Maison Jospeh Drougin Ships Wines to US Via Sailboat
Maison Joseph Drouhin, renowned for the quality of its Burgundy wines, is taking a new step in its sustainability commitment by announcing its first wine shipment by sailboat. In partnership with TOWT, 15,000 bottles of 2022 Chablis and Côte de Beaune white wines will set sail in summer 2024 aboard the Anemos for a transatlantic voyage between Le Havre and New York.
This initiative represents a strong commitment for the Beaune-based company, adopting this innovative and sustainable mode of transport in line with its long-established environmental approach. This carbonless navigation allows for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 98% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions while ensuring the quality and integrity of the wines during the 15-day voyage.
The USA holds particular significance for the Drouhin family, which has owned an import company in New York and 100 hectares of vineyards in Oregon for over 40 years. As pioneers in this region, the Drouhin family continues to affirm its strong connection with the American market, its first export market after France. This first transatlantic voyage by sailboat is set to become a regular occurrence, with two annual shipments planned in the coming years until the arrival of new boats.
This initiative by Maison Joseph Drouhin is based on its core values: Passion, Harmony, Audacity, Regenerative, Excellence (PHARE, “Lighthouse” in French).
Having long been committed to environmentally respectful practices, it was one of the first Burgundy houses to adopt organic and biodynamic viticulture practices in the late 1980s. It has introduced innovative initiatives such as creating a lightweight bottle in 2008.
Inspired by family values passed down through generations, Maison Joseph Drouhin has long been committed to embodying the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and actively contributing to sustainable development in all its aspects.
Frédéric Drouhin, chairman of the executive board and a member of the fourth generation, expresses this vision by stating: “Today, the employees of Maison Joseph Drouhin and I are proud of our actions that go beyond the CSR approach. It represents not only our core values but also our commitment to a better future for our planet and future generations. Our goal for 2030 is to be a model in our choices for preserving the wine heritage and ensuring its resilience in the face of internal and external climatic and human challenges.”
Joseph Drouhin is the first wine company to have signed the Climate Business Convention, reaffirming its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
For Diana Mesa, General Manager, and Guillaume Le Grand, President of TOWT, this commercial partnership is a true success: “Joseph Drouhin, through its high-quality products and commitments to respecting our environment, is an exceptional partner for TOWT. Today, we are proud to collaborate together to decarbonize the maritime sector and promote sustainable maritime transport.”
Founded in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has five generations of experience and expertise and relies heavily on family tradition. The estate comprises 100 hectares of vineyards, 14 of which are Grand Cru and 30 Premiers Cru, all managed according to organic and biodynamic viticulture principles since 1988. Additionally, the Maison purchases grapes from loyal suppliers to complete its range where it does not own vineyards. Respect for the originality of the terroir and vintage, finesse, elegance, and harmony: this defines the Joseph Drouhin style.
The Anemos is part of the new generation of sail cargo ships from TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) for transporting wines by sail cargo ship. Currently being completed in Concarneau, this ship will be inaugurated shortly in Le Havre before departing for New York. The Anemos promises to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to traditional cargo ships thanks to its primarily wind-powered propulsion. At 80 meters long with a cargo capacity of 1100 tons, Anemos is the largest and most efficient sail cargo ship in its category. It is the first of eight vessels for the company.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Blume Super Food Lattes Expand Into Whole Foods Markets
Blume, the leading functional beverage brand focused on creating a kinder wellness world, is expanding into Whole Foods stores across the United States. Two of Blume’s most popular flavors, Matcha Coconut and Reishi Hot Chocolate, are available in 270 stores nationwide. This expansion comes on the heels of an explosive growth year for the brand, achieving their first eight-figure revenue and 50 percent year-over-year growth. The brand is now available in more than 4,000 stores across North America including: Target, Erewhon, and Anthropologie.
“Continuing to expand Blume’s U.S. presence by launching into Whole Foods marks a significant milestone and has been a dream retail partner for the brand. Whole Foods’ ethos aligns with our vision to create kinder wellness rituals that consumers will feel good about indulging in. We believe wellness is incredibly personal and we’re trying to find a better balance and create products that are attainable for everyone,” said Karen Danudjaja, CEO and Founder of Blume. “With our growing consumer demand in the U.S., Whole Foods is the perfect partner to further maximize our reach and enhance accessibility to Blume’s superfood lattes nationwide.”
