,243
Malibu Pernod Ricard USA 940 1,040
Skol Vodka Barton Brands 1,183 1,206
Sauza Beam Global Spirits & Wine 0 1,110
Fleischmann's Royal
Vodka Barton Brands 748 780
Bombay Sapphire Bacardi USA 605 630
Johnnie Walker Black Diageo 645 671
Burnett's Vodka Heaven Hill Distilleries 455 485
Aristocrat Vodka Heaven Hill Distilleries 650 660
Maker's Mark Beam Global Spirits & Wine 0 490
Remy Martin Remy Cointreau USA 600 620
Rich & Rare Sazerac 545 550
Wild Turkey Pernod Ricard USA 503 511
Cruzan Rum Absolut Spirits 340 380
Grand Marnier Moet Hennessy USA 474 494
Juarez Luxco 395 400
BRANDS 2004 2005 2006 2007 (p)
Bacardi 8,450 8,740 9,000 9,450
Captain Morgan 4,762 5,340 5,536 5,750
Absolut 4,640 4,636 4,847 5,040
Jack Daniel's 4,237 4,513 4,731 4,744
Crown Royal 3,340 3,584 3,705 3,890
Jose Cuervo 3,580 3,676 3,787 3,850
Jagermeister 1,800 2,300 2,740 2,900
E & J Brandy 2,485 2,500 2,600 2,740
Skyy 1,880 2,065 2,270 2,390
Hennessy 2,002 2,075 2,228 2,375
Stolichnaya 1,935 1,985 2,090 2,180
Ketel One Vodka 1,438 1,593 1,753 1,858
Malibu 1,300 1,460 1,515 1,667
Skol Vodka 1,366 1,387 1,470 1,591
Sauza 1,225 1,309 1,369 1,445
Fleischmann's Royal
Vodka 842 861 864 941
Bombay Sapphire 663 725 750 780
Johnnie Walker Black 682 694 737 775
Burnett's Vodka 510 545 625 750
Aristocrat Vodka 680 700 710 725
Maker's Mark 538 596 666 720
Remy Martin 645 660 688 706
Rich & Rare 595 620 650 680
Wild Turkey 529 541 562 590
Cruzan Rum 435 526 555 590
Grand Marnier 517 547 552 581
Juarez 420 425 450 550
06/'07 '03/'07
BRANDS % Chg % ACGR
Bacardi 5.0% 3.8%
Captain Morgan 3.9% 6.4%
Absolut 4.0% 2.9%
Jack Daniel's 0.3% 4.8%
Crown Royal 5.0% 4.8%
Jose Cuervo 1.7% 2.6%
Jagermeister 5.8% 22.2%
E & J Brandy 5.4% 3.6%
Skyy 5.3% 9.0%
Hennessy 6.6% 5.7%
Stolichnaya 4.3% 4.1%
Ketel One Vodka 6.0% 10.6%
Malibu 10.0% 12.5%
Skol Vodka 8.2% 7.2%
Sauza 5.6% 6.8%
Fleischmann's Royal
Vodka 8.9% 4.8%
Bombay Sapphire 4.0% 5.5%
Johnnie Walker Black 5.2% 3.7%
Burnett's Vodka 20.0% 11.5%
Aristocrat Vodka 2.1% 2.4%
Maker's Mark 8.1% 10.1%
Remy Martin 2.6% 3.3%
Rich & Rare 4.6% 5.4%
Wild Turkey 5.0% 3.7%
Cruzan Rum 6.3% 11.6%
Grand Marnier 5.3% 4.1%
Juarez 22.2% 8.3%
(p) Preliminary ACGR=Annual Compound Growth Rate
WINE FAST TRACK BRANDS Last year's Wine Fast Track included nine brands: three imports and six from California, with more than half of them priced below $10 retail. This year, the Fast Track exploded with 21 brands qualifying and features 12 new Fast Track members. The remaining nine--Foxhorn, Barefoot bare·foot also bare·foot·ed adv. & adj. With nothing on the feet: walking barefoot in the grass; a barefoot boy. Cellars, Smoking Loon loon, common name for migratory aquatic birds found in fresh- and saltwater in the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Its strange, laughing call carries for great distances. Like the grebes, loons float low in the water and their legs are placed far back. , Crane Lake, La Crema, Salmon Creek, Casillero del Diablo di·ab·lo adj. Diable. [Alteration (influenced by Spanish diablo, devil) of diable.] , Nobile and Wolf Blass--made the cut yet again by notching double-digit growth on sales of at least 100,000 9-liter cases on 2007. As the number of qualifiers has expanded, so has the range of price points. While several competitively priced value wines appear here, so do several brands priced between $10 and $20, along with some reserve collections priced above $20. This broader swath of the pricing spectrum could very well reflect the impressive 4.3% sales volume increase in table wine in 2007 and the 10.6% increase in total retail wine revenues. Premium pricing Premium pricing is the practice of keeping the price of a product or service artificially high in order to encourage favorable perceptions among buyers, based solely on the price. is a notable dynamic in an expanding segment of the wine market, however, value pricing For the strategic management concept, see . In public roads and transport, value pricing or road pricing is the practice of raising funds by charging users directly rather than via taxation. still plays a major role in most consumer buying decisions. Of the 21 Wine Fast Track brands, 13 are from California; in fact, the top nine on the list hail from California. Three are imported from Italy and one each comes from Washington State, Chile, New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. , Australia and Spain. Leader Barefoot Cellars enjoyed a phenomenal 2007, posting a 66.7% sales increase to 4 million 9-liter cases. Amazingly, just three years ago, the brand sold a mere 475,000 cases. Meanwhile, Foxhorn continued its growth, gaining 350,000 cases, to end the year at 2.95 million 9-liter cases. Smoking Loon jumped another 175,000 cases in 2007 to reach 1.22 million 9-liter cases, while Crane Lake improved sales by more than a third, breaking