Miller Lite Celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month With ‘Beers and Queer History,’ A Guidebook by Dr. Eric Cervini

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Miller Lite is partnering with historian Eric Cervini for the release of ‘Beers and Queer History,’ a brief history guide detailing how bars have played a crucial role in empowering the community to live authentically and freely. ‘Beers and Queer History’ shines a light on ten pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history where bars and bar culture have been the backdrop.

Cervini, an award-winning historian of LGBTQ+ politics, a New York Times bestselling author, and a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Recently, Dr. Cervini launched Queer History 101, a free online curriculum to expand access to LGBTQ+ history. In the guide’s foreword, Dr. Eric Cervini shares the importance of queer bars throughout history:

“Bars were our havens. For most of the 20th century, an era of rampant homophobia and transphobia, many LGBTQ+ folks had no choice but to live double lives. During the day, while at work or with their families, they acted straight. For their own safety, they often concealed their gender identities. But at night, they went to the bars, where––at last––they could be themselves.”

Miller Lite has been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community dating all the way back to the 1970s when the brand sponsored the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco. Throughout the 1990s, the brand would show up at PrideFest events and Pride Weeks in New York City. Additionally, Miller Brewing was one of the first companies to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits, since 2000.

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Hpnotiq Marks 20 Years

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Hpnotiq (Heaven Hill) – the eye-catching liqueur that combines a premium blend of exotic fruit juices, French vodka & a touch of cognac – is celebrating the brand’s 20th anniversary with a special content series in partnership with Genius, an out-of-home campaign, anniversary cocktail recipes and a brand new “iconiq” record label.

Hpnotiq was created in 2001 when young entrepreneur Raphael Yakoby partnered with Nick Storm, a prominent NYC nightlife connoisseur, to create a celebrity marketing strategy and promotional plan. From selling cases out the trunk of cars to New York’s premiere restaurants and bars, Hpnotiq was becoming the stylish New York club scene’s drink of choice. Hpnotiq was then featured in the lyrics and music videos of music’s biggest acts including Ludacris, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Fabulous and many more.

 

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Two Roots Expands Non-Alcohol Craft Beer into Europe

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

BEE Beverage Consulting & Services B.V., an American/Dutch beverage import company, has begun taking orders for Two Roots Brewing Co.’s core styles, Enough Said Helles, Straight Drank IPA, and New West IPA. Products are expected to be available on shelf to consumers late 2021 and are available now online in the U.K. and the Netherlands.

“Led by young adults looking for healthier, alcohol-free beverages, the European non-alcoholic craft beer scene continues to gain strong momentum—creating a tremendous opportunity for Two Roots.” said Maikel van de Mortel, chief marketing and revenue officer. “Aligned on best-in-class execution and impressed with their intimate market knowledge, we believe BEE Beverage to be the perfect distribution partner to represent the Two Roots brand in the European market.”

Edwin Blom, co-founder of BEE Beverage, said the “initial focus will be on the Benelux and United Kingdom, though we anticipate entering other key markets in 2022.”

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Fetzer Vineyards Celebrates B Corp Score of 130

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Fetzer Vineyards, the largest winery certified as a B Corporation in the U.S. and a leader in regenerative winegrowing, today announced a milestone in the company’s longtime dedication to responsible business practices: a new B Corp score of 130. This new score, which reflects a 37% increase from the company’s previous score, puts Fetzer Vineyards in the “Outstanding” category for B Corps globally, an elite group of purpose-focused businesses verifiably recognized for using business as a force for good.

Fetzer Vineyards’ tally of 75.4 Environment points — a result of organic and regenerative farming practices, climate-smart operations, resource conservation and more — puts it in the top five percent of Environment performance for a company of its size among global B Corps.

“For more than 50 years we have continuously worked to improve both our environmental and social impact,” said Giancarlo Bianchetti, Fetzer CEO. “On the heels of declaring a Climate Emergency last year, it is imperative to demonstrate progress toward our goal of accelerating our efforts to do better for people, communities and planet. Our latest B Corp score reflects these efforts, and we will continue to advance our actions to build on this momentum.”

To qualify for B Corp certification, a company must complete the rigorous B Impact Assessment (BIA) and obtain a minimum of 80 points on its 200-point scale. Anyone may take the BIA, and the average company scores BOUTAapproximately 50 points, well below the threshold for certification. During the BIA, businesses are rigorously assessed and measured in five areas: workers, community, governance, environment, and customers.

Fetzer Vineyards first became a Certified B Corp in 2015, achieving an initial score of 80.2. The winery increased its impact efforts and overall score to 95.1 on its second assessment, in 2017. In the years since, Fetzer Vineyards has continued to advance its efforts across an array of focus areas, with noteworthy progress in worker benefits; policy advocacy for social and environmental standards; ethical marketing; and climate-friendly business practices.

Fetzer is owned by Vina Concha y Toro, the Chilean-based holding company, which celebrated its own B Corp certification as well as certification for each of its wineries not previously certified.

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Leading Indicators Rise a Bit, Signaling Continued Confidence

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Global supply chain issues causing shortages in everything from Christmas presents to labels for wine bottles to imported bev/al products are taking a toll, but consumers remained optimistic.

That’s according to the Conference Board Leading Economic Index which rose 0.2% in September, following a 0.8% increase in August and a 0.9% increase in July.

“The U.S. LEI rose again in September, though at a slower rate, suggesting the economy remains on a more moderate growth trajectory compared to the first half of the year,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economic research at The Conference Board. “The Delta variant, rising inflation fears, and supply chain disruptions are all creating headwinds for the US economy. Despite the LEI’s slower growth in recent months, the strengths among the components remain widespread. Indeed, The Conference Board continues to forecast strong growth ahead: 5.7 percent year-over-year for 2021 and 3.8 percent for 2022.”

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Jack Daniel’s Named World’s Most Valuable Spirits Brand

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey has been named as the most valuable spirits brand in the world by Interbrand in its Best Global Brands 2021 report. Jack Daniel’s is ranked in the top 100 and comes in at #81 with a value of $6.5 billion, a 4% increase and moving it up one spot from #82 in 2020.

“From its humble beginnings back in the late 1800’s, Jack Daniel’s has steadfastly held to its mantle of craftsmanship, quality, authenticity, and an uncompromising free spirit.” said Sophia Angelis, SVP Managing Director – Jack Daniel’s Brands. “Now over 150 years later, our commitment is unchanged, and we’ll continue to make every day count while pushing forward with Mr. Jack’s guiding words, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’”

Jack Daniel’s is owned by Brown-Forman, which closed at $69.17, down 78 cents in New York Stock Exchange trading yesterday.

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