Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/306378
12 / the tasting panel / may 2014 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT APPOINTMENTS Dutton-Goldfield Winery has appointed Nicole Kosta as their new Direct Sales & Hospitality Manager. After receiving her Sommelier certification, Nicole became the Beverage & Events Director at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco, where she raised their wine program to a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner. At Dutton-Goldfield, she will oversee all aspects of the direct-to-consumer business in order to expand its network in California and across the country. Ian Staller has been appointed Executive Vice President, General Manager of SWS-Nevada. He will report directly to Larry Ruvo, Senior Managing Director of Southern Wine & Spirits of NV. Commenting on Staller's promotion, Ruvo said, "From the moment Ian set foot in Nevada, he immediately distinguished himself as an articu- late, polished and well-educated professional with an infectious personality. Over the last ten years with Southern in the state of Nevada, Ian quickly earned the respect of our employees, suppliers and customers." Parent company Codorníu Raventós has announced the appoint- ment of Keith LaVine as President of Aveníu Brands. LaVine brings over 25 years of sales, marketing and winery management experience to his role at Aveníu Brands. "Over the past three years, Keith LaVine has proven his ability to build Artesa into a premier brand and we are confident that his leadership will enable us to accomplish our long-term goals for all of our portfolio," says Javier Pagés, CEO of Bodegas y Viñedos Codorníu Raventós in Barcelona. Cort Kinker, a wine and spirits industry vet- eran, has joined Equinox Technology Partners, LLC as Vice President Business Development. THE BEVERAGETRADENETWORK.COM CONNECTION B ased in Brenham, Texas, Mike Hopkins Distributing is the licensed Budweiser distributor for the greater portion of seven surrounding counties. Carrying over 450 SKUs and concentrating their efforts on quality sales and support teams, their large portfolio of craft beers, specialty and import drinks, wines and energy drinks and their dedication to the industry has made them the market leader throughout their territory. There are many bonuses of having your brand be a part of a large U.S. distributor's portfolio, and it can also be the difference between selling 1,000 cases and selling 10,000 cases. Their sheer size and market share means they have the power to influence some pretty significant players. They have the connections across the retail market to get quality placement, and once the placement is established, they will work hard at promoting your brand to deplete the supply at the retail level. How can you get your brand represented by a large, deep- rooted distributor such as Mike Hopkins Distributing? Beverage Trade Network recently caught up with Mike Hopkins Jr. to ask him about their sourcing process and what it means to be carried by MHD. To read the interview, go to www.beveragetradenetwork.com. Mike Hopkins Jr., of Mike Hopkins Distributing, with his wife, Liz. Nicole Kosta. Ian Staller. Keith LaVine. How Large Distributors Launch a New Brand Enjoy Our Brands Responsibly. ©2014 STRONGBOW ® Hard Apple Ciders. Imported by Bulmers Cider Company, White Plains, NY strongbow goLD APPLE ALso AvAiLAbLE in cAn AnD DrAught contAct your hEinEKEn usA rEPrEsEntAtivE AnD cAPitALizE on high consumEr ciDEr DEmAnD toDAy! Strongbow iS launching with gold apple and honey & apple varietieS, available in market now! TP0514_001-33.indd 12 4/24/14 10:43 PM