Industry Issues
Benchmark Wine Group acquires Wine Spectrum
Benchmark Wine Group, Napa, Calif., has acquired Wine Spectrum Inc. a pioneering Sonoma-based wine retailer. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the rare wine retail sector, combining the strengths of two industry leaders to better serve collectors, enthusiasts, and trade customers nationwide, the companies say.
David Parker, owner and CEO of Benchmark Wine Group, stated: “When Glenn Siegel, founder and owner of Wine Spectrum, proposed combining our businesses, it was immediately clear how complementary our resources and approaches were. By consolidating, we’re creating a powerhouse of rare wine expertise and customer-focused services. Together, we’ll expand product access, enhance operational efficiencies, and provide unparalleled service to our clients.”
Wine Spectrum, with more than 30 years of experience in high-touch sales and a loyal customer base, brings a strong reputation for sourcing and delivering top-tier new-release wines. Benchmark Wine Group contributes its extensive inventory of rare and back-vintage wines, industry-leading technology, and proven customer service model.
“Wine Spectrum’s legacy of personal, relationship-driven sales aligns perfectly with Benchmark’s process-oriented and high-energy management style,” said Glenn Siegel, president of Wine Spectrum. “This consolidation allows Wine Spectrum to enhance its service offerings while staying true to our shared commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”
The consolidation will achieve the following: expanded product access, operational synergies, enhanced customer engagement and broader market reach.
Jennifer Adams, general manager of Wine Spectrum, will lead this effort with assistance from the Benchmark senior management team. “This consolidation is about more than combining operations; it’s about elevating the fine wine experience for our customers,” she stated. “Both companies share a commitment to excellence, and I'm confident this partnership will set a new standard in the industry.”
Benchmark and Wine Spectrum are committed to a smooth transition for employees, customers, and partners. Joint branding initiatives have already begun, including the representation of wines from private collections, and special exclusive offerings directly from top producers such as Sean Thackrey and Helianthus from Futo Estate. By 2025, a unified online platform will allow clients to view and purchase inventory from both companies seamlessly.
Robert Hanson appointed CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio
Butterfly Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food and beverage sector, appointed Robert Hanson, a former Constellation Brands executive and renowned consumer brands industry veteran, as CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, effective Feb. 1. Hanson succeeds Deirdre Mahlan, president and CEO, who worked with him leading up to the transition.
Hanson is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of building, transforming, and scaling consumer businesses. Most recently, Hanson served as the head of Constellation Brands’ Wine and Spirits Global Portfolio from 2019 to 2024 and as a director on the company’s board from 2013 to 2019.
Duckhorn was established in 1976 and is a leading pure-play luxury wine producer in the United States with a curated portfolio of premium winery brands, including Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer, and Kosta Browne. Duckhorn wines are available to luxury consumers on five continents and in more than 50 countries. Headquartered in St. Helena, Calif., the company operates 11 winery brands under The Duckhorn Portfolio.
“On behalf of the entire Butterfly team, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Deirdre for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to Duckhorn. Her efforts have positioned the company as a true leader in the luxury wine market,” said Adam Waglay, co-founder and co-CEO of Butterfly, in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Robert, whose proven track record and deep experience make him the ideal leader to take Duckhorn into its next phase of growth. Under Robert’s leadership, I am confident Duckhorn will unlock new opportunities for growth, building on its strong foundation, world-class operations, and unmatched ability to deliver premium wine to consumers globally.”
Hanson stated: “I am honored to lead Duckhorn at such an exciting and pivotal time for the industry. The Duckhorn Portfolio’s pioneering spirit, relentless focus on quality, and commitment to innovation have cemented its position as the category leader in luxury wine. The company begins this next chapter from a place of exceptional strength, with a proven strategy for growth and market expansion that I look forward to building on.”
