Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/12827
INDUSTRY sPOTlIGHT U.S. Drinks Conference Returns to New York T he 4th Annual U.S. Drinks Conference returns to NYC on October 12 and 13, with a focus on the practical information spirit, wine and beer suppliers need to be successful in penetrat- ing the American market—one of the largest in the world, but also one of the most diffi cult markets to enter. The complex “three-tier- system” is becoming even more challenging to navigate in the face U.S. Drinks Conference 2010 October 12 & 13, New York Helmsley Hotel, New York City The Insider’s Guide to the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Market of consolidation at the supplier and distributor levels. For anyone new to the beverage alcohol industry, this is a must-attend event. A detailed agenda, roster of speakers and registration and hotel informa- tion for this exciting and informa- tional two-day event can be found at www.USDrinksconference.com. The U.S. Drinks Conference is organized by MHW Ltd., Next Level Marketing and Brand Action Team. MHW Ltd. (www.mhwltd.com) is a provider of national import and distribution services including regulatory compliance, transporta- tion, logistics, warehousing, and administrative activities. Next Level Marketing (www. nextlevel.com) is a nation- ally-recognized marketing and promotion agency specializing in the management of promotional marketing teams, as well as training and custom market research for the on-trade. Brand Action Team (www.thebrandactionteam.com) provides marketing strategy and support programs, with a focus on innovative social media and trade marketing strategies. 12 / the tasting panel / july 2010 Mick Schroeter. APPOINTMENTS Mick Schroeter has been named Winemaking Director at Sonoma-Cutrer. The Australian native, 50, will become only the third Winemaking Director in the company’s history; he replaces Terry Adams, the longtime winemaker who announced his retirement last October. Schroeter began his career at Penfold’s in Australia 33 years ago. For the last 17 years he has been VP of Winemaking for Geyser Peak in California. Stephanie Putnam. Raymond Vineyards, part of the Boisset Family Estates collection of wineries, announces the appointment of Stephanie Putnam as Director of Winemaking. She is now part of a dynamic team that includes Kathy George, Assistant Winemaker at Raymond since 1990, Winegrower Eric Pooler, Consulting Winemaker Philippe Melka and Director of Operations Jim Nagel. Putnam previously spent eight years at Far Niente, where she contemporized the winery’s house style. Lucas Bols USA, producer of Bols genever, Damrak gin, Galliano and Bols liquers, has hired Jacob Grier as its Portland, OR Area Brand Ambassador. Grier is a freelance writer, a mixologist, a barista and a magi- cian. A fi xture in the Portland cocktail scene since 2008, he most recently managed the cocktail program at now-closed Carlyle restaurant. Jacob Grier. Rémy Cointreau USA appointed Philippe Roederer to the position of Senior VP, Marketing. Roederer, who joined Rémy Cointreau in May, contributes over 20 years of diverse leadership expertise in marketing and sales within the beverage industry. Prior to join- ing the company, he was President of Voss America. Jamilla Kounellas. Quintessential, the fi ne wine import, sales, market- ing and distribution company, has added Seattle native Jamilla Kounellas as its new saleswoman in Oregon and Washington State. She has previously worked for Precept Wine Brands, Corus Wine Brands and NW Wine Company. Fine wine and spirits importer Aveníu Brands, wholly owned by Spain’s Codorníu Group, announced the appointment of Andrew Mansinne to the position of President, effective June 1, 2010. In his role, Mansinne will oversee the Aveníu Brands portfolio of wines and spirits, its sales and marketing organiza- tion as well as its operations, fi nance and administra- tive functions. Andrew Mansinne. Mansinne has been involved in the wine and spirits industry for 25 years. Prior to joining Aveníu Brands, he was VP, Marketing at Foster’s Wine Estates. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K