Provi Forges New Industry Partnerships, Furthering Commitment to Beverage Alcohol Industry's Three Tier System

CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Provi, the largest online marketplace for the beverage alcohol industry, today announced its commitment to supporting the three-tier system through partnerships with key associations and organizations at the local and national levels. This enhanced support is a result of the company's new corporate and industry affairs division which is composed of beverage industry veterans and former executives from Constellation Brands, Distilled Spirits Council, and Beverage Media Group.

Currently, the company is a proud supporter of state associations across the country including New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, and Colorado; a sponsor of wholesaler organizations such as Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) and National Beer Wholesalers of America (NBWA); and an active member of the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS). In addition to sharing education around digital solutions within beverage alcohol, Provi will support initiatives around social responsibility which focus on the betterment of the industry, such as "We Don't Serve Teens." "The hospitality industry has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, resulting in challenges to reach profitability due to ongoing labor shortages and inflation," stated Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. "Having supporters, like Provi, is important as we learn about new ways to help our members take on the day-to-day challenges they face." In addition to associations whose members consist of businesses across each tier, Provi is also expanding its commercial partnerships with companies that share a similar ethos. Earlier this year, Provi announced a partnership with BevStrat to support growth for emerging brands. Leading these partnership initiatives for Provi is Andrew Levy who will now serve as Provi's SVP Strategy and Corporate Affairs, David Wojnar will act as SVP, Industry Affairs and Social Responsibility, and Ian Griffith who has moved into the role of VP, Industry Affairs, State & Local. "Having been with Provi for close to two years and part of the beverage alcohol industry for nearly two decades, I've seen significant growth results when companies collaborate and support each other," stated Levy. "We're excited to further embed Provi into the industry and support the three-tier system." Over the last several months, Provi has increased its efforts to support organizations aimed to generate growth for on- and off-premise retailers. At the state level, Provi supports the New York State Restaurant Association, New York Association of Convenience Stores, Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association, NY State Liquor Store Association, Metro Package Store Association, The Retailers Alliance, NYC Hospitality Alliance, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Massachusetts Package Store Association, Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Package Store Association, Hospitality Tennessee, Illinois Restaurant Association and Colorado Restaurant Association. "Through our association partnerships, Provi has been able to support the beverage alcohol and hospitality communities," added Wojnar. "These groups are the heartbeat of the industry and Provi is proud to support them. We're looking forward to expanding our efforts at a continued local and national scale" Throughout 2023, Provi will be further developing its industry partnerships and actively becoming members and supporters throughout the beverage alcohol industry, in addition to other sectors such as technology, CPG, and food, among others. To learn more about Provi visit: https://www.provi.com/ About Provi (www.provi.com) Provi is the largest online marketplace that simplifies the complex process of ordering wholesale alcohol by connecting buyers, distributors, and suppliers. Active in key markets throughout the U.S., Provi's robust, online marketplace improves communication and efficiency for on- and off-premise buyers, distributors and suppliers. As of 2022, 10 percent of licensed retailers in the U.S. are on the marketplace. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Provi has received a total of $125 million in funding, is valued at $750 million and has recently been named an Emerging Unicorn by Crunchbase. The company also received Built In Chicago's Best Places to Work recognition in 2022. In 2022, Provi joined forces with SevenFifty.

Miller Lite Taps into the Holiday Spirit with New Gift Collection and Christmas Tree Keg Stands for Beer Lovers

'Tis Miller Time with new knitwear, bigger Beernaments and a new way to drink Miller Lite straight from your evergreen tree.

CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As family and friends gather this holiday season, Miller Lite has you covered with the perfect gifts to put under any beer lover's tree. Miller Lite's new holiday collection features everything from cozy beer-inspired knitwear and festive can-holder ornaments to the world's first Holiday Tree Keg Stand, so you can drink draft Miller Lite straight from your evergreen tree. Back by popular demand, Miller Lite has updated its signature knitwear line with new seasonal designs along with its second batch of decorative can-holding tree ornaments, better known as Beernaments. Now supporting 12 oz cans of beer, Beernaments fit snugly around Miller Lite cans and ship in sets of six for sharing (with your 21+ friends). Once enjoyed, Beernaments can be hung on Christmas trees for all to behold by simply using the tab and a hook. But that's not all. Miller Lite is also releasing the Christmas Tree Keg Stand, the ultimate way to enjoy the original great-tasting light pilsner beer this season. Perfect for keeping your tree fresh and beer cold, the Christmas Tree Keg Stand is a fully-functioning tree stand designed to fit perfectly around a quarter barrel keg of Miller Lite. Great for gatherings with friends and family, the limited-edition Christmas Tree Keg Stand is compatible with up to a five-foot tree and will be available for purchase in limited quantities while supplies last. "This season there's truly no better gift to leave under a beer lover's tree than the tree stand itself!" said Sofia Colucci, Global VP of Miller family of brands. "Last year, we decorated the tree with Beernaments and this year, we're literally putting the gift of Miller Time right under the tree with the Christmas Tree Keg Stand." On November 10th at 9am CT, drinkers can buy knitwear, Beernaments and the Christmas Tree Keg Stand at treekegstand.com for $49.99, while supplies last. The tree and Miller Lite keg are not included with purchase. To purchase knitwear and beernaments, visit shop.millerlite.com. For more information, follow Miller Lite on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About Miller Brewing Company Miller Brewing Company was founded in 1855 by Frederick J. Miller when he purchased the Plank Road Brewery in Milwaukee, a city he chose as the best place for a brewery given its access to great water. Miller Lite, the original great-tasting light pilsner beer, (MillerLite.com, Facebook.com/MillerLite, @MillerLite on Twitter, YouTube.com/MillerLite) was introduced nationally in 1975 and is among the top-five selling beers in the United States. The brewery's oldest enduring beer is Miller High Life (MillerHighLife.com, Facebook.com/MillerHighLife, @MillerHighLife on Twitter). Known as the Champagne of Beers, it was introduced in 1903 and still is brewed with the same yeast strain that Miller carried in his pocket from Germany. Miller Genuine Draft (MGD.com, Facebook.com/MillerGenuineDraft, @Miller_Global on Twitter), introduced in 1986, is the original cold-filtered, packaged draft beer. Miller Brewing Company is part of the North America business unit of Molson Coors Beverage Company. Learn more at MolsonCoors.com, at Facebook.com/Molsoncoors or Instagram and Twitter with @MolsonCoors.

Saucey Launches Alcohol Delivery in New Jersey

App will bring easy alcohol delivery to 3,000,000+ households in New Jersey metropolitan areas

HOBOKEN, N.J., Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Saucey, a leading alcohol delivery platform that offers scheduled deliveries straight to your doorstep, announced recently the launch of its service into New Jersey. The expansion brings the alcohol delivery app to over 28 zip codes, including cities like Newark, Hoboken, and Fairfield. This new service area will extend their already existing zoning in New York City, and the company plans to continue growing their service capabilities throughout New Jersey and Rochester. Residents of the New Jersey area are now invited to browse Saucey's menu for a wide-range of liquor and convenience store items to be delivered within a chosen scheduled timeframe. Selections include ice-cold beer, spirits, packs of cigarettes, vapes, and snacks & mixers like chips, ice cream, and margarita mix. "We're thrilled to expand into New Jersey," said Saucey's VP of Operations, Chris Shon. "It's an important market and carries a uniqueness from New York where a wider variety of categories can be offered, like beer. We're looking forward to bringing these new opportunities to adults in New Jersey, so they too can experience top-notch on-demand delivery with Saucey." Over the last two years, Saucey has expanded its national footprint and moved into a variety of different-sized markets. Today, it operates in over 1,000 cities and 19 states including areas like Miami, Florida and Arlington, Virginia. Going forward, the company is focused on maintaining its one-of-a-kind customer experience while expanding its service into various cities of Colorado, Missouri, and expanding further into Texas. To try out Saucey delivery in New Jersey, shop now at https://saucey.com/alcohol-delivery-new-jersey. About Saucey Since its launch in 2014, Saucey has transformed the alcohol-delivery industry through its dedication to offering top-notch customer service, the latest in proprietary last-mile logistics technology, and an unparalleled mountain of consumer insights that guide the way major alcohol players can reach new, untapped audiences. Currently available in major cities across the U.S., and rapidly expanding in additional markets throughout the country, Saucey not only provides for its customers, but also supports the independently-owned liquor and convenience stores that act as the sellers on its platform. Shop now at https://saucey.com.

Michelob ULTRA Supports First-Time Women & Non-Binary TCS New York City Marathon Runners with "Run Fund" Inspired by Trailblazing Runner Kathrine Switzer

The beer brand's latest commitment to gender equality in sports honors Kathrine Switzer and other athletes who have broken barriers to increase representation in running and sports

