Southern Glazer’s Acquires Horizon Beverage Group
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits—the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol—today announced the successful closing of its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Horizon Beverage Group, Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors, including all of Horizon’s operations and wine, spirits and beer portfolio. Effective immediately, Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will operate under the name Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company.
The acquisition marks an exciting expansion for Southern Glazer’s, adding Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the 46th and 47th markets in its U.S. footprint, alongside operations in Canada and the Caribbean.
“With this acquisition, we’re combining Horizon’s deep regional expertise with Southern Glazer’s advanced technology and robust resources,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “We are excited to bring customers and suppliers enhanced tools, data insights, and service offerings that position us to meet and exceed their needs in these vital markets.”
Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets will operate as part of Southern Glazer’s East Region, led by Scott Oppenheimer, East Region president.
“We are grateful to Horizon’s employees, customers, and partners for so many years of success, and this transition represents an even brighter future for all,” said Bob Epstein. “We’re confident that Southern Glazer’s strength and scale will not only support a smooth integration, but also create new opportunities for growth and success.”
“We’re committed to maintaining the exceptional service that Horizon is known for while bringing the added benefits of being part of the Southern Glazer’s family,” added Jim Rubenstein. “This partnership ensures stability and growth for all stakeholders and strengthens our ability to deliver value across the board.”
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2024, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.
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Community Coffee Launches ‘Generations’ Ad Brand Campaign
Community Coffee, the #1 family-owned retail coffee brand in America, has launched its brand campaign, “Generations.” Highlighting the Baton Rouge, La., brand’s 105-year history, the campaign celebrates Community Coffee’s founding mission – to bring people together and foster community in every cup. This sentiment is at the heart of the “Generations” campaign, displayed across TV, streaming video, digital, social media and audio.
“This campaign resonates deeply with me because it highlights the rich history and connection we share as a community over a simple cup of coffee,” said third-generation Community Coffee owner Donna Saurage. “It reminds me that every sip is not just about the beverage, but about the relationships and values that bind us together.”
The campaign commercial opens with an image of the F.L. and H.N. Saurage General Merchandise Store, which was run by Community Coffee founder Henry Norman “Cap” Saurage and his brother. Cap blended coffee for store customers according to his own secret recipe — a recipe that became Community Coffee in 1919. After five generations, Cap’s family is still roasting smooth, rich coffee that builds community one cup at a time.
“With this new campaign, we aim to show that Community Coffee is about more than just a great cup of coffee,” said CEO Tom Corley. “Our company is committed to supporting communities locally here in Baton Rouge and far beyond. What truly sets Community Coffee apart is our unwavering commitment to serving our customers and communities with integrity, consistency and excellence.”
Kicking off the partnership, the campaign was produced by TMA, a marketing and creative agency based in Dallas and aims to connect Community Coffee with a new generation of coffee drinkers while paying respect to those that came before.
“Sharing a cup of coffee with an old neighbor or a new friend is as relevant and rewarding today as it was in the past,” said fourth-generation owner Matt Saurage. “So often, it’s through conversations over coffee that people share ideas, relationships are built and communities are inspired.”
The campaign spotlights two of Community’s best-selling coffees: Breakfast Blend and the year-round Mardi Gras King Cake, a flavored coffee that celebrates the brand’s Louisiana heritage.
Community Coffee’s commitment to giving back is referenced in the commercial’s 1980s classroom scene. Since 1988, the Community Cash for Schools® program has raised over $8.5 million for students and teachers by enabling schools to redeem product proofs of purchase for funds. The company also recognizes community leaders through the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Community Leader Award, which celebrates educators and administrators positively impacting student-athletes, and the H. Norman Saurage III Service Award, established in partnership with Dream Teachers to honor exceptional Louisiana teachers.
In addition to education, Community Coffee gives back to military service members and disaster relief while being a proud founding member of World Coffee Research.
For more about “Generations,” follow Community Coffee on social media and visit www.communitycoffee.com.
Founded in 1919 by “Cap” Saurage in Louisiana, Community Coffee Company is the nation’s #1 family-owned premium retail coffee brand. The fifth-generation company is an importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffee products available online, at select retail stores and in business nationwide. Community Coffee offers ground, whole-bean, single-serve and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. The company remains true to its purpose of giving back to those who help communities thrive with programs supporting education, military service members, and disaster relief. See how they’ve put Community in Every Cup Since 1919 at CommunityCoffee.com, @communitycoffeecompany on Facebook and @communitycoffee on Instagram and TikTok.
TMA (https://www.wearetma.agency) pushes past relevance to create true cultural resonance for brands. A fully integrated agency with strategic and creative expertise across all forms of content, experience and partnership, TMA is headquartered in Dallas, with offices across the country and staff around the globe. It is a part of Omnicom (NYSE: OMC; www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading provider of data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions.
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Albertsons Toasts New Private Label Bee Lightly Wines
Albertsons Companies, Inc. has launched Bee Lightly , the newest addition to the company’s Own Brands wine portfolio, distinguished by its unique flat bottle design crafted from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate. This innovative approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, underscoring a commitment to recycled packaging solutions without compromising on the quality and flavor of wine that customers expect. With 91-point ratings from The Tasting Panel *, both the 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé were developed with shoppers in mind, offering acclaimed French wines that are affordable and create a delightful experience with every sip.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” said Curtis Mann, Master of Wines at Albertsons Cos. “By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we are offering shoppers quality, affordable wines from France while also redefining wine packaging standards.”
Bee Lightly is available at select Albertsons Cos. stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and ACME, and for delivery soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The new wines feature carefully selected chardonnay and rosé varietals sourced from the up-and-coming Hérault and Limoux regions.
- Bee Lightly Chardonnay : Harvested at night from a collective of vineyards and fermented in thermoregulated tanks to ensure an optimal environment, the chardonnay offers a unique palate with bright and intense aromas of melons and pears, with a hint of fresh butter and subtle honey and oak balance.
- Bee Lightly Rosé : Capturing the essence of Southern France with its pale salmon color, the rosé presents a perfect pairing for light meals with its compelling flavor profile of fresh red fruit, hibiscus and dried rose petals.
Bringing the wines wines to Albertsons Cos. stores was a collaborative effort focused on customers. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, along with Mann, partnered with WX Brands , known for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama , a climate tech packaging company committed to promoting a lower carbon future in the beverage industry, to develop Bee Lightly.
This new line of wines is distinguished by Packamama’s signature flat bottle design , made from recycled PET, a material that is 87% lighter than the material used for traditional glass bottles, and is recyclable. Packamama’s innovative flat packaging design has a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional wine bottle shapes by reducing transportation related emissions, and the unique flat-pack shape also enhances logistic efficiency, enabling the transportation of nearly twice as many products on a single pallet. Bee Lightly in this Packamama bottle used 44% fewer pallets for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.
“The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship,” said Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos. “Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognize the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavor at an affordable price.”
Bee Lightly joins Own Brands’ growing wine portfolio that includes Vinaforé , O Organics , Nadia , Quail Oak and Creamery wines.
To learn more, please click here.
* Using a 100-point scale, a wine rated 90 points or higher by The Tasting Panel is deemed to be outstanding or excellent.
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