Partnership will look to grow their California and New Zealand brands
Healdsburg, California – August 4 SHARE A SPLASH wine co. and Brand Evolution have joined together to expand and grow the SHARE A SPLASH wine co. portfolio on the US national account stage. Started in 2006 by Yoav Gilat as Cannonball Wine Company with the founding vision to make the best California Cabernet under $20; the company has grown to include five brands which offer a wide range of varietals, from a stable of everyday wines that punch well above their weight to a Napa Valley luxury offering.
Brand Evolution LLC was formed by two beverage industry veterans with a combined 40+ years in the industry, both have extensive experience selling and managing the national account channel. Brian Rieke, spent 18 years with RNDC and another 4+ with Francis Ford Coppola as Director of National Accounts and Senior Director of Retail Strategy. Over the last 20+ years, Rob Garafalo has worked at Diageo, Terlato Wines and spent the last 14 years at Palm Bay International; his most recent role was Sr. Director of Corporate Accounts with Taub Family Selections (Palm Bay’s sister company).
“Now is the right time to continue to invest and grow our brands” noted Yoav Gilat, Founder, SHARE A SPLASH wine co., “we have built our business in independent retail and on-premise and we remain dedicated to these channels through our wholesaler partners.” Jennifer McKeough, Vice President of Sales, SHARE A SPLASH wine co., who will lead the partnership noted “Recent successes with national retailers including high profile markets like Whole Foods and HEB along with grocers like Meijer and Safeway have underscored the potential for our portfolio in the national account arena.”
Well-positioned with multiple sales channels, SHARE A SPLASH wine co. has seen significant growth* despite the universally challenging year. Their leading California brands Cannonball (+43%) and Angels & Cowboys (+41%) have led the charge, with New Zealand import Astrolabe catapulting its sales (+143%). “We were seeing growth in all brands pre-covid, and have been incredibly lucky to be well positioned, but we know we owe our success to our amazing sales team, valued distributor network and the consumers who continue to explore and engage with our brands in new and exciting ways” says Gilat. Having worked with various charities, including most recently with José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, SHARE A SPLASH wine co. plans on additional charity partnerships to continue to give back to the local and global community.
*IRI/Nielsen past 26 weeks
About SHARE A SPLASH wine co.
Founded in 2006 as Cannonball Wine Company, SHARE A SPLASH wine co. produces and manages a portfolio of wines that echo a simple belief: that wine, like life, is best enjoyed when shared. Today, the SHARE A SPLASH portfolio offerings range from premium – luxury wine brands, including Cannonball, ELEVEN by Cannonball, Angels & Cowboys, New Zealand’s award-winning Astrolabe Wines and High Dive Napa Valley. From their base in Healdsburg, California, the SHARE A SPLASH wine co. wines are present in 48 United States and 30 international markets and on a mission to “Share a Splash” with every glass! For more information, please visit shareasplash.com.
About
Brand Evolution LLC is a partnership formed between two beverage industry veterans who have extensive experience in National Accounts. They co-founded Brand Evolution to provide strategically focused national channel representation for their clients. Learn more at brandevolution-llc.com