the 1 million case mark to register sales of 1.2 million 9-liter cases. In its fifth year on the market, Constellation's Black Box bag-in-box wines grew 37.1% just shy of 800,000 9-liter cases. Depending on the market, the 3-liter premium wine packages sell from just under $20 to the mid-$20 range, offering four varietals sourced in California and an Australian shiraz. Kendall-Jackson's premium-priced La Crema gained 16.1%, to reach sales of 650,000 9-liter cases. The Wine Group's Concannon brand graduated from the Rising Star category to the Fast Track this year. The brand vaulted 16.7% to 420,000 9-liter cases in 2007, on the strength of its two lines: Selected Vineyards, which retails between $10 to $11 per 750 ml bottle and includes five varietals with grapes Grapes - A Modula-like system description language. E-mail: <peter@cadlab.cadlab.de>. ["GRAPES Language Description. Syntax, Semantics and Grammar of GRAPES-86", Siemens Nixdorf Inform, Berlin 1991, ISBN 3-8009-4112-0]. sourced from California's Central Coast; and the Reserve line, priced several dollars higher and featuring six varietals sourced from grapes at its Livermore Valley Estate. The value-priced Salmon Creek, from Bronco bronco: see mustang. Wine, grew 12.9%, selling just under 400,000 9-liter cases. New to the Fast Track is Simi, another above-premium (and in some cases superpremium) California wine brand, which increased 14.3% to also knock at the door of 400,000 9-liter cases. Also new to the Fast Track is the tenth wine on the list and the first import to appear: Castello di Gabbiano, an Italian brand imported from Tuscany by Foster Wine Estates Americas. The brand gained 19.9% to reach 361,000 9-liter cases last year. Red Diamond, in the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio, hails from Washington State. Another Rising Star graduate, the brand skyrocketed 38.9% last year, hitting 300,000 9-liter cases. Casillero del Diablo, a label of the Concha concha /con·cha/ (kong´kah) pl. con´chae [L.] a shell-shaped structure. concha of auricle y Toro Toro may refer to:
E&J Gallo's Frei Brothers label reached 250,000 9-liter cases in 2007, a 19.0% gain. The brand features a Reserve line retailing in the $15 range. Red Truck, which was purchased a few years ago from Cline cline, in biology, any gradual change in a particular characteristic of a population of organisms from one end of the geographical range of the population to the other. Cellars by 585 Wine Partners, is maintaining its initial success under the new owners, attaining 243,000 9-liter cases. The well-known Wolf Blass Wolf Blass is an Australian winery based in South Australia's Barossa Valley.[1] It was established in 1966[1] by Wolfgang Blass, an immigrant to Australia from Germany. , a superpremium Australian wine The Australian wine industry is the fourth largest exporter in the world, [1] exporting over 400,000,000 litres a year to a large international export market that includes "old world" wine-producing countries such as France, Italy and Spain. imported by Foster's Wine Estates Americas, gained 12.2% to end 2007 at 230,000 cases, while Kris, imported from Italy by Winebow, gained 30.7% to move 200,000 9-liter cases. Made in the Trentino-Alto Adige Trentino–Alto Adige (trāntē`nō-äl`tō ä`dējā), region (1991 est. pop. 890,360), 5,256 sq mi (13,613 sq km), N Italy, bordering on Switzerland in the northwest and on Austria in the north. region, the brand's U.S. popularity rests largely on its Pinot Grigio. New to the Fast Track is the cleverly named 7 Deadly Zins, from California's Michael David Winery '''History ''' Michael David Winery was founded in 1983 by two brothers, Michael and David Phillips. The Phillips family has been growing grapes in Lodi since the 1860s. Michael and David are the fifth generation of wine grape growers and are the first generation wine makers. . A blend of primarily zinfandel with small amounts of petite sirah and syrah sourced from seven different vineyards in Lodi Lodi, city, Italy Lodi (lô`dē), city (1991 pop. 42,250), Lombardy, N Italy, on the Adda River, near Milan. It is an important dairy and light industrial center. , the brand gained 45.5% to reach 160,000 9-liter cases. Liberty Creek, a line of entry-level varietals from E&J Gallo, hit 160,000 9-liter cases last year, a 28.0% increase. Finally, there are two sparklers included in the Fast Track: Segura Viudas, the line of Spanish cavas imported by Freixenet USA, which increased 15.6% to reach 150,000 9-liter cases, and Mionetto, the effervescent ef·fer·vesce intr.v. ef·fer·vesced, ef·fer·vesc·ing, ef·fer·vesc·es 1. To emit small bubbles of gas, as a carbonated or fermenting liquid. 2. To escape from a liquid as bubbles; bubble up. 3. , affordable prosecco from Italy. The brand gained 18.3% in 2007 to finish at 142,000 9-liter cases.
