Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
april 2017 / the tasting panel / 105 Tier 1 Imperial Beverage Michigan Citing the state's motto, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you," Carolyn Wente honored Imperial Beverage of Michigan's accomplishments by adding a playful quip: "And they drink endless amounts of wine," she continued with a laugh. Family-owned Imperial Beverage of Michigan was back to claim its second Legacy Award, thanks in part to its new team of brand managers who have helped develop the Wente Family Estates brands' business in the state. Most notable was an astonishing 346 percent increase in sales of Murrieta's Well. "These are outstanding leaders who go out of their way to boost our brands, and for that, we are grateful." Fedway Distributors, New Jersey "Tier one is very competitive," began Carolyn Wente, "but the guys from New Jersey are doing a great job." After growing the entire portfolio 11 percent in 2015, the Jersey guys and gals grew an additional 11 percent across the board in 2016, thanks in part to what Carolyn Wente called an "educational journey" spearheaded by Fedway, in which its entire sales team explored the Wente fam- ily's story, and bolstered sales by introducing the brands to new key accounts. Tryon Distributing, North Carolina With its sixth consecutive win, Tryon Distributing of North Carolina holds the record for most Legacy Award wins, and in its first year as a tier one distributor, its success continues. Wente Family Estates business has seen double-digit growth five years in a row, with a 15,000-case increase on core brands in 2016. "They are true partners, and even greater friends," said Carolyn Wente. Chris Giudice, Wente Family Estates; Phil Wente; Karl Wente; Joey and Lindsay Cekola of Imperial Beverage Michigan; Amy Hoopes, Wente Family Estates. Front: Carolyn Wente, Joe Cekola of Imperial Beverage Michigan. Christine Wente, Phil Wente, John Bengivenni of Fedway Distributors, Karl Wente, Carolyn Wente, Eric Wente, Chris Giudice. Carolyn Wente, Amy Hoopes, Phil Wente, Bobby Goodman, Karl Wente, Angie Packer of Tryon Distributing, Randy Packer, Mark Halpren, Brittany Sales, Eric Wente.