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Weekly Sip is Food Dive's column focusing on the latest news from the fast-changing and growing beverage sector. From the first product lines to major investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench your thirst for development in the category.
LA Libations is planning a joint venture to bring young beverage brands to market faster.
LA Libations plans to partner with sales and marketing company Advantage Solutions to help beverage startups get their products to stores faster.
The companies said the proposed joint venture would combine Advantage's scale, insight, talent and retail industry expertise with LA Libations' relationships with entrepreneurs and product innovators, connectivity with retailers, building history and scaling emerging brands .
This is Danny Stepper, co-founder and CEO of LA Libations.
“As the growth of the CPG industry is fueled by innovation, rebellious brands face increasing demand and the incredible challenge of scaling at pace,” Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions, said in a statement. This partnership “will ensure these brands will not only be distributed to retailers across the country, but also have a seamless path into shelves and shoppers’ shopping carts.”
The deal calls for LA Libations' Retail Solutions subsidiary to combine its coverage of West Coast retailers with Advantage's operations working with stores nationwide. This will allow the new entity to expand its services to emerging brands nationwide.
Working with more than 3,500 CPG companies across 250,000 retail stores in North America, Advantage will enable the LA Libations family of brands to expand and gain distribution and shelf space faster than ever before. LA Libations will also gain access to Advantage's full suite of services, including sampling and demo capabilities.
The new company, expected to be called Relentless Advantage, will work with young brands such as natural soda product Poppi. Michelle Obama's Plezi Nutrition is a line of low-sugar, kid-focused beverages. There is also Abbot's, a line of plant-based protein products.
Danny Stepper, co-founder and CEO of LA Libations, said the proposed partnership will help address the biggest obstacles emerging brands face when trying to grow their businesses. “The last step from retailer backroom to shelf is a huge headache for the industry and brands are constantly asking us for help,” he said.
Advantage and LA Libations said they expect the agreement to be finalized “in the coming months.”
— Christopher Doering
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Provided by Accolade Wines
Dolly Parton sets a new record with wine.
Dolly Parton's latest single brings the beloved country singer out of the recording studio and into the vineyard.
The music superstar has teamed up with Parton Family Cellars and Accolade Wines, one of the largest wine companies, to present her first Dolly Wines collection. The celebrity was reportedly deeply involved in the process, giving her opinion on how it tastes, looks, and feels.
Dolly Wines California Chardonnay 2023 will be available in the United States in July. The alcohol combines white peaches, sweet cream, and toasted oak to provide a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Other wine varieties include Rosé and Prosecco, and a fourth variety, Sparkling, will be released in Australia in September under the Dolly Parton label. Rosé and Prosecco will be released to retailers across the UK in the autumn.
“We are thrilled to introduce Dolly Wines to the world,” Sandy Mayo, chief marketing officer of Accolade Wines, said in a statement. “Like that woman, we think everyone, everywhere will love it. Now, pour yourself a glass of ambition!”
Parton is no stranger to the food and drink scene. In January, she announced that she would be working with Conagra Brands to develop a new food line. Items include frozen, refrigerated, groceries and snacks inspired by home-cooked meals.
— Christopher Doering
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19 Rites of Crime
Snoop Dogg, 19 Crimes brings RTD cocktails to the West Coast.
This summer, Snoop Dogg will be showcasing his California creations in the mainstream category.
The rapper and entrepreneur has teamed up with 19 Crimes to launch Cali Cocktails, a ready-to-drink cocktail brand. The product comes in two flavors: Smokin' Strawberry Margarita and Long Beach Lemonade.
Snoop has been trying to create more canned cocktails. The drink contains 9 percent alcohol by volume, according to a press release. Cali cocktails are made with an agave wine base and are designed to be consumed in a can or over ice at parties or events, according to the company.
Snoop Dogg said in a press release, “It took a while to get this piece done, but it came right on time. California has always been home, so it only made sense to celebrate its state of mind with our next 'Cali' creation.” He said. .
Cali Cocktails is the fifth collaboration between Snoop Dogg and 19 Crimes, following Cali Red and Cali Rose. Drawing on Australia's history of rebellion, this winemaker has grown in popularity in recent years for its mid-priced offerings. In 2022, 19 Crimes Cali Red was named the No. 1 selling single wine in the history of Pacesetter for new products by Circana, an annual report detailing new product launches.
Since his first collaboration with 19 Crimes in 2019, the famous rapper has expanded the reach of his brand with a series of product launches in the alcohol and cannabis sectors. Earlier this year, the rapper joined Dr. Launched Gin & Juice RTD cocktail with Dr. Dre. He was named after the hit song they had together. Also this year, capitalizing on its reputation as a marijuana enthusiast, it teamed up with Hill Beverage Co. to launch a hemp-based beverage, Do It Fluid, in four flavors.
— Chris Casey
