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Gourmet Food

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

Single-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage GroupSingle-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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Starbucks to Sell Seattle’s Best Coffee to Nestlé

Starbucks plans to sell the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand to Nestlé, with which the company established the Global Coffee Alliance in 2018. This transaction will further strengthen the Global Coffee Alliance by allowing both companies to focus on their core strengths.

“We continue to deepen our partnership with Nestlé to deliver the best of the Starbucks Experience to our customers in channels outside of our retail stores,” said Michael Conway, group president, Starbucks International and Channel Development. “We’re confident that Nestlé will continue to grow the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand as we focus on our strategy to elevate the premium coffee experience for consumers through the Starbucks brand.”

Since forming the Global Coffee Alliance in 2018, Nestlé and Starbucks have introduced a wide range of premium coffee products to new markets at a fast pace – including whole bean coffee, roast and ground coffee as well as Starbucks capsules for Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto proprietary systems. Today, Nestlé distributes Starbucks consumer products and foodservice beverages across more than 80 markets outside Starbucks retail stores under the Global Coffee Alliance.

“Our partnership with Starbucks has confirmed Nestlé’s leading position in the dynamic and growing global coffee market,” said David Rennie, head of Nestlé Coffee Brands. “With the well-known Seattle’s Best Coffee brand, we will continue to build our leadership in coffee by offering consumers more choice for their everyday coffee.”

Through the Global Coffee Alliance, Nestlé and Starbucks will continue to closely work together to develop new, innovative products and go-to market strategies to amplify the reach and expand the unique experience of the Starbucks brand locally and globally.

The transaction is expected to close by end of 2022, subject to respective board and customary regulatory approvals. Both companies have agreed to keep the terms of this transaction confidential.

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Nasoya to Showcase Plantspired Line at Global Produce & Floral Show

Nasoya, the country’s #1 brand of tofu and a leader in the plant-based movement, will showcase its successful Plantspired line of ready-to-eat plant-based meal solutions, including a first taste of forthcoming innovations, at this year’s Global Produce & Floral ShowOct. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla.

Attendees will sample the popular Plantspired Steak marinated in Korean BBQ sauce as well as a new variety of Plantspired Toss’ables, which feature bite-sized, pre-baked tofu bites marinated with Korean Sweet Chili sauce. The new Plantspired Toss’ables variety will be available at retailers nationwide in 2023.

“Nasoya is committed to meeting consumers where they are on their plant-based journey, offering convenient and delicious Asian-inspired options that appeal to American’s evolving preferences,” said Ellen Kim, director of brand strategy & marketing communications at Pulmuone, parent company of Nasoya. “Our Plantspired products are better-for-you, plant-based solutions created with accessibility and sustainability in mind.”

Nasoya’s first expansion into plant-based meat alternatives, award-winning Korean BBQ Plantspired Steak, is continuing to gain traction with increased retail distribution and food service partnerships since its retail debut in March 2022. Applauded for its craveable taste and meat-like texture, Plantspired Steak has grown its retail footprint at over 4,000 grocers nationwide, with distribution at Wegmans, Publix, Sprouts, Stop & Shop, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and more. Sales of Plantspired Steak have increased 800 percent since it originally arrived in grocery stores, highlighting the consumer demand for plant-based food options that don’t sacrifice taste, quality, or nutrition.

Plantspired Steak also continues to make waves in the food service category with products now featured at university dining halls across the country – including University of California RiversideUniversity of California Los AngelesOhio State UniversityGeorgia State UniversityUniversity of MinnesotaRice UniversityVanderbilt and The University of Massachusetts Amherst. Plantspired Steak was also recently showcased and tasted at the popular Los Angeles Vegandale Festival, as well as at Natural Products Expo West earlier this year.

“We’ve worked hard to perfect a plant-based steak product that is charcoal grilled to perfection with Asian-inspired flavors, offering a premium experience in terms of taste and texture. We’re thrilled that our consumers’ reaction to our Plantspired Steak has matched our excitement,” said Sung Yoon Nam, vice president of marketing & sales at Pulmuone. “We’re looking forward to bringing consumers more authentic, sustainable and nutritious plant-based protein options that are convenient and easy to incorporate into a variety of meals.”

Global Produce & Floral Show is one of the largest international fresh produce and floral trade shows, bringing together producers, suppliers, distributors, and other thought leaders in the produce category. Visit Nasoya at the 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show at Booth #1905.

Pick up an issue of Produce Show Daily at the Global Produce & Floral Show. Subscribe to Gourmet News to keep up with trade shows of interest to the specialty food industry.