December 21, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under Brand Management, Distributors, News, Pelican Brands
NOTE: This deal has been a long time coming. My team believes in this brand fully. We are very excited to invest in Napa Smith, the Napa business community and build on our Napa based employment. Napa Valley needs investment. With unemployment hitting 10% in the valley, it is clear more business investment is needed. We are looking forward to building on the foundation the founders of Napa Smith built and adding our ideas to the mix along with our ability to sell to the trade. We are highly confident in the future of this business.
Napa, CA – December 21, 2010 – An investment group led by industry veteran, J. Smoke Wallin, is pleased to announce it has finalized the purchase of Napa Smith Brewery & Winery bringing it into the family of companies which includes Pelican Brands. Napa Smith Beer has developed a growing following in the Craft Beer category, is currently in 17 states, and will be available nationally by the summer of 2011. Earlier this year, Napa Smith appointed Pelican Brands as its exclusive sales representatives in the United States.
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands and Napa Smith Holdings, said, “The craft beer business is the fastest growing category of beverage alcohol in America. Napa Smith has all the right attributes to become one of the few truly global brands of craft beer – amazing beer from one of the most respected names in the craft brewing industry, distinctive packaging, Napa terroir. These attributes combined with our Pelican Brands global distribution capability, experienced management team and our access to capital give us all the necessary elements to achieve great success.” Wallin continued, “This acquisition is a great strategic fit combined with Pelican Brands as we build a global sales and brand platform, of both owned and agency brands. We look forward to building Napa Smith into an iconic craft beer brand with President Steve Morgan and Master Brewer Don Barkley.”
Steve Morgan, President & COO of Napa Smith Holdings stated, “This is a very positive development for our business. In 2010 Napa Smith – through Pelican’s sales and distribution platform – has expanded into 17 states. With the capital, resources and relationships that Pelican brings to the mix, our beer will be available nationally by mid 2011. Napa has become known world-wide for great wines, and deservedly so. We are proud to hand-craft our beer here in Napa Valley with the same level of quality and attention to detail that built Napa’s global reputation.”
Don Barkley, Master Brewer said, “I’m doing what I love to do – brewing great beer. Smoke and the whole Pelican team are my kind of people. They appreciate the importance of brewing beer right. At the same time, they bring scale and resources that will help Napa Smith reach many more thirsty consumers, which is something I’m passionate about!”
About Napa Smith Brewery
Napa Smith Brewery is located at the southern gateway to Napa Valley, just south of the town of Napa. Napa Valley is internationally known as a destination for those individuals who seek the best that life has to offer. Napa Smith is proud to contribute to the Napa tradition of hard work, craftsmanship, and artistry with the introduction of its unique family of beers. It creates its beers using proprietary recipes developed by Master Brewer Don Barkley – a veteran of 30+ years in the craft brewing industry. Much of the Napa Smith’s growth has been fueled by its Signature Series of beers. Offered in 4-packs, 22 oz bottles, and draught, Organic IPA™ and Lost Dog Red Ale™ have attracted national interest from both distributors and chains. Napa Smith Amber Ale, Napa Smith Pale Ale, and Napa Smith Lost Dog Red Ale are all recipients of Gold Medals at the California State Fair. www.napasmithbrewery.com And on Facebook http://on.fb.me/fb7opr And follow us on Twitter @Napa_Smith
About Don Barkley, Master Brewer
Don Barkley is one of America’s most experienced craft brewers, having brewed professionally for 32 years. Don started brewing in 1978 at New Albion Brewery, America’s first new brewery since Prohibition. After 5 years there he moved to help found Mendocino Brewing Company, where he spent 25 years as Master Brewer. While at Mendocino Don became an icon in the craft beer industry, creating such legendary beers as Red Tail Ale and Eye of the Hawk. Don has now returned to his family’s home in Napa Valley – where they have lived for 6 generations – to craft the award-winning and rapidly growing beers of Napa Smith Brewery. Don has done his best work yet at Napa Smith – developing every beer in the portfolio including the savory Lost Dog Red Ale, the innovative Organic IPA, and a strong portfolio of 3 rotating seasonal beers.
About Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands manages a portfolio of owned and agency premiere import & craft beers, artisanal spirits and fine wines. Pelican Brands’ team and partners have extensive experience in the global beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. Pelican Brands is headquartered in Carmel, IN, offices in the United Kingdom and Napa, CA and a sales team covering the U.S. market and select international markets. www.pelican-brands.com And on Facebook http://on.fb.me/afmdBU And follow us on Twitter @pelicanbrands
December 20, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under Brand Management, Distributors, Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands Will Import La Piazza And Allora Brands, Crafted By The Mineo Family In Collaboration With Calatrasi
Carmel, IN, USA – November 10th, 2010 – Pelican Brands, Calatrasi, and the Mineo Family announced today the formation of a long-term strategic partnership for the U.S. market.