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelob ULTRA, the beer brand that believes every athlete deserves to experience an equal level of joy in sports, is encouraging more women and non-binary athletes to run the TCS New York City marathon by introducing the Michelob ULTRA Run Fund.  In partnership with the New York Road Runners, the fund will offer a contest giving these runners a chance to win a bib to the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon and training programs for them to make their marathon debut. The Michelob ULTRA Run Fund is a multi-year program that will begin with the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon and expand to other races nationwide as the next chapter in the brand's commitment to equality and visibility in sports. As the TCS New York City Marathon celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Women's Division, Michelob ULTRA is acknowledging the barriers that have been broken and the strides still to be made in the race to equality in sports. Currently, women and non-binary runners are outnumbered by males, making up 46% of New York City marathon finishers.  To help bridge the gap, Michelob ULTRA will highlight the inspiring stories of gender equality advocates and provide resources and access to bring female and non-binary representation to 50% at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. Michelob ULTRA will bring the story of Kathrine Switzer to life in an inspiring new TVC, airing during the TCS New York City Marathon. Kathrine Switzer changed running forever when she became the first woman to officially complete the Boston Marathon in 1967, ultimately leading to the establishment of the women's division of marathons and paving the way for thousands of women to experience the joy of their first race. "Michelob ULTRA is committed to using our brand as a platform to increase gender representation and equal enjoyment for everyone who loves sports." said Ricardo Marques, Vice President of Marketing, Michelob ULTRA. "We believe in celebrating an active and balanced lifestyle and are proud to continue working with partners like New York Road Runners and the Women's Sports Foundation to bring our shared values to life.  Because it's only worth it, if we all enjoy it." The Michelob ULTRA Run Fund is an extension of the brand's $100 Million commitment to gender equality in sports.  Continuing its history as a longtime sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, Michelob ULTRA will celebrate this year's marathon with a range of initiatives to encourage involvement, inclusion, and representation, including: Bringing together gender equality advocates to share their honest experiences and address ways we can all impact positive change during a riveting panel discussion. Together with the Women's Sports Foundation, the panel will focus on "The Road to Inclusion: 50 Years of Breaking Barriers" and feature Cari Champion, a pioneer for women in sport broadcasting; Jake Fedorowski, a leader in creating non-binary running divisions; Alexi Pappas, Olympian, and marathoner; Jocelyn Rivas, the youngest Latina to run 100 marathons; and Kathrine Switzer, a trailblazer for women in sports. Closing remarks will be provided by Phaidra Knight, World Rugby Hall of Famer, MMA fighter, and Women's Sports Foundation Past President. Releasing an inspiring TVC highlighting Kathrine Switzer's courageous act 55 years ago, that will air during TCS New York City Marathon coverage on WABC. Introducing the Michelob ULTRA Run Fund which will provide training programs and resources for women and non-binary athletes making their marathon debut and a contest giving these runners a chance to win a bib for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.  As part of this effort, Michelob ULTRA will launch "Train Like a Pro Marathon Runner" where athletes will receive weekly training tips developed by Team ULTRA coaches. "In 1967, I set out to prove that women could run distances and deserved to be included in marathons. Since then, major strides have been made but there is still work to be done," said Kathrine Switzer.  "We're just getting started. Women have only been running competitively for the last 50 years, which is why it is so important for brands like Michelob ULTRA to continue to take action and advocate for equality in sports." To learn more about the Michelob ULTRA Run Fund and Michelob ULTRA's commitment to equality in sports, visit MichelobULTRA.com/RunFund and @MichelobULTRA #ULTRARunFund. Michelob ULTRA Run Fund Contest. No Purchase Necessary.  Begins 11/01/22 and ends 07/01/23. Open to US residents 21+ who have not previously completed a marathon. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules at www.michelobultra.com/contestrules for prize information and details. Msg & data rates may apply.  About Michelob ULTRA  Introduced in 2002, Michelob ULTRA is the No. 2 beer in the industry by volume. With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavors or colors, it is a superior light beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers that includes both fitness and fun. Michelob ULTRA's choice of grains and extended mashing process leads to its refreshing taste and fewer carbohydrates. It is brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain, all of which reflect Anheuser-Busch's commitment to brewing quality. Michelob ULTRA reminds you to always drink, and sweat, responsibly. About Anheuser-Busch  At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 160 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 19,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit  www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.   About The Women's Sports Foundation  The Women's Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. From its inception to Title IX's 50th anniversary in 2022, WSF has invested over $100 million in these impact efforts, helping to shape the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. We're building a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation. All girls. All women. All sports.® To learn more about the Women's Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org. About New York Road Runners (NYRR)  NYRR's mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world's premier community running organization. NYRR's commitment to New York City's five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR's premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world's top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Federal Government's Fall Economic Statement 2022 Fails To Address Real Challenges of Canadians

 

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2022 /CNW/ - The Federal government's Fall Economic Statement 2022 fails to address the strong consensus recommendation from brewers, hospitality, tourism, and labour unions to freeze beer taxes in recognition of today's challenges and the current unique business environment.