FAST TRACK
The brand must have exceeded 100,000 9-liter cases in 2001,
with double-digit growth over each of the past four years.
All brands must be at least five years of age.
WINES
(Thousands of 9-liter cases)
Brand Supplier
Barefoot Cellars E & J Gallo Winery
Foxhorn The Wine Group
Smoking Loon Don Sebastiani & Sons
Crane Lake Bronco Wine Co
Black Box Pacific Wine Partners/Constellation
La Crema Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates
Concannon The Wine Group
Salmon Creek Bronco Wine Co
Simi Icon Estates/Constellation
Castello di Gabbiano Foster's Wine Estates Americas
Red Diamond Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Casillero del Diablo Banfi Vintners
Nobilo Pacific Wine Partners/Constellation
Frei Brothers E & J Gallo Winery
Red Truck 585 Wine Partners
Wolf Blass Foster's Wine Estates Americas
Kris Winebow 55
7 Deadly Zins Michael David Winery
Liberty Creek E & J Gallo Winery
Segura Viudas Freixenet USA
Mionetto Mionetto USA
Brand 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (p)
Barefoot Cellars 360 475 1,000 2,400 4,000
Foxhorn 1,580 1,880 2,300 2,600 2,950
Smoking Loon 330 630 900 1,050 1,220
Crane Lake 207 454 651 875 1,200
Black Box 4 216 376 575 794
La Crema 307 338 489 560 650
Concannon 100 240 300 360 420
Salmon Creek 185 225 300 350 395
Simi 220 264 292 342 391
Castello di Gabbiano 190 219 249 301 361
Red Diamond 26 129 188 216 300
Casillero del Diablo 83 131 196 236 295
Nobilo 0 123 161 224 251
Frei Brothers 115 150 190 210 250
Red Truck 5 100 156 218 243
Wolf Blass 120 142 161 205 230
Kris 55 72 190 153 200
7 Deadly Zins 20 40 65 110 160
Liberty Creek 20 70 100 1,125 160
Segura Viudas 70 86 102 130 150
Mionetto 0 61 88 120 142
'06/'07 '03/'07
Brand % Chg % ACGR
Barefoot Cellars 66.7% 82.6%
Foxhorn 13.5% 16.9%
Smoking Loon 16.2% 38.7%
Crane Lake 37.1% 55.2%
Black Box 38.1% (++)
La Crema 16.1% 20.6%
Concannon 16.7% 43.2%
Salmon Creek 12.9% 20.9%
Simi 14.3% 15.5%
Castello di Gabbiano 19.9% 17.4%
Red Diamond 38.9% 83.6%
Casillero del Diablo 25.0% 37.3%
Nobilo 12.1% 34.8%
Frei Brothers 19.0% 21.4%
Red Truck 11.5% (++)
Wolf Blass 12.2% 17.7%
Kris 30.7% 38.1%
7 Deadly Zins 45.5% 68.2%
Liberty Creek 28.0% 68.2%
Segura Viudas 15.6% 20.9%
Mionetto 18.3% 32.6%
(p) Preliminary. ACGR=Annual Compound Growth Rate.
(++) Greater than 100%.
