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.
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* 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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Buckeye Vodka Teams With Ohio State Athletics Department
Buckeye Vodka, the #1 Ohio-made vodka, has secured a sponsorship with The Ohio State University Department of Athletics, beginning August 2024. For the first time, Buckeye Vodka is a Proud Sponsor of Ohio State Athletics, brokered through the departments multi-media rights partner Learfield, the media and technology company powering college athletics.
Just in time for tailgating season, Buckeye Vodka will be making a splash across local and national media outlets, celebrating, and building excitement around this relationship. The product will be available at all events throughout the year at both the Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center.
Buckeye fans can enjoy their favorite Ohio-made vodka at collegiate football and basketball games. A family-owned and operated business, making premium craft vodka that’s distilled 10 times, Buckeye Vodka is hailed by fans throughout the state as the smoothest vodka.
“The relationship with The Ohio State University Athletics just makes sense. The brands align very well. We are thrilled to bring two winning traditions together in this way and share the story of Buckeye Vodka with Buckeye Nation,” said Jim Finke, co-founder of the vodka company. “Ohio State Athletics is an incredible brand with a winning tradition. They are particular about who they take on as sponsors.
“Enjoy Buckeye Vodka at your tailgates, share it at home with your friends and ask for it by name at your favorite establishments not just on game days but any day you’re enjoying a refreshment. As always, we ask that everyone please drink responsibly.”
“We are excited to welcome Buckeye Vodka as a Proud Sponsor of Ohio State Athletics,” said Todd Knisley, vice president & general manager at Ohio State Sports Properties. “Their commitment to quality and passion for supporting local communities aligns perfectly with our mission at The Ohio State University Athletics.”
Buckeye Vodka continues to lead Ohio’s alcohol and vodka industry with a handcrafted production method that is meticulous and distinct. From its inception, it has boasted the true “Spirit of Ohio” – rock-solid determination in the face of adversity. The company tests and compares every batch against the leading national brands and will not stop until it’s the smoothest. This personal attention to detail ensures that each bottle is just as good as the last, offering top shelf vodka without the top shelf price.
The vodka is carefully handcrafted right in Ohio’s Miami Valley. For over a decade, the team has tested and compared each distillation and filtration batch against the leading national brands. Its use of distilled water has contributed to the distillery’s success in producing a clean, smooth and consistent experience every time. This personal attention to detail ensures that every bottle is just as good as the last.
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Southern Glazer’s to Acquire Horizon Beverage Group
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits — the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol— plans to acquire Horizon Beverage Group, Inc., one of New England’s premier alcohol distributors. The deal includes all of Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as their wine, spirits, and beer portfolio, and makes these two states the 46th and 47th markets in Southern Glazer’s U.S. footprint, in addition to Canada and the Caribbean.
Upon completion of the acquisition, the business will operate under the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Massachusetts and of Rhode Island names, respectively. The current Horizon leadership teams in both states will continue leading operations in those markets and will work closely with Southern Glazer’s East Region President Scott Oppenheimer. All of Horizon’s family members and leadership team, including Co-Chairmen Bob Epstein and Jim Rubenstein, will also continue in their current roles to help ensure a smooth transition for all employees, suppliers, and customers.
“The Epstein and Rubenstein families have spent four generations building an exceptional business and legacy in New England that we have admired for years,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Horizon’s dedication to innovation and operational excellence, along with commitments to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, corporate citizenship, and diversity, create an ideal match for Southern Glazer’s business and culture. We expect all existing and new supplier partners, as well as customers, to benefit from our two companies’ strengths and expertise, and look forward to building on the great foundation already established in the valuable Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets.”
Formed in 1933, Horizon has grown to be one of the largest beverage alcohol distributors in New England, with long-standing supplier relationships with some of the world’s top beer, wine and spirits brands. The company currently employs more than 600 people, operates 800,000 square feet of warehouse space and has a fleet of nearly 100 delivery vehicles.
Added Epstein, “We have full confidence in a seamless transition for all of Horizon’s valued team members and partners. I have enjoyed a more than 50-year relationship with the Chaplin family. Southern Glazer’s is the ideal partner with the size, scale and strength to support our employees well into the future, and to maintain our promise of high-quality service for customers and suppliers in New England.”
“Horizon’s trading partners will gain access to Southern Glazer’s world-class commercial, supply chain, digital, and data insights capabilities,” said Rubenstein. “In addition, joining the broader Southern Glazer’s family provides our talented and passionate employees even greater skill development and career growth opportunities. I trust this next step in our journey will be incredibly positive for all parties.”
The deal is expected to close upon regulatory approval.
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 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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