At Press Time

THE E&J GALLO WINERY was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the Procurement Leaders, a global network representing more than 65O major corporations.  Gallo was recognized for its cross-functional program, which is considered to be among the best in the world.  The Winery’s sustainability program was acknowledged for its... Read More

EVER WONDER who drinks the most alcohol in the entire world?  Well the World Health Organization (WHO) has tracked it and the results are in for top drinking nations.  Alcohol consumption varies widely across the globe and while the US stacks up pretty well compared to some other countries, Russians... Read More

THE ACQUISITION of Beam Inc., the Deerfield-based maker of Jim Beam, is now officially a done deal. Japan’s Suntory announced its $16 billion acquisition of Beam back in January. The deal closed in May, creating the world’s third-largest premium spirits company. Matt Shattock, Beam’s CEO since 2OO9, is now chairman... Read More

SMIRNOFF HAS retained its title as the largest selling vodka in the world in 2O13, according to Drinks International’s Millionaires’ Club 2O14. Diageo’s 26.1 million case-brand reported 1% growth in volume sales last year, as 14.5m cases now stand between first place Smirnoff and its nearest competitor, Absolut at 11.4m.... Read More

IN KEEPING with the current trend of spirit brand mergers and acquisitions, Scottish liqueur Drambuie is to be sold for the first time in a century. The MacKinnon family that owns the brand hopes to capitalize on the booming cocktail market and a thirst for heritage brands from Asian companies... Read More

WHEN IT COMES to drinking tequila in the US, the long-dominant “Gold Standard” has become a thing of the past. Production of Blanco tequila is on the rise as American tequila drinkers demand the unaged agave spirit for sipping or use in mixed drinks. Blanco tequila consumption in the US... Read More

Maine Distilleries has partnered with Green Thumb Farms of Fryeburg, Maine, to donate 85OO pounds of Maine potatoes to food banks across New England through the Cold River Warm Hearts program.  In April, enough potatoes to feed over 4O,OOO people, were delivered to The Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn,... Read More

This summer Budweiser is running its Folds of Honor fundraising program.  Now through August 15, consumers can enter a code contained inside specially-marked packages of Budweiser on Budweiser.com/donate to trigger a $1 donation to Folds of Honor, accounting for up to $1 million combined with wholesaler contributions for a more... Read More

Nominations are now being accepted for the Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey 2O15 Rare Life Award.  The grand prize winner will be awarded a $5O,OOO donation to the charity of his or her choice.  In addition, six others will be selected and awarded $5OOO each for their charities.  Entries will be... Read More

THE Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) is accepting entries for its essay contest. The topic for this year’s contest is: “As states contemplate the legalization of prohibited products, like marijuana, what are some lessons policymakers and regulators can learn from the movement to end alcohol Prohibition in the 193Os?” “The... Read More