WINE RISING STAR BRANDS The Wine Rising Stars category is clearly a reflection of the trends in the overall wine industry. Consolidation is intensifying in·ten·si·fy v. in·ten·si·fied, in·ten·si·fy·ing, in·ten·si·fies v.tr. 1. To make intense or more intense: , with the major wine conglomerates increasingly purchasing mid-size (and sometimes larger) wineries as well as reaching around the globe to initiate and expand U.S. distribution of new and established international brands. The marketing and distribution muscle of the large wine companies dramatically drives the growing recognition and sales of these brands. In addition, the evolving approach to wine marketing and label design appears to be effective in making wine more accessible to a broader base on consumers, who are apparently drawn to the wacky, cute cute adj. cut·er, cut·est 1. Delightfully pretty or dainty. 2. Obviously contrived to charm; precious: "[He] and quirky quirk n. 1. A peculiarity of behavior; an idiosyncrasy: "Every man had his own quirks and twists" Harriet Beecher Stowe. 2. presentations, meant to spur them to give the bottle with the funny looking graphic or name with a clever turn of phrase a try. Once again this year, there are labels with penguins, fish, moose, monkeys, horses, owls, koalas, cats and one wine that has a different label/critter for each varietal va·ri·e·tal adj. Of, indicating, or characterizing a variety, especially a biological variety. n. A wine made principally from one variety of grape and carrying the name of that grape. , to name a few. There are also guitars, hangers hangers used for hanging x-ray films to dry. There is a clip type, with a clip at each corner, and a channel type in which the film sits in channels in the sides of the frame. and high heels high heels high npl → talons hauts, hauts talons high heels high npl → hochhackige Schuhe pl , as well as plenty of fun and puns. And those are only the wines on our Rising Stars list. Indeed, it appears as if the wine industry is intent on expanding its appeal to American consumers by softening softening /sof·ten·ing/ (sof´en-ing) malacia. softening a change of consistency, with loss of firmness or hardness. the oft-criticized intimidation factor of wine and wine labels. A case in point many Old World wine marketers simplifying labels by emphasizing varietal names. This is not a dumbing down, per se; it is a change of emphasis. Still, the wine itself must appeal to consumers' tastes, and this year's Rising Stars include wines with depth and character as well as a number of easy-drinking fruit-forward wines made to please the mainstream American palate palate (păl`ĭt), roof of the mouth. The front part, known as the hard palate, formed by the upper maxillary bones and the palatine bones, separates the mouth from the nasal cavity. . There are 27 Rising Stars this year, compared to 33 last year, with 12 hailing from California, four from Australia, two each from France, Italy, Spain and Germany, and a single wine each from Chile, New Zealand and South Africa South Africa, Afrikaans Suid-Afrika, officially Republic of South Africa, republic (2005 est. pop. 44,344,000), 471,442 sq mi (1,221,037 sq km), S Africa. . Nine of the brands are new, while 18 return from last year. Once again, the top Rising Star wine is from Australia--Little Penguin, marketed by Foster's Wine Estates Americas. The line features six varietals, and gained another 20.8% in 2007, breaking the 1-million case barrier. On the market four years now, the brand will graduate to the Fast Track next year if it keeps growing at a double-digit rate. The same holds true for the FishEye fish·eye adj. 1. Of or being a wide-angle photographic lens that covers an angle of about 180°, producing a circular image with exaggerated foreshortening in the center and increasing distortion toward the periphery. 2. , Tisdale and Menage a Trois ménage à trois n. A relationship in which three people, such as a married couple and a lover, live together and have sexual relations. [French : ménage, household + à, for brands. FishEye, a California wine from The Wine Group, added 300,000 cases to reach 950,000 9-liter cases, and offers its portfolio of varietal wines Noun 1. varietal wine - a wine made principally from one grape and carrying the name of that grape varietal vino, wine - fermented juice (of grapes especially) in 750 ml bottles with colorful labels as well as in bag-in-box packages. Tisdale, from E&J Gallo, grew more than 50.0%, hitting 550,000 9-liter cases in 2007. Trinchero Family Estates' Menage a Trois gained more than 70.0% last year, jumping to just shy of 500,000 9-liter cases. The brand blends three varietal grapes (thus the name) into its White Table, Red Table and Rose offerings. Other notable West Coast Wine Rising Stars include the following: 3 Blind Moose (Centerra), offering four varietals priced in the $10 sweet spot. The brand increased sales to 350,000 9-liter cases, a 59.1% gain. Edna Valley Vineyard vineyard, land on which cultivation of the grape—known as viticulture—takes place. As many