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MONTREAL, Dec. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - For the second quarter of its 2024-2025 fiscal year, which ended on September 14, 2024, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) reported net income of $337.8 million, a $1.5 million or 0.4% increase from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.

Results in brief

  • The decline in sales in the store and specialized centre network continued. Specifically, sales fell $3.7 million or 0.4% compared with the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year and reflecting a 1.3 million litre or 2.8% drop in volume sales. Volumes in this network maintained their downward trend, as has been the case for the last seven quarters, a development largely attributable to changes in customers' shopping habits.
  • Overall dollar sales rose 0.1% to $946.7. This slight growth stems from the $4.7 million increase in sales to the wholesale grocer network.
  • Government revenues totalled $632 million, up $0.3 million from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year. Of this amount, $511.6 million will be remitted to the Quebec treasury and $120.4 million to the federal government.
  • The SAQ will intensify its efforts to contend with the constantly changing market and the trend toward lower volumes.

Net income

$337.8 million

+0.4%

Sales

$946.7 million

+0.1%

Gross margin

$474.2 million

+0.7%

 

Ratio of net expenses to sales

14.4%

14.2% in Q2 2023-2024

 

Detailed results:

Store and specialized centre (permit holders, agency stores and other customers) network 

  • Dollar sales in this network totalled $874.4 million, a $3.7 million or 0.4% decrease.
  • Volume sales fell 1.3 million litres or 2.8% to 45.3 million litres.
  • Online sales were up 7.6% from the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year, reaching $19.9 million and accounting for 2.8% of consumer sales.
  • The value of customers' average shopping cart dropped 0.5%, going from $62.42 to $62.09.
  • For consumer sales overall, the average sales price per litre rose to $20.67, compared with $20.41 for the corresponding quarter of the preceding fiscal year.

Wholesale grocer network

  • Dollar sales in this network grew $4.7 million or 7% to reach $72.3 million.
  • Volume sales increased 0.3 million litres or 4.2% to end the quarter at 7.5 million litres.
  • It should be noted that the SAQ acts as a wholesaler to the Quebec grocery and convenience store network. Consequently, the sales made in this network do not necessarily correspond to the sales these establishments made to consumers.

Net expenses

  • Net expenses rose to $136.4 million versus $134.5 million in the corresponding quarter of fiscal 2023-2024, a $1.9 million or 1.4% increase.
  • Expressed as a percentage of sales, net expenses in the second quarter were 14.4%, compared with 14.2% for the same quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
 
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NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside single malt Scotch, enlists actor Thomas Doherty to introduce The Glenlivet tartan in the ultimate expression of Scottish sophistication, bringing quality and refinement from Speyside to stateside this holiday season. With the new The Glenlivet tartan, the single malt Scotch and Doherty are reimagining tartan for a contemporary Scotland, as the pattern originally established in the Scottish Highlands centuries ago to represent kinship and family takes over today's runways and red carpets. Pathing the way for a modern Scottish Renaissance, The Glenlivet and Doherty are introducing new fashion-forward expressions of The Glenlivet tartan and The Glenlivet Tartan Tini cocktail, inspiring originality in both style and flavor in time for holiday celebrations.

The Glenlivet and Thomas Doherty both share a respect for the codes of quality that make Scotch superior met with propensity for elevating and evolving traditions in the name of propelling forward. As such, the two icons of Scottish excellence set forth to reweave heritage this holiday and encourage fans to embrace spins on beloved classics from holiday dressing to whisky cocktails. An embodiment of the influence of Scotland in modern culture, Doherty originally hails from Edinburgh, just miles away from the birthplace of the iconic single malt and currently resides in NYC where he has stood out with an undeniable sense of style, often sporting elevated takes on traditional silhouettes.

"What a gift it is to be Scottish. When I think about my heritage, I feel a deep sense of pride and connection to something much older and deeper than myself. It's been so rewarding to work with The Glenlivet on this project that pays homage to the next generation of Scottish craftsmanship," said Thomas Doherty, actor and The Glenlivet ambassador. "The tartan print and The Glenlivet single malt scotch whisky are both so iconic to Scotland. It's been such a pleasure putting a modern spin on these Scottish symbols and sharing them with my friends in the U.S."

Doherty and The Glenlivet have also brought together a collective of tastemakers to offer their own expressions of originality as The Glenlivet brings together the best of Scottish and American cultures. Starring alongside Doherty in striking new creative content, each member of the collective is inspiring their community to stand apart this holiday through their unique talents and perspectives:

  • NYC IT Girl Stylist Beverly Nguyen styled a variety of looks that spotlight The Glenlivet Tartan pattern across modern silhouettes – each ensemble spotlighted in the campaign content. Beverly as a definitive fashion tastemaker in NYC is also giving tips on how to style Scottish tartan in your own holiday wardrobe.
  • Celebrated artist Clym Evernden has created original illustrations that reflect The Glenlivet's 200 year history as an iconic symbol of whisky, standing among the New York City skyline to reflect how the brand has risen to modernity.
  • Brooklyn-based DJ Amrit Tietz is bringing good vibes to holiday parties this season with her "Tartan Tracks" playlist, which features a blend of classic and new age songs while also highlighting Scottish musicians.
  • The King of Soho style Maurice Kamara is delving into the tartan pattern's significance in culture sharing snippets from an interview with Doherty in his signature, off-the-cuff-style in street style content on @thepeoplegallery_.

