Good Morning, and Happy Friday. It's October 20, 2023.

SipSource Analysts See Improvement Ahead for W&S Volume

The last two years have seen spirits volume fall from 8.8% in January of 2022 to a negative 2.5% this year. Even worse, neither beer nor wine showed any growth at all in that period. Wine and spirits category trends will improve compared to the last few months,

RNDC Acquires Natural State Distribution in Arkansas

Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC), one of the nation’s leading wholesale beverage alcohol distributors, acquired Natural State Distributing, an independently-owned wine and spirits distribution and import company in Fayetteville, Ark.  Terms weren't disclosed. “We are thrilled about the opportunities in Arkansas,” said Nick Mehall, RNDC President and CEO.  

Dennis Murphy Acquires Shares in Seven Hills Vineyard

Dennis Murphy, Owner/Winemaker at Caprio Cellars, acquired the ownership interest of TIAA/Nuveen/PCP Partners and the Leonetti/Figgins Family in the Seven Hills Vineyard, one of Walla Walla's most historic vineyards. The transaction includes the SeVein Vineyards. Murphy is also CEO of Murphy Homes, a Pacific Northwest homebuilder.

Martignetti Cos. Expands Distribution Relationship With Vintus In Connecticut

For more than 20 years, Martignetti Cos. has represented the Vintus portfolio in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Now, Martinetti's Connecticut division, Hartley & Parker, was named the preferred disributor for Vintus in Connecticut.

 Broken Shed Vodka to Aid Wounded Veterans

Broken Shed Vodka, New Zealand's award-winning, premium vodka, and the fastest-growing vodka brand in the U.S. for three consecutive years, will once again partner with Help Our Military Heroes, Inc. (HOMH) to support their work with wounded military veterans. Founded in 2009, HOMH is a registered 501(c)(3)

 TV Spot Anchors Latest Guinness Campaign

Guinness US unveiled its latest ad campaign — “Singing Pints” anchored by a TV commercial that will run nationally through February. In the brand’s latest effort to hero the zero, the ad, literally features pints of Guinness 0 belting Bonnie Tyler’s hit “Holding Out for a Hero.” Inspired by

Who & What --

Valdemar Family, proprietor of Bodegas Valdemar in Rioja Spain, and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Wash., named Mandie Silver national sales director-U.S. market. She joins after six years with Vintage Wine Estates, where she was Eastern Regional Manager. Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission appointed Craig Prins as the agency's executive

Thanks for reading. I'll see you later with the Weekly Wrapup. – Joel

What We're Reading --

A Case Study on Wine Bottle Lightweighting: Learnings from Crimson Wine Group A decision to lightweight bottles led Crimson Wine to find other efficiencies. (International Wineries for Climate Action)