as 40 varieties of grape, Vitis vinifera, are known. (Diageo Chateau & Estates), jumped 27.0% to reach 293,000 9-liter cases, and the premium line of Wild Horse (Icon Estates/Constellation), eclipsed 170,000 9-liter cases. Cycles Gladiator gladiator (Latin; swordsman) Professional combatant in ancient Rome who engaged in fights to the death as sport. Gladiators originally performed at Etruscan funerals, the intent being to give the dead man armed attendants in the next world. (Wimbledon Wine Co.), made from California Central Coast fruit and featuring a label of a naked nymph nymph, in Greek mythology nymph (nĭmf), in Greek mythology, female divinity associated with various natural objects. It is uncertain whether they were immortal or merely long-lived. There was an infinite variety of nymphs. flying through the sky while hanging onto the handlebars of a bicycle, hit 165,000 9-liter cases during its second year on the market. And Winking winking /wink·ing/ (wingk´ing) quick opening and closing of the eyelids. jaw winking Gunn's syndrome. winking quick opening and closing of the eyelids. Owl, from E&J Gallo, enjoyed sales of 150,000 9-liter cases. From Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in Washington, 14 Hands jumped 54.7% to reach 147,000 9-liter cases, while Little Black Dress (Brown-Forman), targeted at female consumers, registered 66,000 9-liter cases in its second year, a 65% spike. Finally, two California wines from Bronco Wine Co, Harlow Ridge and Fat Cat, sold well and warrant watching. Among other southern hemisphere brands, Mattie's Perch (E&J Gallo), imported from Australia, exploded to 300,000 9-liter cases in 2007 in its second year on the market, while Sebeka (E&J Gallo), a new wine from South Africa with a varietal portfolio that includes blends of shiraz-pinotage and cabernet sauvignon-pinotage, achieved sales of 175,000 in its launch year. New Zealand's Monkey Bay Monkey Bay, population 10,749 (1998), is a town in the Mangochi District in the Southern Region of Malawi. The town is located directly on the edge of Lake Malawi. (Centerra) reached sales of 182,000 9-liter cases, while Five Oaks Five Oaks is a hamlet in the Horsham District of West Sussex, England. The hamlet lies about 3km north of Billingshurst on the roman road of Stane Street (now the A29) at the junction with the Western end of the A264. (E&J Gallo), from Australia, attained sales of 150,000 cases. Cono Sur (Vineyard Brands), featuring 11 different varietals imported from Chile, notched sales of 92,000 9-liter cases, and Kono Baru (Don Sebastiani Don Sebastiani grew up in Sonoma, California, United States. Born of August and Sylvia Sebastiani, he was the youngest of three children: Sam, Mary Ann, & Donny. He attended St. Francis Solano School in Sonoma, Bellarmine Prep in San Jose, and the University of San Francisco. & Sons), an Australian brand featuring an upside-down label and a lineup of six varietals, sold 36,000 9-liter cases in its debut year. The top European Rising Stars include two Italian wines Italy is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Etruscans and Greek settlers produced wine in the country long before the Romans started developing their own vineyards in the second century BC. imported by Gallo: DaVinci, with its artist-inspired label, which increased sales to 190,000 9-liter cases, and the superpremium-priced Maso Canelli, which hit sales of 120,000 9-liter cases last year. Two German rieslings underline the growing popularity of that varietal in the U.S.: Polka polka, ballroom dance for couples in 2/4 time. Originated by Bohemian peasants about 1830 from steps of the schottische and other dances, the polka by 1835 reached the drawing rooms of Prague, from which it spread to the capitals of Europe. Dot Riesling (E&J Gallo), priced at $8 retail, sold 60,000 9-liter cases in 2007, while Clean Slate Noun 1. clean slate - an opportunity to start over without prejudice fresh start, tabula rasa chance, opportunity - a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances; "the holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington"; "now is your chance" Riesling (Click Wine Group) reached sales of 35,000 9-liter cases. From Spain, Red Guitar (Pacific Wine Partners), offering Old Vine Old vine (French: vieilles vignes) is a term commonly used on wine labels to indicate that a wine is the product of grape vines that are notably old. However, in France, the U.S., and most countries, it has no legal or even generally agreed upon definition. tempranillo and garnacha, grew 82.8% to reach 53,000 9-liter cases, while Martin Coda (E&J Gallo), with a popular albarino, hit sales of 35,000 9-liter cases its first year on the market. Finally, the French wines include Pinot Evil (The Wine Group), which had another stellar year advancing 50.0% to 120,000 9-liter cases, and Chamarre, (The Other Wine & Spirits Co.), which debuted with sales of 48,000 9-liter cases.
RISING STARS
The brand must be less than five full years of age, and must
have exhibited notable growth over the past few years.