With an unwavering mission to push the boundaries of creativity and flavor set forth by George Smith when he first established the brand in 1824, The Glenlivet commissioned Lochcarron of Scotland, the world's leading manufacturer of authentic Scottish tartan, to design and produce The Glenlivet tartan. Featuring hand-stitched, amber-colored hues inspired by its warm liquid woven atop of The Glenlivet's iconic teal, The Glenlivet tartan sets a new standard for Scottish style as it looks forward to the next 200 years.

“As the #1 single malt Scotch whisky brand in the US1, The Glenlivet is proud to bring together a unique group of Scottish icons and American culture curators to celebrate the quality and craftmanship that make single malt special while leading the category forward as a modern day symbol of sophistication," said Johan Radojewski, Vice President Marketing - Scotch & Irish Whisk(e)y, Pernod Ricard USA. "The surging of tartan pattern in American culture is a testament to consumers valuing heritage and high quality over fleeting trends. The cultural movement around new heritage shines a spotlight on the staying power of Scottish sophistication, and the quality and craftmanship that single malt stands for." 

The Glenlivet tartan will debut with a VIP launch party hosted with Thomas and his team of trendsetters at Soho's newest, celebrity-approved hotspot for an evening of elevated cocktails, art, music and standout style. The party will also serve as the kickoff to an array of tartan takeovers that will bring the design to life in unexpected ways for consumers to enjoy throughout New York City. Wrapped around the exterior of taxi cabs, adhered to sidewalks, popping up in tastemaker hotels through umbrellas and postcard mailboxes, and transforming iconic NYC locations through AI content, each unique tartan moment represents an invitation from The Glenlivet to stand out with a refined choice. Those outside of NYC can also stand apart with their fashion and whisky choices this season with The Glenlivet Speyside Meets Stateside Holiday Collection available on ReserveBar, which includes The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, The Tartan Tini cocktail recipe, tartan winter fashion accessories and a deck of cards to elevate holiday hosting and gifting.

The "Taking Back Tartan" initiative comes as the pinnacle of The Glenlivet's yearlong bicentennial celebrations featuring bespoke collaborations, innovative and prestigious new whiskies, commemorative events and a new masterbrand campaign inspiring consumers to stand apart from the herd by making a more refined whisky choice.

To join The Glenlivet, Thomas Doherty and friends in standing apart with sophisticated Scottish holiday soirees, visit https://www.theglenlivet.com/en-us/thomas-doherty-x-the-glenlivet/

 
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What: Award-winning whisky brand, Crown Royal, has unveiled its first major packaging update in decades, reflecting the brand’s identity as a luxurious whisky fit for royalty. 

The redesigned, slimmer bottles across the portfolio boast a sleek and striking appearance, while the whisky remains a distinctive and smooth gift. New design features: a metallic gold finished closure, slimmed bottle and updated designs to the label and carton. Notably, the redesign features a fresh take on two of the brand’s most iconic symbols – the crown and pillow logo, along with the signature script wordmark.

The packaging redesign is rolling out across the brand’s portfolio, including Crown Royal Fine De Luxe, Regal Apple, Peach, Vanilla, Black, Northern Harvest Rye, XO, Salted Caramel, Blackberry, and Reserve Aged 12 Years.

The packaging refresh comes off the heels of Crown Royal’s recent rollout of short films which highlight the brand’s pillars along with the trademark smooth quality the whisky is known for. 

Who: Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

When:  The bolder, reimagined bottles have begun to hit shelves nationwide for select whiskies, and all new bottles will be available nationwide by Spring 2025. 

Where: Nationwide

 
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TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - The Macallan, the renowned single Malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled the latest in the Harmony Collection, with two new whisky releases as part of the brand's unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.

The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release series that embraces the re-use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from materials at the end of their natural lives. Celebrating The Macallan's 200 Year Anniversary, Harmony Vibrant Oak (available now in Canadian retail) and Harmony Guardian Oak (exclusively available in global travel retail, excluding Canada) reflect the brand's expertise and mastery of wood.

The fourth edition in the series celebrates The Macallan's rich history with oak, which runs through every facet of the single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan's exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, distinctive aromas and flavours. Each cask is crafted to precise specifications, a process that takes around five years, delivering up to 80 percent of the flavour and 100 percent of the natural colour.

