Drinks For The House

AVON, CT (May 3, 2013)—Brand Action Team, an industry leader in beverage alcohol marketing, announced today the addition of a New York office to serve as headquarters for its newest division, a consumer public relations team. With this expansion of services, the agency—which currently specializes in brand development, social media, trade marketing, and digital programming—will now be able to offer a complete range of strategic solutions to its clients.

At the helm of this new initiative is Amber Gallaty, who will lead the team in the development of communications strategies and the execution of publicity efforts aimed at reaching consumer print, broadcast and online publications. Gallaty brings to Brand Action Team extensive experience in event coordination, press/trade tastings, publicity, social media marketing and in identifying non-traditional ways to obtain coverage for new and seasoned brands.

“We have earned the position as a leader in our industry by delivering significant, measurable results to our clients in the spirits, wine and beer business,” said Steve Raye, Managing Partner of Brand Action Team, “and now with the addition of Amber Gallaty to our team and the creation of this new division, we will be able to provide even more value to the brands we support.”

Brand Action Team has been building strategic programs for national and global clients in the beverage alcohol industry for nearly a decade. Headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, with a new office in New York City, “BAT” clients include major beverage brands and organizations including Heineken USA, Tanduay Rum, Wines of Chile USA and the Austrian Wine Marketing Board.  They are also founding organizers of the U.S. Drinks Conference, recognized internationally as the definitive resource providing practical information to help brands looking to enter the U.S. market.

For more information contact Steve Raye at Brand Action Team or visit the website at www.TheBrandActionTeam.com.

Orlando, FL (May 10, 2013)—The third annual U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum was held at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America convention. The USBAF is a partnership between the WSWA and the U.S. Drinks Conference, in collaboration with Brand Action Team, Next Level Marketing and MHW, Ltd.

Conference organizers l. to r. Mike Ginley, Jeff Grindrod, John Beaudette, Steve Raye

The Forum, held on Tuesday, April 30, was led by top opinion makers in the industry who covered topics such as trends, technology, digital marketing and distribution of wine and spirits brands in America. Over 200 delegates attended the event representing importers, suppliers, wholesalers and on – and off-premise accounts from all over the world. “We were pleased with the turnout and response from attendees,” said Steve Raye, Managing Partner of the marketing consulting company, Brand Action Team. “We received great feedback on both the session topics and speakers alike, most particularly in regard to the usefulness and practicality of the information presented.”

The conference began with an in-depth look at how brands can avoid the common mistakes made by wine and spirit brands entering the U.S. market for the first time. John Beaudette opened with a presentation on the distribution challenges new brands face when launching in the U.S., and identified current and developing solutions for successful market penetration. Beaudette was joined by TTB headquarters executive Gail Davis and United Distributors President Doug Hertz. Gail provided the audience with insight on current and potential changes impacting product labeling, and Doug identified approaches brand owners could use to maximize their chances for distribution.

The second session was moderated by Mike Ginley, Founder and Partner of Next Level Marketing, who gave a detailed overview of the structure, volume and trends of the U.S. beverage alcohol market, supported by a candid panel session led by noted mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.  The following session was presented by Jeff Grindrod, Managing Partner of Brand Action Team, and gave a detailed overview of emerging digital tools suppliers are using to monitor and manage growth.  The concluding session, “Digital Retail Marketing” was led by Steve Raye and provided an in-depth look at new digital and social media tools that are available to assist on- and off-premise accounts to drive customer loyalty and leverage word of mouth.

Mike Ginley of Next Level Marketing noted that the turnout was significantly increased from last year, “and we’re quite pleased with the positive feedback we received.”

Conference sponsors included Western Carriers, JF Hillebrand, Overton, Mast Capital Partners and Nixon Peabody, as well as media partners Beverage Media Group, Beverage Information Group (Cheers, Stateways, Beverage Dynamics), Tasting Panel Magazine, Bar Business Magazine.  For more information on the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum, contact Steve Raye at Brand Action Team or visit www.USDrinksConference.com

With Cinco de Mayo rapidly approaching, and the winter snow finally starting to melt away, it’s time to begin finalizing what tasty alcoholic beverages to enjoy this summer. Whether you’re a martini lover, or beer guzzler, we at Brand Action Team are here to keep you updated on our most exciting and delicious drinks to try.

Since Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican pride, it’s only natural that I touch on Mexico’s famous cocktail, The Margarita. Originally mixed with Tequila and triple sec or similar orange flavored liquor, and lemon or lime juice, a Margarita is the perfect drink to enjoy on the 5^th of May.

If you’re someone like me, and want to enjoy the fresh and delicious taste of a Margarita without the hassle of mixing one up yourself, I have the perfect solution!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to remind you about the “Smarter Margarita.” Not only is SmarteRita a ready to drink cocktail, but it’s refreshing and crisp taste is guaranteed to satisfy both men and women. This frosty mixed drink is made with silver tequila, triple sec, sweetened agave nectar, and all natural flavors and colors.

For all those ladies looking to stay bikini body ready, fear no more. SmarteRita is only 100 calories per every 4 oz serving! SmarteRita is available in a .75 ml glass bottle or a 1.75 L party size bottle which I highly recommend for your summer celebrations!

To learn more about SmarteRita check them out on Facebook, or visit them on the web at www.smarterita.com

Cheers!

EL