WINES (Thousands of 9-liter cases)
Brand Supplier
Little Penguin Foster's Wine Estates Americas
Fish Eye The Wine Group
Tisdale E & J Gallo Winery
Menage a Trois Trinchero Family Estates
3 Blind Moose Centerra Wine/Constellation
Mattie's Perch E & J Gallo Winery
Edna Valley Vineyard Diageo Chateau & Estates
Da Vinci E & J Gallo Winery
Monkey Bay Centerra Wine/Constellation
Sebeka E & J Gallo Winery
Wild Horse Icon Estates/Constellation
Cycles Gladiator Wimbledon Wine Co
Winking Owl E & J Gallo Winery
Five Oaks E & J Gallo Winery
14 Hands Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Maso Canali E & J Gallo Winery
Pinot Evil The Wine Group
Cono Sur Vineyard Brands
Little Black Dress Brown-Forman Beverages
Polka Dot E & J Gallo Winery
Harlow Ridge Bronco Wine Co
Red Guitar Pacific Wine Partners/Constellation
Chamarre The Other Wine & Spirits Company
Kono Baru Don Sebastiani & Sons
Clean Slate Click Wine Group
Martin Codax E & J Gallo Winery
Fat Cat Bronco Wine Co
06/'07
Brand 2004 2005 2006 2007 (p) % Chg
Little Penguin 374 647 943 1,139 20.8%
Fish Eye 40 300 650 950 46.2%
Tisdale 165 275 360 550 52.8%
Menage a Trois 29 150 290 497 71.4%
3 Blind Moose -- 87 220 350 59.1%
Mattie's Perch -- -- 75 300 (++)
Edna Valley Vineyard 88 181 231 293 27.0%
Da Vinci 40 120 175 190 8.6%
Monkey Bay 3 149 159 182 14.5%
Sebeka -- -- -- 175 --
Wild Horse 136 138 150 171 14.0%
Cycles Gladiator -- -- 131 165 26.0%
Winking Owl 30 100 136 150 10.3%
Five Oaks -- 25 120 150 25.0%
14 Hands -- 50 95 147 54.7%
Maso Canali 44 70 95 120 26.3%
Pinot Evil -- -- 80 120 50.0%
Cono Sur -- -- 19 92 (++)
Little Black Dress -- -- 40 66 65.0%
Polka Dot -- -- 10 65 (++)
Harlow Ridge -- -- 50 60 20.0%
Red Guitar -- -- 29 53 82.8%
Chamarre -- -- -- 48 --
Kono Baru -- -- -- 36 --
Clean Slate -- -- 6 35 ++
Martin Codax -- -- -- 35 --
Fat Cat -- -- -- 30 --
(p) Preliminary (++) Greater than 100%
WINE ESTABLISHED GROWTH BRANDS The Wine Established Growth category is reserved for the top-selling, high-volume wine brands that exhibited consistent growth during each of the past four years. These are the powerhouse A fourth-generation language from Cognos that was introduced in the late 1970s for midrange computers. It supports both character-oriented, terminal-based applications as well as Windows clients. Applications developed under PowerHouse can be imported into Cognos' Axiant client/server environment. brands that comprise the backbone of wine sales in the U.S. With table wine comprising almost 92.0% of the U.S. wine market, it's not surprising that table wine dominates the Established Growth Brands. What is surprising is that of the 30 wines making the cut this year, five are sparkling wines. What's more, I0 of the brands listed are new to the Established Growth Brands rankings while 20 are repeaters. Though many of these brands are considered "value" wines, several sell for above $10, and a few retail for significantly higher. Still, a number of the best-selling best·sell·er also best seller n. A product, such as a book, that is among those sold in the largest numbers. best wine brands in the U.S. did not qualify, primarily because they experienced a sales decline for at least one year since 2004. The newcomers to the ranks of Wine Established Growth Brands include two huge volume sellers--Sutter Home, the line of value wines that has been at the forefront of the U.S. wine consumer consciousness for decades, saw sales come in just shy of 8.15 million 9-liter cases last year; and Peter Vella, the popular line of 5-liter box wines, garnered sales of 5.85 million 9-liter cases. Other well-known newcomers were Columbia Crest, the premium brand that jumped 5.2% last year, achieving sales of 1.84 million 9-liter cases, and Rodney Strong, a brand whose wines range from premium to superpremium, with sales spiking 14.8% to reach 784,000 9-liter cases. Another first-time qualifier qual·i·fi·er n. 1. One that qualifies, especially one that has or fulfills all appropriate qualifications, as for a position, office, or task. 2. is Mirassou--the line of $10-$11 varietal wines experienced a sales vault of 25.2% to register 720,000 9-liter cases last year. Two additional well-respected California wines also broke into the category this year, both of them generally accepted as upscale brands--Kenwood's sales eclipsed 600,000 9-liter cases, and Toasted Head broke the 500,000 9-liter case barrier. Of the three remaining newcomers, two hail from Italy. The line of Banff-branded wines, notched 418,000 9-liter cases, while Principato's varietal lineup, best known for its pinot grigio, ended the year with sales of an even 400,000 9-liter cases. Real Sangria san·gri·a n. A cold drink made of red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice, and soda water. Also called sangaree. [Probably from Spanish sangría, , imported from Spain by Shaw-Ross International Importers, also qualified for the first time this year, garnering sales of 423,000 9-liter cases, a 15.9% gain. Among top-performing California wines repeating as Established Growth Brands are category leader Beringer (Foster's Wine Estates Americas), which added more than 330,000 cases to reach sales of 8.63 million 9-liter cases, a 4.0% gain, and Clos du Bois Du Bois (d `bois, dəbois`), city (1990 pop. 8,286), Clearfield co., W central Pa., in the region of the Allegheny plateau; inc. 1881. (Vintus/Constellation), which gained an impressive 10.4% to approach 2
million 9-liter cases. Robert Mondavi Robert Gerald Mondavi born May 18 1913 in Virginia, Minnesota, United States is a leading vineyard operator whose technical improvements and marketing strategies brought Private Selection (Centerra),
added almost 100,000 cases to end the year at more than 1.9 million
9-liter cases, while Blackstone (Pacific Wine Partners), increased sales
6.8% to reach 1.56 million 9-liter cases.