Earlier this year, Blume ventured into the water elixir category with the launch of SuperBelly, a gut-friendly hydration multiplier, which has since sold out twice—equaling more than 20,000 units since February. Blume’s decision to expand to categories beyond superfood lattes was accelerated by the rise of the gut health movement and direct consumer feedback. In addition to SuperBelly, Blume’s hero superfood latte blends are refined sugar-free, certified organic, plant-based, and packaged in plastic neutral plus pouches.
Blume is a purposeful and mission-driven wellness brand focused on helping consumers create indulgent rituals they can feel good about. Founded in 2017 by Danudjaja after she struggled to find a palatable caffeine alternative while working in commercial real estate and taking several coffee meetings a day, the superfood lattes were originally available in coffee shops in Canada before growing rapidly into retail stores and direct-to-consumer over the last six years. Blume’s continued expansion across the United States amplifies the brand’s commitment to democratizing holistic wellbeing.
To learn more about Blume, visit the website or Instagram.
Blume is the leading Vancouver-based functional beverage brand focused on creating a kinder wellness world, and what happens when you pair the benefits of the wellness aisle and the experience of a cafe. Created amidst the budding craze for functional beverages in 2017, Blume aims to offer products that taste good and provide nutritional benefits. Originally exclusively sold in coffee shops, the brand has now expanded into more than 4,000 stores across North America, and recently expanded into the water elixir category with the launch of SuperBelly – a gut health-building gentle hydration multiplier that consumers can take on the go to complement their wellness rituals.
For more news of interest to the functional beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Jason, Travis Kelce Buy Into Small Batch Garage Beer
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce team up as significant owners and operators of Garage Beer
For the first time, Jason and Travis Kelce are teaming up as significant owners and operators of a business – and of course, it is with one of the fastest growing beer brands in the country, Garage Beer! The small batch brewed, classic light beer was founded in their home state of Ohio and has been growing rapidly across the country.
The Kelce brothers are passionate about beer and business and have talked for years about partnering together in the category. With this passion, they wanted to be thoughtful and find the right opportunity with the highest quality brewery and brand that aligned with their values of how a business should be run. And most importantly, a company built to serve the customer. Jason and Travis believe that beer should be fun, and they want to partner with a brand that embodies the spirit of a neighborhood feel, a light beer all will enjoy.
Serendipitously, through a prior relationship, the Kelces’ learned about Garage Beer and for the past two years have been laying the groundwork to join forces with the company.
The brothers join Garage as significant investors, partners, owners, and operators. Jason and Travis will be involved in every aspect of the business, including brewing, distribution, sales, marketing, and national expansion efforts. Retail displays will be in stores shortly along with social content, billboards, and other promotional activities.
The Garage Beer recipe was originally created in Cincinnati, Ohio (where Jason and Travis both played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats) and the business headquarters is now just north in Columbus, Ohio. The beer is sold in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Idaho, Montana and New Jersey, with planned expansion into dozens of new states this year.
“People crave quality and simplicity, and Garage Beer nails both for me. We are light beer drinkers and Garage is the best light beer,” said Jason Kelce. “For me, the brand fits my lifestyle, and having a few beers is a great excuse to get the neighbors together.”
“It comes down to quality for me. I think everyone knows I like to have a couple beers now and then, so being an owner of Garage Beer and heavily involved in making the best light beer is exciting, man! There is nothing better to bring people together than an ice-cold beer, and for Jason and me that is what beer is all about – friends, family and fun. I have worked with Andy for years and I really trust the team and their approach to running the business. We look forward to taking Garage Beer to the next level,” added Travis Kelce.
“We want a beer that tastes like beer and one that keeps the stories alive in the neighborhood. Garage prides ourselves on small batch brewing and a commitment to quality. Ever since our first conversation with Travis and Jason, it was clear we had similar opinions about beer, but they also had brilliant, and very funny, business sensibility. Our team better be on their toes now,” quipped Garage Beer co-owner Andy Sauer. “The garage is a symbol for building stronger communities one beer at a time, and I think we can all use more time with friends, family, and neighbors to talk, smile, laugh, and enjoy that time together.”
Garage Beer is a 4% ABV, 95 Calories and 3g Carbohydrate light lager beer served in two varieties: classic regular and lime. Merchandise store and beer finder. Garage Instagram and Twitter.
For more news of interest to the alcohol beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