Vibrant Oak is crafted from a blend of first-fill American oak and second-fill sherry-seasoned oak casks, while Guardian Oak is predominantly matured in first-fill European oak and second-fill sherry-seasoned oak casks. These two exceptional whiskies highlight the distinct characteristics of different wood types, and demonstrate how the origin and nature of oak significantly influence flavour.  

This edition of the Harmony Collection incorporates sustainability by repurposing oak chippings – by-products from crafting The Macallan's oak casks – into the presentation box and bottle labels.

"Oak plays such an important role in the colour and flavour of The Macallan and bringing it to life through our packaging is incredibly inspirational," says Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker, The Macallan. "Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak gave us the opportunity to carefully select casks that embody the classic characteristics of our two key wood types, sherry-seasoned American oak and sherry-seasoned European oak casks, showcasing the unique flavours each brings."

The releases are tied to The Macallan's collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which began with the debut of SPIRIT, an extraordinary, nature-inspired experience that premiered earlier this year at The Macallan Estate in Speyside.

Highlighting the importance of the connection to nature for The Macallan in an imaginative, visual and innovative way, SPIRIT told the story of The Macallan's rich history, Scottish culture and the Highlands. Culminating in an audience experience around an oak tree, the experience combined The Macallan's craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil's world-renowned artistic innovation.

The outer packaging for Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak features a lively gold design, with a striking illustration of Ayla, a character from SPIRIT, intricately intertwined with the branches of an American oak tree. The tree symbolizes the whisky's maturation in sherry-seasoned American oak casks, while peacock feathers incorporated into the design highlight The Macallan's commitment to natural colour.

For the Harmony Collection Guardian Oak, the packaging showcases Davonna, another key figure from SPIRIT, depicted within the branches of a European oak tree. This tree represents the whisky's maturation in sherry-seasoned European oak casks. The design is enhanced by vibrant purple hues, reflecting Davonna's character, and symbolizing wisdom and maturity.

Both designs capture the importance of the connection between the natural world and human experience, with the life and wonder that blooms when humans are "in harmony with nature."

The three previous Harmony Collection releases showcased unique collaborations: the first celebrated The Macallan's long-standing partnership with Spain's Roca brothers, blending the flavours of chocolate and whisky; the second took whisky lovers on a sensorial journey through the world of coffee, guided by the expertise of five specialists; and the third partnered with Stella and Mary McCartney to honour Scotland's landscapes.

The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak (RRSP $400 CAD) will be available for purchase in Canada from select retailers in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta (release timing will vary by province), as well as directly from The Macallan, subject to availability and location.

 
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NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Major League Soccer (MLS) and Jameson announce a multi-year North American partnership to make the world's No. 1 Irish whiskey* the Official Whiskey of MLS and the MLS All-Star Gameday Hospitality.

The partnership marks a new chapter for the brand's ongoing "Must be a Jameson" campaign. As a brand committed to bringing people together through common bonds and shared passions, Jameson will leverage this new and exciting partnership to engage and connect with soccer fans across North America.

Jameson will be integrated into national broadcasts on MLS Season Pass and FOX, and featured throughout in-stadium promotions. Jameson and MLS will also collaborate to develop various digital and out-of-home marketing campaigns, including content series opportunities and buzzworthy on-site experiences.

Jameson will have a strong presence at the MLS All-Star Game in the coming years and will sponsor the MLS All-Star Gameday Hospitality presented by Jameson. Pernod Ricard North America will also have the opportunity to showcase its diverse and comprehensive portfolio as part of the MLS Cup champion's celebrations.

"This league sponsorship is a first-of-its-kind partnership for Pernod Ricard North America, and a tremendous opportunity for Jameson to continue connecting with the region's deep rooted and engaged sports culture," said Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO Pernod Ricard North America. "Soccer is skyrocketing in North America, and the MLS community has some of the most energetic fans. We can all relate to that feeling of a shared connection and camaraderie and can't think of a better partner to bring the warm and welcoming Jameson spirit to fans."

Pernod Ricard North America has also established partnerships to make Jameson the official whiskey of six MLS clubs including Chicago Fire FC, Houston Dynamo FC, LA Galaxy, New York City FC, Orlando City SC and San Diego FC. The multi-year partnerships will provide Jameson with in-stadium branding opportunities to host local community engagement initiatives, select player appearances, matchday activations, social media collaborations, custom content and more.

"During this significant period of growth for the sport of soccer, Major League Soccer is proud to partner with Pernod Ricard North America to showcase the Jameson brand," said Gary Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner of MLS and President of Soccer United Marketing.

The announcement between MLS and Pernod Ricard North America arrives during a period of unprecedented momentum behind the sport of soccer. MLS is amid its record-setting 29th season and the second season of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. North America will be the epicenter of the sport over the next two years, with the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

For more information, visit MLSsoccer.com or JamesonWhiskey.com.

 

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