Daniel Marsteller

In the most closely watched ballot initiative this election cycle in the cannabis industry, voters in Florida rejected adult-use sales in the state. A majority of Florida voters approved the measure—in a tally of about 56%—but failed to meet the 60% threshold needed to put it over the top. The defeat nips a potential multibillion-dollar adult-use cannabis market in the bud, although the Sunshine State remains a large cannabis market via its medical program.

U.S. sales for Viña Concha y Toro grew 21% to just under $100 million in the first nine months of this year on a volume increase of 16% to 2.4 million cases.

Napa Valley-based Far Niente Wine Estates is among the leading landholders in California’s most prestigious wine region with approximately 500 acres of vineyards, producing about 155,000 cases annually across a luxury portfolio including the Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, Bella Union, EnRoute, and Post & Beam brands.

Pernod Ricard USA has appointed industry veteran Paul Basford as chief commercial officer, reporting to Conor McQuaid, chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America.

Imports have been outpacing domestic wines in the U.S. this year, and French offerings in turn are outpacing total imports. Among France’s key regions, Burgundy bottlings performed well over the first half of this year, with exports to the U.S. up 8% to €153 million ($165m) on a 4% volume increase to 9.3 million bottles (775,000 cases). The growth was largely propelled by white wines—accounting for 63% of Burgundy’s U.S. export volume—which grew 3% by volume and 11% by value in the first half. Reds were up 5% in both volume and value terms, while Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wine saw 7% volume and 10% value growth.

In an effort to capitalize on premiumization globally, Diageo has unveiled a new Luxury Group to house its high-end brands. Led by Julie Bramham, former global brand director of Johnnie Walker, the new division is intended to accelerate growth for Diageo’s $100-plus brand portfolio, with the goal of becoming the number-one luxury spirits company in the world.

California-based Bronco Wine Co. has appointed food and beverage industry veteran Dom Engels as chief executive. Engels succeeds Daniel Leonard, who is retiring after more than 38 years with Bronco. Leonard helped lead the company after the passing of co-founder Fred T. Franzia in late 2022.

Terlato Wine Group is adding to its Artisan Spirits portfolio with a strategic investment in Fort Worth, Texas-based Blackland Distillery. Founded by former attorney Markus Kypreos, Blackland’s distillery also includes a cocktail bar, tasting room, and event space. Terms weren’t disclosed.

DeLeón Tequila is receiving a push from brand owner Diageo this fall, with the company unveiling a new “Bold Spirits, Rise” campaign aimed at younger LDA consumers. “This campaign is a significant investment for DeLeón,” brand director Ari Anderman told SND.

Beverage alcohol retailers and restaurants nationwide are setting the stage for this year’s holiday season when they showcase the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau wines beginning today. Beaujolais Nouveau is traditionally launched on the third Thursday of November each year.