Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Crème of the Crop C rème Yvette, the historic violet liqueur that has been out of circula- tion for nearly 50 years, has fi nally hit store shelves in New York and Los Angeles. Three years after the wildly successful introduc- tion of St-Germain, The Cooper Spirits Company (formerly Cooper Spirits International) has revived this storied classic and critical component in a number of classic cocktails. Waiwera Artesian Water Selects Young’s as Exclusive Distributor for CA, HI and AZ W Robert Cooper, President, The Cooper Spirits Company (right), and BIll Kenny, Manager, Astor Wine and Spirits. Astor Wine and Spirits in New York was the fi rst retailer to receive Crème Yvette, depleting the fi rst shipment in 4 hours. Dos Equis Makes it Bigger in Texas D os Equis has become the fastest growing import brand among top imports and primary driver of import category growth in the Texas food channel. The brand has raised the stakes even higher with the introduction of the Dos Equis Lager 18 Pack. The new pack capitalizes on two key trends in the Lone Star State: the contin- ued explosion in popularity of Dos Equis and the increase in consumer take-away of larger import packs. Over the past 12 months, 18 packs and larger import packages have rung in as the fastest-growing packs in the category with case volume up 55%. As a result of the larger pack sales and share growth, Texas food stores have increased their promotional sup- port of 18 packs by an estimated 33%, resulting in even greater consumer exposure and interest. Dos Equis sales in Texas continue to outpace the import and domestic competition with Lager up over 19% and Ambar up nearly 3%. The Dos Equis Lager 12 pack is currently the fastest growing import SKU in Texas food, trending at +23%. (See more news from Dos Equis on page 73.) 10 / the tasting panel / may 2010 aiwera Artesian Water and Young’s Market Company announced today their exclusive distribution relationship to deliver Waiwera Water to all cities in California, Arizona and Hawaii. Known around the world for its award- winning taste, impressive health attributes and iconic green bottle, Waiwera has drawn its water from an artesian aquifer in one of the purest places on earth, New Zealand’s Waiwera Valley, since 1875. Waiwera’s association with Young’s Market Company is yet another signifi cant stride in growing its brand presence and product availability in the U.S. “We are elated about our rela- tionship with Young’s Market Company, as Waiwera is making great progress with its U.S. presence within the fi rst several months of this year”, states Waiwera USA CEO Philana Bouvier. “2010 is a big year for Waiwera Water, and having Young’s Market Company as our distributor in the U.S. will allow us to take our brand to the next level and further position ourselves as a leading premium bottled water, not only overseas but here in the United States.”