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12 / the tasting panel / march 2014 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT IN MEMORIAM Darryl Robinson, "Dr. Mixologist" T he spirits and entertainment industries were deeply sad- dened to learn of the sudden passing of celebrity mixologist Darryl Robinson, aka "Dr. Mixologist," in early February at his home in Brooklyn. He was 50 years old. Robinson, arguably the bartending industry's most visible ambassador, was host of the hit TV show Drink Up on the Cooking Channel, and appeared as a regular guest on numerous variety and talk shows, including Access Hollywood Live, The Wendy Williams Show, The Today Show, and VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live, among others. In addition to building his own personal brand, he was an industry consultant to many bar and restaurant owners. Though he moved to New York City to pursue an act- ing career, Robinson rose to prominence making drinks at Ian Schrager's Hudson Bar, where he garnered a loyal following with his "Sexy Sippers." He traded in the stage for the bar and subsequently the production studio for Drink Up, the first national television platform dedicated to the craft of mixology. Here, he was able to blend both talents, and preach his straightforward gospel of the glass to millions of people. —David Ransom Heineken Goes Slim H EINEKEN USA introduces the first 8.5 oz. slim can format in the premium price segment. Heineken 8.5 oz. Slim Can 12-packs rolled out at retail outlets across the country this month. "The 8.0–8.9oz. can size experienced explosive growth in 2012, growing 356% in case volume and 522% in dollar volume and now represents an 8.2M case segment and growing," says Belen Pamukoff, Heineken Brand Director, HEINEKEN USA."Forty-two percent of that growth is generated in the c-store channel, where the 8.0 oz. can format is outpacing all other sizes and is a preferred pack size among ethnic consumers. Healdsburg Jazz Festival Charlie Musselwhite and Joshua Redman will be part of the 2014 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, May 30–June 8. THE BEVERAGETRADENETWORK.COM CONNECTION Stevie Kim on Expectations of China Wine Importers S tevie Kim, a Korean-American who resides in Italy, is Managing Director of Vinitaly International and Brand Ambassador of Vinitaly Wine Club. We asked her to list the three main fac- tors that Chinese importers consider when picking up a new winery. "Number one: price and number two: brand name remain today the leading factors that influ- ence purchasing choices of both Chinese consum- ers and importers/distributors." says Kim. "This is mainly due to the great complexity of grape varieties that make wine difficult to understand. The third factor is volume, with priority given to wine producers who can guar- antee a consistent number of bottles in order to satisfy the importer's demand. I would advise wineries to clearly put these three points in their presentation to wine importers in China." Kim continues: "As in other international wine markets, Chinese importers generally request exclusivity on the brands they agree to import, with the excep- tion of premium producers where there are multiple distributors and channels, for example the Super Tuscans. Producers are also required to decide on a budget to invest in the Chinese market and set down a shared marketing plan, which should include promotional activities such as wine dinners, trade fairs, B2B and B2C events, e- commerce platforms, etc., aimed at supporting the work of local importers." For the complete interview, see www.beveragetradenetwork.com. Stevie Kim. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEVERAGETRADENETWORK.COM