LALO Hires Industy Veteran Jeff Arnold as President/COO

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

LALO Spirits, Austin, grew more than 250% over the last 12 months, far exceeding its original sales projections, it says, and is now one of the fastest-growing spirits in Texas.

To position LALO for continued expansion in 2022, co-founders Eduardo “Lalo” González, David R. Carballido and Jim McDermott hired Jeff Arnold as the company’s first President and COO. Arnold will oversee operations, work with CEO Jim McDermott to strategize expansion and join LALO’s Board of Directors as the team increases its quality-focused production to meet booming demand.

Arnold has over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods and spirits. Prior to joining the company, Arnold was part of the founding team of Waterloo Sparkling Water, where he served as COO.  Prior to that he held high-level positions at Apple, Moet Hennessy USA, Ralph Lauren and Nike.

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Champagne Henriot Intros Millesime 2012, a Product of Climate Extremes

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The House of Henriot, founded in 1808 by Apolline Henriot,  released its newest creation: Millésime 2012 (SRP $100). Inspired by the philosophy of the Maison’s founder, Millésime 2012 pays tribute to nature by expressing the characteristics of a singular year through a vintage Champagne. It will be available nationwide in the U.S. beginning this month and can be purchased at select fine wine retailers.

As a snapshot of the overall year, Millésime 2012 represents the house’s mastery not only of time, but also of the art of blending. Troublesome episodes of frost, hail, and heavy rain throughout the first few months of the year eventually turned to favorable heat waves at harvest time, which led to even ripening of grapes with vast aromatic diversity.

“During harvest, the heterogeneity of the grape profiles resulting from the weather conditions in 2012 made quite an impression,” says Vineyard Director and Cellar Master, Alice Tétienne. “When we made the blend for this new creation, our desire was to capture the diversity of the aromatic profiles while achieving harmonious balance. Millésime 2012 is thus a wine of contrasted harmony.”

A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, Millésime 2012 is derived exclusively from the house’s historical Grand and Premier Cru vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims (Mailly-Champagne, Verzy, Trépail and Avenay) and Côte des Blancs (Chouilly and Avize).

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How Jack Daniel, Uncle Nearest Helped Du Nord Expand to 10 States

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, founded by the Jack Daniel Distillery and Nearest Green Distillery is accepting application for its business incubation program.  Participating in the program transformed Du Nord Social Spirits, a small batch distillery based in Minneapolis, Minnesota producing gin, vodka, liqueurs and whiskeys.

Launched by the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery in 2020, the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative aims to advance diversity within the American whiskey industry with a Business Incubation Program, Leadership Acceleration Program, and the creation of the Nearest Green School of Distilling. The Business Incubation Program offers BIPOC entrepreneurs mentorship in all areas of the distilling business including access to marketing, branding, expanded distribution networks, and other assets and opportunities for growth.

Du Nord Social Spirits was the first business selected for the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative Business Incubation Program in 2020. As part of the program, Du Nord worked with industry experts to transform its branding identity and packaging while receiving mentoring from leaders at both Uncle Nearest and Brown-Forman. Through distributor networking opportunities, the distillery increased its sales footprint and is now available in 10 states across the country. Additionally, Du Nord recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to have its Foundation Vodka available on all domestic Delta flights.

“Our experience in the Business Incubation Program has been a game-changer while providing the foundational elements of strong branding and helping us develop a path of growth. Without this program, we would not be in the position we are now,” said Du Nord CEO and Head Distiller, Chris Montana. “Our partnership with Delta Air Lines is only possible thanks to the support from Jack Daniel’s. The Nearest & Jack initiative and Brown-Forman literally made the impossible happen.”

The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative will soon begin accepting applications or the 2022 Business Incubation Program. For more information, visit NearestandJack.com.

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Foley Family Wines Promotes Hollister to Chief Sales Officer, Elevate Others

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Foley Family Wines (FFW) promoted industry veteran Jonathan Hollister to Chief Sales Officer.  Hollister, who had been Vice President of Sales (West), will lead global sales for FFW’s expanding portfolio.  Prior to his time with FFW, Hollister held senior sales leadership roles at Stoli Group and Jackson Family Wines.

Len White is promoted to Vice President of Sales, West, succeeding  Hollister.  Most recently White served as Division Sales Manager responsible for California and Hawaii and was instrumental in executing a successful strategic wholesaler realignment with Southern Glazers Wines & Spirits while aggressively growing volume, value, and revenue.  White will report to Hollister.

Rob Carruthers is promoted to a newly created role of Senior Vice President, Strategic Accounts, leading teams responsible for on and off-premise national accounts.  FFW also announced the promotions of both Crystal Crump and Joe Colangelo to Director Strategic Accounts Retail (East) and Director Strategic Accounts Retail (West) respectively.  Both Crump and Colangelo will report to SVP, Strategic Accounts Carruthers along with Devon Louquet, Vice President Strategic Accounts On-Premise.

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RNDC Names Nichlas Mehall as President/CEO

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The appointment is effective Feb. 1.  Mehall succeeds Tom Cole, who will serve as a senior advisor to the Board of Directors.

Mehall served as RNDC’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since 2017 and  successfully strengthened the company’s financial position, significantly improved RNDC’s investment in technology and led the recent expansion into new markets. Before joining RNDC, Nick held a number of leadership roles at Diageo. As SVP of Finance for Diageo’s U.S. and Canada Spirits business, he was responsible for the financial delivery for Diageo’s largest global market, with an emphasis on furthering the company’s core strategic initiatives including resource allocation, pricing and investments in trade and brand marketing across the portfolio.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the CEO position at RNDC, where I have had the pleasure of being part of the management team for the past five years. Since 2017, we’ve experienced tremendous growth that has resulted in an expanded geographic footprint, larger market share and deeper supplier relationships. I look forward to working with Bob Hendrickson, our COO and the best commercial leader in the industry, our talented management team and the Board to deliver the strategic plan for RNDC, leveraging the solid foundation we’ve built. I see great potential for how we can strengthen our relationships with suppliers and other key partners, transform as an organization and lead our industry,” said Mehall.

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RNDC’s ‘Legacy in the Bottle’ Campaign Aids HBCUs

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

During a month-long campaign marking Black History Month, Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) and some of its Black-owned beverage alcohol brands will donate a portion of sales to help support UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization.

Participating wineries and distilleries include Longevity Wines, Intercept Wines, Mermosa, FLO Wine, Uncle Nearest, Ten to One Rum, Brough Brothers, and Black Irish.

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