Full Glass Wine Co. acquires Wine Insiders

Los Angeles-based Full Glass Wine Co., a brand acquisition and management firm focused on direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine, announced the acquisition of Wine Insiders from DRINKS, an operating system for alcohol eCommerce.

The acquisition of Wine Insiders marks the second DTC wine brand purchased by Full Glass Wine Co., founded earlier this year by alcohol industry veteran Louis Amoroso and entrepreneur Neha Kumar, following its purchase of the DTC operating assets of wine and lifestyle brand Winc.com from AMASS Brands Group. Full Glass is actively exploring acquiring other DTC wine companies en route to building a multi-brand online wine marketplace.

“Acquiring market leaders Wine Insiders and Winc.com demonstrates our belief in, and passion for, online wine brands dedicated to providing superior experiences and value for customers,” Amoroso said in a statement. “Full Glass’s mission is to empower beloved DTC wine brands to capitalize on DTC alcohol sales growth to reshape the DTC landscape and deliver unmatched value to online wine shoppers through rich, streamlined experiences supported by operational excellence.”

DRINKS initiated the sale to focus on its core growth opportunity: the alcohol eCommerce enablement technology it has built and scaled during the past 10 years. It also sets the stage for accelerated growth for Wine Insiders ― a 41-year-old DTC wine pioneer ― under the leadership of industry veterans with long-standing brand experience, the company says. Amoroso, CEO of Full Glass Wine Co., previously served as President of DTC at DRINKS. BI

Sprecher Brewing adds Ooh La Lemin Lemonade to portfolio

Sprecher Brewing Co., Glendale, Wis., officials announced they are creating a new All-Natural Beverage category with the acquisition of the Ooh La Lemin Lemonade brand from Kona Gold Beverages. The purchase is part of the brewing company’s aggressive growth strategy that has been in place since 2020, it notes.

Ooh La Lemin is marketed as lemonade for the modern age. It has no added sugar, is low carb and has just 10 calories in each 12-ounce can. It is currently available in Original, Citrus Splash, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade and more.

“This acquisition is very exciting for us,” said Sharad Chadha, CEO and president of Sprecher Brewing, in a statement. “By adding an All-Natural Beverage category to our already successful craft sodas and beer divisions we are able to maximize our distribution channels and provide even more bold and delicious tasting beverages that consumers love.”

Since Chadha and a small group of investors purchased Sprecher Brewing Co. in 2020, the brewery has acquired five other soda labels: Chicago-based Green River, Black Bear, and Caruso; Olde Brooklyn; and WBC. These purchases have helped Sprecher introduce its own craft sodas and beers into new markets by being affiliated with local brands. Sprecher’s own craft beverages have experienced an average growth rate of 35% year over annually (CAGR) and sales have tripled, it says.

According to Chadha “In total, since 2020, Sprecher has experienced a 330% percent increase in distribution of our craft sodas and beers. Our beverages are now in more than 23,000 stores and we have 100’s of new accounts and expanded accounts.”

To account for this growth, the company had to upgrade its bottle line and added a new can line and additional warehouse space its Glendale headquarters in Greater Milwaukee. The brewing company has also more than doubled its number of employees to 135 people, and has gone from running less than one shift to running two shifts a week, (four days, 10 hours a day) to meet demand.

Chadha anticipates that the purchase of the Ooh La Lemin brand will further increase production, warehouse and sales staff in Glendale. BI

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), Alexandria, Va., concluded its 86th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, naming Michigan’s Jim Fabiano II as the new Chairman of the Board. “It is now my distinct honor to pass the torch to someone I have gotten to know over our time together in this industry,” said outgoing Chairman Gordon Green. “Jim Fabiano has the experience needed to lead us into 2024.” Fabiano is the CEO of Fabiano Brothers in Michigan, bringing a lifetime of experience in the beer distribution industry. His company has been supplying beer in the region for more than a century. “I’m honored to be your new Chairman representing America’s 3,000 independent beer and beverage distributors. Every day, this industry moves mountains — 140,000 men and women working from before dawn until after sunset to keep shelves stocked, taps flowing, and coolers full in every small town and big city. The livelihoods of so many of our neighbors rely on the extraordinary efforts of distributors — and we always come through,” Fabiano said. “My promise to you is that I will match that level of effort as your chairman.”

Oatly Group AB, Malmö, Sweden, announced new U.S. retail distribution with Meijer, the family-owned Midwestern retailer. Oatly Original and Full Fat 64-ounce chilled oatmilks now are available at all 265 Meijer locations, in addition to the company’s 32-ounce shelf-stable Original and Barista Edition. The expansion marks Oatly’s emphasis on increasing distribution of its oat-based products across retail and foodservice partners throughout the United States. “As we continue to grow our retail footprint throughout the US, Meijer represents an important step for us,” said Mike Messersmith, president at Oatly North America. “Presence at the beloved Midwestern retailer allows us to introduce our oatmilk products to new customers and new audiences. We’re excited for them to try Oatly and experience all the ways our products can be incorporated into their routines – from morning coffee, to cooking recipes, enjoying cereal and more.”

The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), Washington, D.C., announced the appointment of association veteran Aimee Carter as vice president of member services and business development. Carter will lead all membership services and be responsible for member recruitment, engagement and retention. She also will oversee DISCUS’ comprehensive non-dues revenue program for the association through conferences, events, sponsorships and business development. “Aimee has a strong and diverse background in associations and membership organizations and comes to DISCUS with a proven track record of ensuring member engagement and growth,” said Christine LoCascio, DISCUS chief of policy, strategy and membership, in a statement. “We are very confident Aimee has what it takes to expand and strengthen our membership creating a solid and successful future for the spirits industry’s leading U.S. trade association.”

Lean Body and Anheuser Busch Network joined forces to expand statewide distribution of Lean Body protein shakes in North Carolina. Labrada Nutrition, makers of Lean Body ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, has partnered with Adams Beverages, a member of the Anheuser Busch direct store delivery network in North Carolina. Kevin Kelley, the non-alcoholic portfolio manager at Adams Beverages, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating: “Adams Beverages is excited to be partnering with Labrada/Lean Body. Filling a void for RTD protein was a major priority for our portfolio, and we hit the nail on the head. The customer feedback has been positively overwhelming. We look forward to the growth of the brand but more importantly the longevity of an incredible partnership.”