"It is extremely disappointing and frustrating that today's update has no measure to address next year's looming 6.3% federal tax increase on beer", said CJ Hélie, President of Beer Canada. "A further inflation-indexed tax hike on beer next year will impose unnecessary and willful harm on Canadian consumers, the hospitality sector and Canadian brewers of all sizes". First introduced in Budget 2017, Canadian federal alcohol excise duties increase automatically on April 1st each year by a CPI inflation-indexing formula determined the previous September. Without a legislative amendment to the Excise Act, beer excise duties will increase by 6.3% on April 1st, imposing a new annual $45 million beer tax on Canadian consumers and businesses. "Tying beer taxes directly to CPI inflation creates a vicious upward spiral. A 6.3% tax increase that is further magnified by provincial beer and sales taxes will place upward pressure on consumer beer prices already rising due to increased production costs, and these higher beer prices push inflation even higher", added Hélie. In the absence of a clear commitment by the Government that next year's scheduled federal beer tax increase will not proceed, Canadian brewers will likely now need to adjust their 2023 business plans to account for the largest single beer tax increase in the nation's history. According to Beer Canada's sales statistics, on-premise beer sales volumes in licensed hospitality venues remain 30% below pre-pandemic levels. Beer Canada estimates that the flow-through impact of next year's beer excise duty rate when added to increased beer production and operating costs, all magnified by cascading provincial commodity and sales taxes, including the federal GST may raise beer retail prices by 6% to 9%. At nearly 50% of the typical retail price, Canadian consumers already pay amongst the highest beer taxes in the world.  Public Accounts Canada report that federal Treasury beer excise duty revenues rose 17.1% between F2022 and F2017, while industry market reports indicate beer sales volumes declined by 7.5% over the same period.   ABOUT BEER CANADA Beer Canada is the sole national inclusive voice advocating on behalf of Canadian brewers of all sizes and regions and Canadian beer consumers. Beer Canada's member companies brew 90% of all beer consumed by Canadians annually. The production, distribution and sale of beer supports 149,000 Canadian jobs, generates $14 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $5.7 billion in government tax revenues. Beer Canada promotes moderate and responsible consumption by those of the legal age and is the authoritative source for data & information on the Canadian beer Industry.

Catalina Identifies Holiday Bar Cart Trends: Low-Alcohol Wine, Ready-to-drink Cocktails Gain Momentum

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Anticipating the countless holiday toasts sure to be offered over the next several weeks, shopper intelligence leader Catalina has identified several adult beverage category trends that will likely impact the contents of both bar and shopping carts across the U.S. this holiday season.

In examining data pulled from its unrivaled Shopper Intelligence Platform, which provides a deep reservoir of purchase-based, anonymized buyer insights across virtually every U.S. household in real time, Catalina expects premixed cocktails and low-alcohol wine to top the list of adult beverages hosts serve this holiday season. Their rise in popularity has come at the expense of wine (both bottled and canned) and hard seltzer. CHEERS TO THE HOLIDAYS Low-alcohol/ better-for-you wine +35 % Premixed cocktails +29 % Craft beer + 6 % Flavored Malt Beverages + 4 % Domestic beer + 3 % Imported beer + 3 % Sherry/Vermouth/ Champagne -3 % Cider -4 % Wine -5 % Spirits -6 % Canned wine -17 % Hard seltzer -29 % *Source: Catalina Shopper Intelligence Platform, Dollars spent Q3 2021 vs. Q3 2022 Specifically, the dollars spent on low-alcohol and better-for-you wine purchases grew 35% during the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, while spending on pre-mixed cocktails increased by 29%.  Canned wine fell 17%, while bottled wine was down 5%. Domestic and imported beer purchases grew at 3%, while craft beer and flavored malt beverages (FMB) posted 6% and 4% sales gains, respectively. Other categories had modest sales dips, including sherry/vermouth/champagne (-3%), cider (-4%), and spirits (-6%). Hard seltzer took a tumble, falling 29%. Overall, Catalina's data shows that alcoholic beverage prices are rising at a rate lower than inflation, typically increasing at a range of 1% (canned wine and spirits) to 8% (FMB). "These sorts of deep dives into our Shopper Intelligence Platform can be invaluable to our customers. Knowing what shoppers are more likely to put into their baskets this holiday season allows us to identify and better segment 1,700-plus syndicated and custom audiences, which in turn helps our retail and CPG customers develop personalized messaging and incentives in real time that trigger incremental sales," said Sean Murphy, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Catalina. About Catalina Catalina is a leader in shopper intelligence and highly targeted in-store, TV, radio, podcast and digital media that personalizes the shopper journey. Powered by the world's richest real-time shopper database, Catalina helps retailers, CPG brands and agencies optimize every stage of media planning, execution and measurement to deliver $6.1 billion in consumer value annually. Catalina has no higher priority than ensuring the privacy and security of the data entrusted to the company and maintaining consumer trust. Catalina has operations in the United States, Costa Rica, Europe and Japan. To learn more, visit www.catalina.com or @Catalina on Twitter.