Investments in Non-Alcoholic Spirits On the Rise
The non-alcoholic spirits category has gained steam in recent years thanks to the rising global trend of health and fitness. The no- and low-ABV sector has grown 506% since 2015, according to Forbes. The trend took off in Europe first, but is steadily gaining in...
RNDC Acquires Opici Family Distributing of Florida
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has announced an agreement to purchase Opici Family Distributing of Florida, Effective March 1, 2021. RNDC will also distribute Opici Wine and Spirits in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and South Carolina....
O’Neill Vintners Buys Rabble Wines in Paso Robles
O'Neill Vintners & Distillers has acquired Rabble Wines of Paso Robles, California. Rabble Wines was founded in 2010 by Rob Murray and found a following among a younger demographic as the first winery to use augmented reality on its wine labels. "O’Neill is...
FDA Reverses Course on $14K Fee for Distillers Making Hand Sanitizer
Last week, US distillers were shocked to learn the Food and Drug Administration planned to charge them $14,000 for producing hand sanitizer in 2020. However, industry advocacy groups jumped into action, and within 48 hours, leadership at the U.S. Department of Health...
New US Dietary Guidelines Rejects Recommendations to Cut Alcohol Intake
New dietary guidelines from the US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services rejected the recommendation that men lower their alcoholic beverage intake to one drink per day from the current standard of two. The committee’s recommendations did not meet a...
TTB Adds Seven New Standards Of Fill For Wine And Spirits
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has published a final rule to add seven new standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits. The rule change will allow 700 mL bottles to be imported from the EU for the first time. 700 mL has been the standard size...
President Signs Permanent Extension of Federal Excise Tax Relief
Distillers and brewers across the country are rejoicing as the President signed a permanent extension of federal excise tax relief into law. Distillers had been facing a 400% tax increase on January 1, 2021, as FET rates were set to revert back to $13.50 from $2.70...
FTC Clears Constellation and Gallo Deal After 20-Month Investigation
Following a 20-month investigation, The US Federal Trade Commission has accepted the proposed consent order for Constellation Brands to divest a number of brands to E&J Gallo. The FTC notes that E&J Gallo has “agreed to divest several product lines and remove...
DTC Wine Shipments Account for $3.8 Billion in 2020
Between online orders from wineries, wine club member shipments, and tasting room purchases, direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipments accounted for $3.8 billion and 8.2 million cases in 2020, according to data from Sovos Shipcompliant and Wines Vines Analytics. In...