Chicago-based Twisted Alchemy, a cold pressed juice company founded by entrepreneurs Kim and Scott Holstein, announced the launch of four of its products in Whole Foods Market nationally in select stores across the Midwest and Southwest. Whole Foods Market customers now can find Twisted Alchemy's Three Citrus Margarita Mixer and bold Blood Orange Margarita Mixer in the refrigerated produce department. Also available are Twisted Alchemy’s 16-ounce Eureka Lemon Juice and 16-ounce Persian Lime Juice. “Our delicious cold-pressed juices, created for discerning palates, are already used at the finest bars, restaurants, and hotels around the country, in addition to music festivals, events, and arenas. Now, with this expansion into Whole Foods Market, we mark a significant milestone in our journey to bring cold pressed, sustainable, and convenient juices and cocktail mixers to a wider audience,” said Scott Holstein, co-founder of Twisted Alchemy, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with a retailer that shares our commitment to quality and innovation.”
BERO, the premium non-alcohol beer founded by Tom Holland, now is available at most Target stores nationwide. The rollout marks a milestone in the brand’s rapid rise and signals a continued shift in the category as non-alcohol beer takes center stage next to its alcohol counterpart in mainstream retail, the company says. “BERO’s official release at Target is a defining moment for us,” Holland said in a statement. “From the beginning, one of our biggest goals has been to align with an iconic retailer like Target, who time and time again acts as an incredible launchpad for emerging brands. Our beer sitting on the shelves of a partner that understands our brand, leans into creativity, and shares our commitment to quality, feels like a massive step forward. I’m thrilled to see BERO continuing to grow and reach even more people with the great-tasting beer they deserve.” BERO offers both single flavor six-packs starting at $11.99 and a Target-exclusive variety 12-pack at $21.99.
OSULLOC, the luxury Korean tea brand, launched five exclusive SKUs in Erewhon markets across Los Angeles. Debuting at Erewhon are carefully selected organic, plant-based teas offering farm-to-cup freshness. Among the offerings is Sejak, a delicate, traditional green tea harvested in early spring, celebrated for its soft floral notes and nuanced taste, the company says. Also featured is Premium Matcha, cultivated at the OSULLOC tea farm on Jeju Island, it notes. This organic green tea powder is crisp, soft, and savory, with a fresh flavor that feels straight from the field, embodying the essence of “Tea from Jeju Island,” it adds. The lineup also includes Jeju Volcanic Oolong Tea, Pure Green Tea, and Cold Brew Green Tea, each carefully curated to appeal not only to health and wellness enthusiasts but also to those with sophisticated tastes and high aesthetic standards. OSULLOC is available at Erewhon stores and on Amazon with prices retailing from $14.99 to $35.99.
Mash Gang, the award-winning UK brewery making waves in the beer world, debuted in Wisconsin with new releases Chug, Glug, Journey Juice and Lesser Evil. “Wisconsin, and Milwaukee in particular, has been the heart of Mash Gang’s fast-paced growth in the United States,” said Jordan Childs, co-founder and head brewer at Mash Gang, in a statement. “With its rich history of brewing excellence, it’s an absolute privilege to spend time here and connect with so many amazing Midwesterners — many of whom I’m proud to call friends. I’m thrilled to finally bring our product to market and make it widely available right here in the state where it's brewed. This launch is all about our commitment to delivering a refreshing, high-quality beer that everyone can enjoy, no compromises.” Chug, Glug, and Journey Juice join the Mash Gang lineup in both on-premise and off-premise locations throughout Wisconsin. Lesser Evil is a limited-time offering.
Cincoro Tequila, New York, has signed a national distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. As part of this new agreement, Southern Glazer’s will expand its distribution of Cincoro Tequila to seven additional markets, bringing the total to 43. These new markets include Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and Washington D.C. “We are thrilled to expand our business with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits,” said Jeff Agdern, CEO of Cincoro Tequila, in a statement. “With our new national alignment, we look forward to joining forces with Southern Glazer’s industry-leading capabilities and best-in-class execution to scale our brand in both new and existing markets. Additionally, as we continue to expand our luxury brand in on-premise establishments, we are excited to leverage Southern's expertise in this area.” This strategic move will provide Cincoro Tequila and Southern Glazer's with the opportunity to share sales and marketing resources to streamline operations and enhance market presence. Southern Glazer’s has been distributing Cincoro Tequila since its launch in 2019. “Our new national distribution agreement represents an exciting expansion of an already successful relationship,” said Gene Sullivan, chief sales and marketing officer at Southern Glazer’s. “We are eager to put our full corporate capabilities to work in these new markets, ensuring we maximize Cincoro's incredible potential.”