O’Neill Vintners & Distillers Eyes Further Gains For Growing Branded Portfolio
October 14, 2022
Founded in 2004 by trade veteran and entrepreneur Jeff O’Neill, California’s O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is understood for a sturdy contract business, however its branded portfolio is now above 1.5 million circumstances and rising at double-digits.In latest years O’Neill has bolstered its branded vary by means of acquisitions like 2021’s Rabble Wines, in addition to robust current labels like Line 39 and Harken, whereas additionally devoting focus to higher-end choices. The firm, an authorized B Corp, additionally continues to provide 5 million proof gallons of spirits and brandy yearly for its unique companions. Chief advertising officer Christine Moll says O’Neill is poised for extra development wanting forward.
SND: What are a few of the greatest performing manufacturers in the portfolio?
Moll: Our whole portfolio continues to outperform the trade and respective classes as we develop market share. Harken Chardonnay ($15 a 750-ml. bottle) is on monitor to surpass 110,000 9-liter circumstances on double-digit development as customers uncover and undertake the model. Our winemaker, Adam Popp, is dedicated to delivering distinctive high quality and a daring, oaky, buttery style profile customers love. Charles Woodson’s Intercept is a partnership with Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, who’s actively concerned in selling the model. It’s targeted on wines from the Paso Robles and Monterey AVAs. And Line 39 ($11) is our chief with California AVA wines.
SND: Which different manufacturers have robust potential for the future?
Moll: We’re seeing fast development north of $10 a bottle. Outside of Harken and Intercept, Robert Hall Winery has confirmed to be a standout on-premise, the place the price-to-value ratio for excellent Paso Robles wines has been effectively acquired by the commerce. Robert Hall highlights the better of the 11 Paso Robles sub-AVAs, a California area with a lot development potential. Within Robert Hall, we produce nationwide wines for $18 to $20, on-premise solely wines, and DTC wines. The on-premise restoration for our nationwide model portfolio has been very promising.
SND: What’s the newest on new merchandise?
Moll: Last yr we launched in the better-for-you class with varietal wine Line 39 Spritzers, 100 calorie, single-serves in 250-ml. resealable aluminum bottles ($13 a four-pack). It affords customers the similar Line 39 wines as a lower-alcohol spritzer with no added sugar. We additionally launched Game Box wines as a premium California-appellated, vintage-dated line of varietal-specific wines in sustainable packaging.
SND: How has Rabble Wines been performing because it joined the portfolio?
Moll: Rabble has been a wonderful match. Not solely is Paso Robles a dynamic area we deeply imagine in, however Rabble additionally has a transparent objective that aligns completely with our sustainability mission. Over the previous 12 months, we’ve opened new channels of business and seen accelerated development of round 20% to 30% throughout new factors of distribution. Rabble can be partnering with One Tree Planted. For each bottle bought throughout Earth month in April, one tree is planted, as much as 30,000 bushes.
That ties in with our total focus on sustainability. We recycle our water by means of the largest wastewater worm mattress system in the U.S. Additionally, the O’Neill Sustainable Grower Certification program assists greater than 200 California contract growers to turn into California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) licensed. And O’Neill and Woodson Family Scholarships present two 100% funded, four-year scholarships to advance BIPOC illustration.
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Tagged : Harken, Intercept, Line 39, O’Neill Vintners, Rabble, Robert Hall