The Mineo Family represents the alliance between Calatrasi, a leading Italian wine producer, and 500 individual Sicilian growers. Italian wine is the number one imported wine category in the US.
Calatrasi produces nearly one million cases of wine annually and controls more than 1,100 hectares (2,700) acres in Sicily, Puglia and Tunisia. Over the last 10 years, Calatrasi has reinvested over $14 million on improvements to the quality and value of their wines. In 1998 Calatrasi created the D’istinto brand in co – ownership with BRL Hardy; the project achieved 300,000 cases in UK, becoming the number one Italian brand in UK.
Pelican Brands, Calatrasi and the Mineo Family announce their long-term strategic partnership with two co-owned brands, La Piazza and Allora. These wines are crafted from grapes grown in the Sicilian hills by the individual growers, who bring the harvest to Calatrasi winery to make the best wines from that region. The La Piazza brand will also be launching a Pinot Grigio from the Veneto in early 2011.
Maurizio Miccichè , Owner of Calatrasi and founder of Mineo family Vineyards said, “We have been looking for some time at the various options for entering the U.S. market. Our patience has paid off, as we have found our long-term partner in Pelican Brands. We share Pelican Brands passion, energy, innovation spirit and long-term commitment to quality.”
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands said, “Maurizio and I instantly connected with our shared passion for the wine business and vision for the future. Calatrasi and Mineo are the perfect partners as we build out our wine platform in the U.S. market.”
La Piazza wines are fresh and rich wines that go well with any dish. The range includes 2 white wines, a blend of Catarratto (an indigenous grape varietal of Sicily) and Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio and a red wine, which is a blend of Merlot and Nero d’Avola (an indigenous grape varietal of Sicily).
The Allora wines feature full-body, solid structure, fully represent the terroir of the Mediterranean area. The Allora range includes Viognier, Grillo (indigenous grape varietal) and Nero d’Avola from Sicily and Primitivo (Zinfandel) wine from Salento.
Franco Bernabei, Chief Winemaker of Calatrasi and Mineo Family Vineyards
Franco Bernabei has 30 years of winemaking experience in Italy, as winemaker for some of Italy’s most prestigious estates in Tuscany and Veneto. Over the years he has earned major awards and high praise from Robert Parker to the Wine Spectator. He said about the new partnership “I believe that our wines will be a success in the U.S. market because they are crafted with the U.S. wine consumer’s palate in mind.”
“We have already tasted over 50 national chain buyers, prior to launch, on La Piazza and Allora to great acclaim. Their response has been tremendous, giving us a strong sense of urgency to get these wines into the U.S.” Arthur Massolo, EVP of Business Development for Pelican Brands
In the near future, Pelican Brands, Calatrasi and Mineo Family will launch a Super Premium brand for the On and Off- trade.
Maurizio Ghiori, CEO and Managing Director of Calatrasi and creator of Mineo Family Vineyards, said, “I strongly believe in the project and I think that Pelican Brands is the ideal partner for us. I believe that Calatrasi, Mineo Family and Pelican Brands will have great success in the U.S. market with La Piazza and the Allora brands.”
NOTE: Posted last month, we are very excited with our partnership with Maurizio and the whole Calatrasi team. These wines are an amazing value and in this market will out perform many long established brands.
December 20, 2010 / by J Smoke Wallin / Make A Comment / Filed under Brand Management, Distributors, New Products - Brands, Pelican Brands
Pelican Brands will Import and Drive the National Rollout of Barking Sheep Wines from Argentina, the first Brand to be Launched Under this Agreement
Carmel, IN, USA – December 20, 2010 – Pelican Brands and Schwartz Olcott Imports, LLC (SOI Wines) jointly announced today the formation of a long term strategic agreement to launch Barking Sheep wines from Argentina following a successful limited test market in 19 states.
Barking Sheep wines are produced in Mendoza, Argentina, and are styled for the U.S. market. The launch will include a beautiful classic Malbec and a fresh clean fruity Chardonnay.
Barking Sheep wines are produced at Las Perdices by chief winemaker Carlos Muñoz, from high altitude vineyards 1,000 meters above sea level towards the Andes Mountains producing full bodied classical fruit.
During a one year limited test market at a major national chain Barking Sheep was the #1 red wine of all new featured red wines.
Norman Schwartz, Co-Founder & Chairman of SOI Wines said, “There are many fine importers who do a great job with established brands; however, without brand builders like Smoke Wallin and the Pelican team it’s impossible to build a national brand franchise. With Pelican sharing our enthusiasm for Barking Sheep we are well positioned to rollout nationally and to launch other brands together”
J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO of Pelican Brands said “The Barking Sheep brand further expands the Pelican Brands wine platform to Argentina. These wines offer the consumer great value with a fun attitude. We have high expectations for their national rollout.” Wallin continued, “Norman has created some incredible brands over the years. We are very excited to begin our long term strategic partnership with The Barking Sheep brand.”
NOTE: I’m very excited to be working with Norman and the team. Look for more exciting developments as we pool our resources!… Smoke
