Gourmet News

Red, white or crimson? Single-Serve Wine Copa Di Vino Goes to ‘Bama

Published October 25, 2022

Single-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage Group will be the exclusive wine available at the University of Alabama’s Athletics Department events, which includes NCAA football games in Bryant Denny Stadium.

Through this agreement, Copa Di Vino will also be included in various broadcast and digital advertising conducted by the athletic department.

Copa Di Vino is the leading producer of premium wine by the glass in the United States. Famously launched with multiple appearances on the hit television series, “Shark Tank,” the brand is now widely recognized for premium wines without the need for bottles, corkscrews or glass.

“This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for Copa Di Vino to not only see increased sales as we continue our execution in large venues, but to benefit from an association with one of the more widely recognized “brands” in the U.S.,” said Robert Nistico, Splash Beverage Group’s chairman and CEO.

“The University of Alabama Crimson Tide has the largest fan base in the SEC. Alabama football has appeared in 9 national championship games since 2009, and U of A Athletics hosts over 1.4 million spectators each academic year, including over 800,000 at Bryan Denny Stadium.

Single-serve wine Copa di Vino, through this agreement, will be allowed to use the Athletics Departments logos and we’d note that Alabama is the #1 selling brand in college athletics. U of A fans will see Copa signage throughout the venues. We’re thrilled with the exposure that Copa will receive.”

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FMI: Consumers Adapt to Economy, Modify Holiday Grocery Budgets

Published October 21, 2022

This year, typical holiday stress is exacerbated by inflationary concerns, with 62 percent of shoppers reporting their grocery costs have increased year-over-year. Despite inflation-induced concerns, average weekly household grocery spending is currently at $148 per week, which is down from the $161 peak during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food Industry Association released Part VI of its U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2022 series, “Holiday Shopping.” The final release from the expansive survey of food shoppers’ journeys explores the sentiment and behaviors of consumers as they head into the holiday season.

Heading into the holiday season, 45 percent of consumers report being most concerned about rising meal prices as compared to other holiday expenses. Fortunately, most shoppers indicate they are in control of their grocery budgets, with 71% of consumers making some adjustment to their holiday meal shopping to adapt to the changing economic landscape. This indicates that shoppers are still able to find budget-friendly items to meet their needs.

To mitigate increased costs, consumers say they are:

Looking for deals (28 percent).
Choosing store brands (21 percent).
Enjoying more homecooked meals (20 percent).
Making fewer dishes overall (17 percent).
Substituting more affordable options (17 percent).
Encouraging guests to bring dishes (17 percent).
Spending less in other categories to provide holiday meals (17 percent).

“Food is the centerpiece for so many of our holiday gatherings. Despite inflationary pressures, consumers are determined to enjoy the festivities this year as they normally do,” said Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “The food industry is working tirelessly to keep costs down and to ensure that our timeless traditions can continue during this holiday season.”

Shortages were a hallmark of the pandemic across many industries, but progress made by food retailers and suppliers to curb widespread supply chain issues has kept consumer confidence up heading into the holidays. Only 27% of consumers report being “very concerned” about food items needed for holiday meals being out of stock.

Shoppers are resilient and if they run into stock issues when holiday food shopping, 50% report they would try something new, while 36 percent would look for a new recipe.

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ASAP.com Launches Home, Office Food Delivery in NYC

Published October 21, 2022

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ASAP.com, the on-demand delivery brand for Waitr Holdings Inc., has launched home and office food delivery in New York City.

Beginning home delivery service in New York is the latest substantial step for the company, as it builds its brand in the Tri-State area. Earlier, ASAP.com secured the exclusive mobile ordering rights with MetLife Stadium, the New York Giants and the New York Jets, and started food delivery in multiple cities in New Jersey.

“The debut of home and office restaurant delivery in New York City marks an important step for ASAP as customers get more acquainted with the brand in the Tri-State area,” said Carl Grimstad, CEO and chairman of the board of ASAP, Inc. “Fans tell us they love using ASAP at MetLife Stadium, and they’re now excited to be able to experience the same excellent standard of service in the comfort of their own homes.”

ASAP.com is known for community outreach and giving back to the cities that it serves.

“We are very fortunate to be the official mobile ordering partner for the Jets and Giants, as it has allowed us to establish and support local grassroots efforts through the Jets and United Way’s Hometown Huddle; and the Giants’ Adopt A Firehouse program,” Grimstad said.

Just last month, in honor of Sept. 11, the New York Giants in partnership with ASAP.com visited a local firehouse as part of the Adopt A Firehouse program. Players from the Giants met with the local firefighters of FDNY Engine 24 Ladder 5, while ASAP dropped off a special food delivery to the station, located at 227 6^th Ave. in New York. Giants players had a chance to visit and talk with the firefighters before sitting down to eat with them. ASAP delivered the meals straight to the firehouse from Virgil’s Real Barbecue.

In addition to food delivery, ASAP.com offers delivery of a wide variety of items, utilizing its “deliver anything ASAP” model. Products available for delivery include alcohol, grocery, convenience and retail.