Other Californians making the Established Growth Brands list again include Stone Cellars by Beringer (Foster's), which ended 2007 with sales of 1.42 million 9-liter cases. Sterling Vineyards Sterling Vineyards, in Calistoga, California, is a large high-end winery that achieved international recognition when it won first place in the Ottawa Wine Tasting of 1981. Visitors to the winery take a short tram to gain access. (Diageo), registered sales of 1.18 million 9-liter cases, a gain of 12.9%. Bogle bo·gle n. A hobgoblin; a bogey. [Scots bogill, perhaps ultimately from Welsh bwg, ghost, hobgoblin. grew 9.3%, breaking the 1 million case mark. J Lohr notched 785,000 9-liter cases in 2007, while Estancia es·tan·cia n. A large estate or cattle ranch in Spanish America. [Spanish, room, enclosure, country estate, from Vulgar Latin *stantia, something standing, from Latin Estates (Icon) increased sales to 748,00 9-liter cases. Of course, California is also the home of Korbel, the sparkling wine that registered sales of more than 1.27 million 9-liter cases. Other bubblies Bubblies is a French musical group, made up of Carine (keyboards), Jean-Louis (bass guitar, vocals), and Eric (guitar, vocals). They formed in Toulouse in 1992. They have a pop-sound Discography Albums n. 1. One, such as a highly polished metallic surface or a virtuoso performer, that sparkles. 2. Informal A diamond. 3. A firework that burns slowly and gives off a shower of sparks. , Verdi Spumante Spumante is a kind of Italian sparkling wine. The most famous of the spumantes is Asti Spumante, named for the region of its producion, Asti, Piedmont, Italy. To be defined "spumante" a wine must have at the time of opening the cap an overpressure not lower than 3. (Carriage House Imports), showed an impressive 11.7% growth rate last year to reach sales of 773,000 9-liter cases. The Spanish cava Freixenet sold a notable 640,000 9-liter cases, and Veuve Clicquot's La Grande Dame grande dame n. pl. grandes dames also grand dames 1. A highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman. 2. Champagne (Moet Hennessy USA) grew 10.2% last year to reach sales of 455,000 9-liter cases. Two significant Australian wines are near the top of the category. Yellow Tail (W.J. Deutsch & Sons), the juggernaut Juggernaut, India: see Puri. Juggernaut (Jagannath) huge idol of Krishna drawn through streets annually, occasionally rolling over devotees. [Hindu Rel.: EB, V: 499] See : Destruction brand whose growth made headlines during the past six years, ended 2007 with sales of 8.15 million 9-liter cases, a 1.2% gain. Lindemans (Foster's) registered a 5.1% increase for total sales of 2.41 million 9-liter cases. Other notable performers include three Italian table wines. Cavit (Palm Bay Imports), which grew 11.7% to an impressive 3.35 million 9-liter cases; the perennial best-seller Riunite (Banfi), with sales of 2.35 million cases; and Ruffino (Icon Estates), which expanded sales 12.2%, to end the year at 707,000 9-liter cases. Finally, the Washington State powerhouse Chateau Ste. Michelle The Chateau Ste. Michelle is a Washington winery in Woodinville, Washington. They are noted for their bestselling Riesling (as the largest single producer of Riesling in the world), but produce wines of many classic varietals and some experimental wines on a per-year basis. Ste. increased sales 20.6%, representing a 300,000-case gain, to achieve total sales of 1.75 million 9-liter cases, and the German wines of Schmitt Sohne jumped 5.0%, registering sales of 930,000 9-liter cases in 2007.
ESTABLISHED GROWTH BRANDS
The brand must be a top seller, moving a minimum of
400,000 9-liter cases annually, and must have grown moderately
or substantially over each of the past four years.
