Creative Online

CREATIVE Beverage Merchandising
December/January, 2005



Concordia Kiosks Offer Self-Serve Espresso-To-Go

Concordia Coffee Systems, Bellevue, WA, has signed a contract with Coffee Nation, a provider of self-serve gourmet espresso-to-go, to install its self-serve espresso kiosks. Concordia espresso machines offer a one-stop process for producing high quality, espresso-based beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.

Concordia’s customized machines for Coffee Nation feature high volume capabilities and technologies including online tracking, payment systems, advanced telemetry to change prices, drink sizes and update software—all run from a centralized control center. Coffee Nation has hundreds of gourmet espresso-to-go self-serve stations utilizing Concordia’s Acorto-brand machines in supermarkets, service stations, theme parks and convenience stores.



Jones Soda Flavored Lip Balm On Display

Jones Soda Co. has announced a licensing agreement with Lime Lite Marketing, which includes the creation of Jones Soda flavored lip balm.

“We approached Jones Soda because they are known for their great flavors and loyal consumer following with active young adults,” said Tym Gilson, Sr. Brand Manager, Lime Lite Marketing. “Just like our soda, the lip balm packaging features pictures taken and submitted by our consumers,” added Peter van Stolk, CEO of Jones Soda Co.

The Jones Soda flavored lip balm will be displayed in convenience and grocery locations across the nation.



New BI-LO Store Debuts Wine Insite Kiosk

BI-LO stores and Wine Insite of Atlanta, Georgia, have launched the Wine Insite kiosk, offering wine recommendation technology.

The touch screen kiosk contains information about each wine in the store including price, grape, origin, style and food/cheese pairing. Customers enter their criteria by touching the appropriate buttons like “Cabernet Sauvignon,” “Australia,” and “$10-$15.” The kiosk will present the results from a search of the store’s inventory. The next screen displays wine tasting notes, rating/review, a picture of the bottle and food pairing ideas, all of which can be printed.

The partners for the Wine Insite program include Agilysys and IBM, which supplied the kiosks and The Moyer Group, which provided the software.



ExxonMobil Installs Bengal Traders Coffee Bars

ExxonMobil has rolled out its Bengal Traders coffee program at On The Run and Tiger Market convenience stores.

“We are serious about offering our customers great coffee at a reasonable price, but without all the fuss of a coffee shop,” said Mark Shores, U.S. Retail Sales Director, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing.“

Each convenience store will have a team of trained individuals known as the “Bengal Traders Brew Crew,” who will brew the coffee and assure the newly-designed Bengal Traders coffee bar is clean and well stocked with a wide selection of regular and flavored creamers, sugar and sweeteners.



Old Forester Goes Hunting With Off-Premise Promo.

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is urging consumers to put on their orange vests and head out to the field through its off-premise hunting promotion. Brown-Forman, Louisville, KY, is offering retailers unique case cards and posters, which display the profile of hunters waiting patiently for their game. The colorful display header also features the Old Forester bottle and the tagline, “America’s First Bottled Bourbon.”

Consumers can also enter to win an Old Forester buddy bucket for those hunting excursions.



Kendall-Jackson Debuts Tasting Table Display

Kendall-Jackson wanted to provide its retailers with a high-end, furniture-quality tasting table that would compliment Kendall-Jackson’s luxury brands.

This display showcases the product while attracting the attention of shoppers in-store. Due to its high quality look, the Tasting Table has been well received and has aided in increased brand recognition, visibility and sales.

The Kendall-Jackson Tasting Table was designed and manufactured by Ruszel Woodworks, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Benicia, CA.



Gloria Jean’s Debuts Expanded Service

A new Gloria Jean’s prototype debuted in The Shops at Mission Viejo, Ca. New design elements invite customers to enjoy their favorite beverage in a relaxing environment. Warm colors, unique lighting, contemporary music and comfortable seating add to the enjoyable coffeehouse experience.

The store features a broad selection of whole-bean coffees and teas. To further enhance the customer experience, Gloria Jean’s is offering table service for customers who wish to enjoy their selections in the store. All Gloria Jean’s beverage choices may be complemented with an expanded line of fresh bakery products.

Gloria Jean’s is the largest mall-based specialty coffee retailer with over 476 stores.



Anheuser-Busch Launches B(E) Beer

B-to-the-E or B(E) is Budweiser’s newest entry, featuring a blend of beer, caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng and natural flavor. Anheuser-Busch is the first major brewer to infuse beer with caffeine, guarana and ginseng. With select hops of blackberry, raspberry and cherry, B(E) will offer a lightly sweet and tart taste.

B(E) will be marketed with p.o.s. materials, and bar and club promotions.



Johnnie Walker Green Label Hits Shelves

Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky has launched Johnnie Walker Green Label, only the fifth new label launched by Johnnie Walker in 184 years and one of the first pure malt whiskies to be distributed in the U.S.

Johnnie Walker is a brand of Diageo, a global leader in the whisky category.



Brita Water Cooler Is Introduced

Brita has introduced the Brita Water Cooler, providing hot and cold filtered water at less than half the cost of bottled or home delivered water. Three models are available to meet individual usage needs.

Brita Water Coolers are available at mass merchandisers and warehouse club stores.
































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