Conor McQuaid new CEO of Pernod Ricard North America

Pernod Ricard, Paris, appointed Conor McQuaid as CEO of North America (USA and Canada), effective Jan. 1. McQuaid, a 25-year veteran of Pernod Ricard, will be based in New York. He succeeds Ann Mukherjee, who has decided to step down to focus her time and energy on her family’s well-being.

McQuaid has held various leadership positions in diverse roles across the company, most recently serving as executive vice president of sustainability and responsibility, communications and public affairs and as a member of Pernod Ricard’s executive committee. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers (Jameson) and executive vice president of global business development.

Commenting on the leadership transition, Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, said: “The U.S. continues to be our No. 1 market, and Conor brings a unique skillset from his 25 years at Pernod Ricard that is perfectly suited to continue our transformation in such a dynamic market. He has a deep understanding of every aspect of our business and a proven record of execution. His leadership and the instrumental role he played in the success of Jameson, particularly in the U.S., underscore his ability to further advance Pernod Ricard’s ambitions in North America.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee and all of us at Pernod Ricard, we would like to thank Ann for her significant contribution to our North America business and brands,” he continued. “Ann leaves a strong foundation of achievements in the evolution of our portfolio strategy and brand marketing effectiveness across the North American market. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.” BI

California vintners report exceptional quality for 2023 harvest

California vintners are celebrating the 2023 vintage as exceptional, following a late start to harvest, the Wine Institute released. Plentiful winter rains revitalized the soils and encouraged healthy canopies while cooler temperatures across California in spring and summer allowed grapes to develop gradually, enjoying extra ripening time. Many vintners predict that the 2023 vintage will be one of the finest in years, producing wines with beautiful flavors, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance, it notes.

Harvest began late throughout California, running anywhere from two weeks to a full month behind normal timing. Many varieties reached maturity simultaneously, leading to a compressed harvest.

California produces about 80% of the nation’s wine, making it the world’s fourth-largest wine producing region. More than 80% of California wine is made in a Certified Sustainable California Winery and over half of the state’s roughly 615,000 vineyard acres are certified to one of California’s sustainability programs (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green and SIP Certified), the Wine Institute states.

“The winter was unusually cold and wet, and we even got a rare 10 inches of snow,” said Christian Ahlmann, vice president at Six Sigma Ranch in Lower Lake, Lake County, in a statement. “The soil moisture was restored while the vines were dormant, and they loved every minute of it when they woke up in spring.”

Despite the later start to harvest, Ahlmann reported he was confident that the grapes would reach full maturity before the start of the rainy season. Best of all, he added, quality looks excellent — especially for Tempranillo and Syrah. “We feel great about vintage 2023,” he said.

In Lodi, the winter rains presented some challenges in the vineyards. The wet weather continued through April, which resulted in increased mildew pressure, large canopies and crowded fruit zones.

“Those who were able to keep their vineyards clean, manage irrigation properly, control crop load and thin away poor fruit are being rewarded with superb fruit quality that is jumping out of the glass,” said Aaron Lange, vice president of vineyard operations at LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Acampo, in a statement. “We owe a huge thanks to the vineyard managers, pest control advisors, tractor drivers and labor crews.” BI

Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal, New York, now is available in the United Kingdom, marking the brand’s European expansion. Founded in 2020 by Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio, with legendary athlete and cultural icon LeBron James, the products will be launching exclusively with Selfridges across its four stores and at selfridges.com. This news comes on the heels of the brand’s international debut in Dubai earlier this year. Consumers will be able to find Lobos 1707 in Selfridges stores in London, Birmingham, Manchester Exchange Square and Manchester Trafford. The Lobos 1707 Reposado Tequila, Lobos 1707 Joven Tequila and the premium Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo expressions will be available for purchase in-store or at selfridges.com for delivery or store collection, prices range from £64.99 to £180.

Los Angeles-based MUD\WTR, the direct-to-consumer brand known for leading the coffee alternative market with its :rise Cacao and :rise Matcha blends, rolled out into Target stores nationwide in late December. The coffee alternative will be available in 478 Target stores by Jan. 22. Located on “sidecap” displays at the end of aisles in 300 stores through March 31, MUD\WTR’s 12-serving bags of :rise Cacao and :rise Matcha will be a discounted to $16.99 (normally $19.99). With the debut of MUD\WTR in Target stores, the brand marks a significant step in broadening its reach to create healthy minds through healthy habits, it says. “eCommerce has been an incredible way to launch this business and reach our first million or so customers,” said MUD\WTR CEO and Founder Shane Heath in a statement. “But as we considered how to spread our purpose to more Americans, we knew Target was the best fit. Now we can meet consumers wherever they are, whether that’s online or cruising the aisles of one of our country’s favorite stores. We’re looking forward to shaking up the Target coffee aisle with some more mindful options for getting energy.”

Kástra Elión Vodka, Los Angeles, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its distribution to a greater number of Total Wine and BevMo stores as well as BevMo.com for the first time. The beloved vodka will now be available in 21 Total Wine locations in Texas, 22 locations in California and 16 locations in Florida. Additionally, Kástra Elión will now be available in eight BevMo stores in Southern California. “We are excited to bring Kástra Elión Vodka to the No. 1 national liquor retailer and the No. 1 California liquor retailer as well as Gopuff online, allowing a broader audience to experience the unparalleled quality and taste that define our brand,” said Mike Camello, president and co-founder of Kástra Elión Vodka, in a statement. “This expansion aligns with our commitment to making Kástra Elión Vodka readily available to consumers who appreciate a premium vodka crafted with precision and care.”

The Pickle Juice Co., Mesquite, Texas, announced an aggressive retail expansion plan for the Canadian market, providing easier access to a growing market. The brand has been focusing on meeting increased demands in North America, and their future strategic growth plans rely on expanding their distribution channels. Filip Keuppens, executive vice president for The Pickle Juice Co., explained: “We are thrilled to grow our Canadian footprint. Our mission has always been to provide a natural and effective solution for staying hydrated and cramp-free, and we’re excited to expand our reach larger audience with the help of Cyba Stevens.” Cyba Stevens is a dynamic and enterprising organization that services the food, drug, club, mass and retail sectors in Canada.