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(included) CPG to Make Winter Fancy Food Show Debut

On the heels of launching its successful partnership with the Specialty Food Association at the 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show, (included) CPG, a collective of BIPOC founders and executives in consumer packaged goods, will make its Winter Fancy Food Show debut Jan. 15-17, in Las Vegas.

The SFA has been a proud supporter of (included) since June of 2022 with the first cohort of (included) members joining the SFA at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The SFA continues to invest in creating a more inclusive specialty food industry by sponsoring an additional 10 BIPOC makers from (included) at the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show.

“The Specialty Food Association is a not-for-profit membership trade association working toward a more inclusive specialty food industry,” said Bill Lynch, president, SFA. “In partnering with (included), we are able to reach a broader spectrum of BIPOC owners and makers who we can showcase at our Fancy Food Shows.”

The exhibitors from (included) are:

“As BIPOC founders whose mission is to make an impact at scale for both people and the planet there are so many challenges we face each and every day that make it an uphill battle. So we are extremely thankful and appreciative of the efforts made by (included) CPG and the Specialty Food Association to empower us with your resources, support, and advocacy to help us realize our dreams,” said Michael D. Ham, president, Wild Orchard.

The largest B2B specialty food event in the western United States, the Winter Fancy Food Show features thousands of specialty food and beverage products from around the world. The Show is open only to qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates, and journalists. For more information, click here.

For more coverage of the Winter Fancy Food Show, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Southern Glazer’s Expands Sassenach Spirits Distribution

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is expanding its distribution agreement with Sassenach Spirits, the spirits import company founded by Scottish actor and philanthropist Sam Heughan and American entrepreneur Alex Norouzi.

Inspired by the Scottish Highlands, The Sassenach Spirit Of Home Edition is a collaboration between Master Blender Michael Henry and Heughan. Carefully selected single malts create an ornately balanced blend with a sweet finish.

“Whisky is personal to me,” Heughan said. “It has been part of every moment in celebrating life, my heritage, and my culture. So, this wasn’t just a ‘business opportunity,’ it was the process of creating something very personal and unique that we could share with others. With our first release of The Sassenach, ‘The Spirit of Home’ Edition, we accomplished exactly that! The partnership with Southern Glazer’s is yet another endeavor to celebrate, and I can’t wait to work closely with them in bringing more of my home to consumers.”

The portfolio consists of The Sassenach Scotch Whisky: Spirit of Home Edition. Additionally, the company will launch a high premium Scottish Gin, scheduled to be released in 2023.

“This partnership is critical to the growth of our portfolio,” Norouzi said. “The Southern Glazer’s team brings strong proficiency in both the on- and off-premise markets and we know that the momentum we’ve created so far will be enhanced by their team.”

Sassenach Spirits is part of the Southern Glazer’s Craft Collection Luxury Spirits Division portfolio. The Craft Collection team of industry specialists delivers a differentiated customer experience, with first-hand beverage operations expertise, collaboration, and a thoughtfully curated portfolio.

“We’re pleased to be working with such a professional team,” said Ray Lombard, executive vice president, general manager, Craft Collection Luxury Spirits Division of Southern Glazer’s. “Sam personifies Scotland – his passion for Scotch and collaboration with Michael are truly bringing ‘Scotland in a bottle.’ Sam and Alex have built a formidable brand and we’re excited to be part of the next phase of growth. Our team is also looking forward to helping launch The Sassenach Scottish Gin and create a strong national footprint for the brand.”

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