WINES
(Thousands of 9-liter cases)
Brand Supplier
Robert Mondavi Private
Selection Centerra Wine/Constellation
Columbia Crest Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Chateau Ste. Michelle Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Blackstone Vintus/Constellation
Stone Cellars Foster's Wine Estates Americas
Korbel Brown-Forman Beverages
Sterling Vineyards Diageo Chateau & Estates
Bogle Bogle Vineyards
Schmitt Sohne Schmitt Sohne
Martini & Rossi Asti Bacardi USA
J. Lohr Estates J. Lohr Winery
Rodney Strong Rodney Strong Vineyards
Verdi Spumante Carriage House Imports
Estancia Estates Icon Estates/Constellation
Mirassou E & J Gallo Winery
Ruffino Icon Estates/Constellation
Freixenet Freixenet USA
Kenwood Heck Estates
Toasted Head Centerra Wine/Constellation
Veuve Clicquot/
La Grande Dame Moet Hennessy USA
Real Sangria
(Cruz Garcia--Real) Shaw-Ross Int'l Importers
Banfi Banfi Vintners
Pricipato Palm Bay Imports
Brand 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (p)
Robert Mondavi Private
Selection 1,414 1,676 1,717 1,803 1,910
Columbia Crest 1,451 1,628 1,720 1,757 1,848
Chateau Ste. Michelle 1,054 1,175 1,284 1,453 1,753
Blackstone 1,275 1,400 1,422 1,466 1,566
Stone Cellars 1017 1130 1200 1350 1420
Korbel 1,116 1,154 1,164 1,235 1,275
Sterling Vineyards 880 966 1,025 1,045 1,180
Bogle 600 661 777 927 1,014
Schmitt Sohne 670 700 765 886 930
Martini & Rossi Asti 750 760 765 795 803
J. Lohr Estates 484 566 618 779 785
Rodney Strong 536 565 588 683 784
Verdi Spumante 499 563 614 692 773
Estancia Estates 485 507 609 689 748
Mirassou 130 400 425 575 720
Ruffino 550 565 572 630 707
Freixenet 619 626 630 635 640
Kenwood 502 564 570 592 605
Toasted Head 332 387 419 429 502
Veuve Clicquot/
La Grande Dame 311 356 379 413 455
Real Sangria
(Cruz Garcia--Real) 245 255 311 365 423
Banfi 256 290 343 392 418
Pricipato 190 200 235 250 400
'06/'07 '03/'07
Brand % Chg % ACGR
Robert Mondavi Private
Selection 5.9% 7.8%
Columbia Crest 5.2% 6.2%
Chateau Ste. Michelle 20.6% 13.6%
Blackstone 6.8% 5.3%
Stone Cellars 5.2% 8.7%
Korbel 3.2% 3.4%
Sterling Vineyards 12.9% 7.6%
Bogle 9.3% 14.0%
Schmitt Sohne 5.0% 8.5%
Martini & Rossi Asti 1.0% 1.7%
J. Lohr Estates 0.8% 12.9%
Rodney Strong 14.8% 10.0%
Verdi Spumante 11.7% 11.6%
Estancia Estates 8.6% 11.4%
Mirassou 25.2% 53.4%
Ruffino 12.2% 6.5%
Freixenet 0.8% 0.8%
Kenwood 2.2% 4.8%
Toasted Head 17.0% 10.9%
Veuve Clicquot/
La Grande Dame 10.2% 10.0%
Real Sangria
(Cruz Garcia--Real) 15.9% 14.6%
Banfi 6.6% 13.0%
Pricipato 60.0% 20.5%
(p) Preliminary ACGR=Annual Compound Growth Rate.
WINE COMEBACK BRANDS Comeback brands are those that rebound after a decline--no easy task. To qualify, the brand must have regained at least as much sales volume in 2007 as it lost in 2006 (compared to 2005). This year, there is one shining example of a Wine Comeback Brand. Franzia Winetaps, marketed by The Wine Group and by far the top-selling wine brand in the U.S., increased its sales by a hefty 750,000 9-liter cases last year. In doing so, Franzia regained the 22.5 million case sales figure the brand attained in 2005. The line of bag-in-box wines has clearly struck a chord chord, in geometry chord (kôrd), in geometry, straight line segment both end points of which lie on the circumference of a circle or other curve; it is a segment of a secant. A chord passing through the center of a circle is a diameter. with American consumers, as the huge sales volume rebound testifies.
COMEBACK BRANDS
Recognizes brands of significant volume that saw a sales decline
two years ago but which rebounded last year. This increase,
however, must have resulted in total sales that are at least
equal to or greater than the 2005 sales total.
WINES (Thousands of 9-liter cases)
'06/'07
Brand Supplier 2005 2006 2007 (p) % Chg
Franzia Winetaps The Wine Group 22,500 21,750 22,500 3.4%
(p) Preliminary.
IDENTIFYING THE GROWTH BRANDS The four categories of Growth Brands are designed to organize the wine and spirits brands demonstrating notable growth in a meaningful way, so as to help retailers, restaurateurs and the industry at large to discern dis·cern v. dis·cerned, dis·cern·ing, dis·cerns v.tr. 1. To perceive with the eyes or intellect; detect. 2. To recognize or comprehend mentally. 3. the existing and emerging trends and tap into the opportunities. The criteria remain the same for distilled spirits and wine. FAST TRACK BRANDS Criteria: The brand must have exceeded 100,000 9-liter cases in 2007, with double-digit growth over each of the past four years. All brands must be at least five years of age. RISING STARS Criteria: The brand must be less than five full years of age, and must have exhibited notable growth over the past few years. ESTABLISHED GROWTH BRANDS Criteria: The brand must be a top seller, moving a minimum of 400,000 9-liter cases annually, and must have grown moderately or substantially over each of the past four years. COMEBACK BRANDS Criteria: Recognizes brands of significant volume that saw a sales decline two years ago but which rebounded last year. This increase, however, must have resulted in total sales that are at least equal to or greater than the 2006 sales total. [Note: There are no spirits Comeback Brands for 2007.] BY RICHARD BRANDES WITH ERIC SCHMIDT, BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP RESEARCH DIRECTOR |
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