GAP PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO THE NBWA ANNUAL CONVENTION

We’re heading to Vegas, baby! The National Beer Wholesalers Association returns to Las Vegas October 16th through the 19th for its 74th Annual Convention and Trade Show and we couldn’t be more excited! 

This is GAP’s fourth time exhibiting at the NBWA and our second time at the Las Vegas show. This year’s event, at the renowned Caesar’s Palace, will feature keynotes from industry leaders such as President and CEO of MillerCoors LLC, Tom Long, and former CEO and President of Walmart, Lee Scott. The show will also include a huge floor accommodating over 250 booths. Industry representatives from across the country will descend on Las Vegas for this amazing opportunity to network with brewers and vendors, make new contacts and, of course, get together with old friends and colleagues.

The GAP Promotions team will return to Vegas with its iconic Black and Gold booth – we’ll be in the Octavius Ballroom in Booth 913. We’re all totally excited about this year’s booth which will feature a number of our favorite new displays, POS, and dealer loaders. Stop by and check out our Tailgate-themed displays, take a seat and catch some sports in our Man Cave, or join us in a game of foosball. Our talented team members will also be available, on site, to work with you to design your own custom display or rack!

Be sure to take advantage of our Complimentary Custom Plaque Program – your concept, designed, produced, and delivered free of charge! And, on your way out, pick up a GAP Promotions Cigar to enjoy during your stay in Sin City. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Please enjoy Vegas responsibly.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY: A MATCH BREWED IN HEAVEN

Beer, wine, and spirits have strong social components and, not surprising, a large and growing connection with social media. These relationships go well beyond tweets and status updates reflecting a great night out on the town. We’re seeing that most of the key players in the industry are increasingly relying on social media to deepen connections with consumers. 

In 2010, LIFT9, reported that there are more than 7,000 wine tweets each day. In 2011, Palate Press reported 452 total wine-related iPhone apps. Wine word-of-mouth is made more powerful through mechanisms such as #winewednesday 

In the spirits world, Diageo’s Smirnoff has been said to be the number one beverage alcohol brand on Facebook, worldwide, and the company has attributed a 20% increase in sales to its Facebook activity. Altogether, Diageo brands had an astounding 12.6 million fans across Facebook in 2011. 

If you have a little Captain in you, you might be familiar with Diageo’s “The Captain's Island” campaign. This Facebook-based global competition was designed to strengthen the connection between the brand and the Captain's Crew (those who “liked” the Facebook page). The five keys that had to be collected in the contest could be gathered from special promotional packs, through online challenges and at experiential events. Crown Royal also has a campaign where once consumers “Like” their page, they can write a message to a member of the military that will be embroidered onto a special camo Crown Royal bag. 

Captain Morgan- The Captain's Island Commercial

New Belgium Brewing, best known for Fat Tire Amber Ale, has also taken full advantage of the social media trend and has an incredibly storing presence. In 2011, New Belgium was said to be perhaps the only true craft brewery to have over 100,000 fans on Facebook. The brewery focuses on engaging and empowering fans to take part in the brand experience while also providing them opportunities to participate and get involved on the local level. 

Blue Moon is also utilizing social media. They are calling for the consumers to share their ideas about what Blue Moon's next beer should be like. On Facebook, once you “like” the Blue Moon Brewing Company's page you are given the opportunity to answer questions about what you would like to see in the next Blue Moon beer. The interactive experience doesn't end there though, the user is also able to use a photo crafter. Here you can use your own pictures and make it look like a Blue Moon ad. Blue Moon is so invested in connecting with social media, when entering their web site they have a popup box regarding their “Next Blue Moon Beer” competition, if you want to share your ideas then you are linked directly to Facebook. Opportunities like this only come around, “Once in a Blue Moon”. 

Here at GAP we are no stranger to social media so… Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. And please post post responsibly.

Lift9 

Palate Press

ZDNet

Mashable

YUENGLING IS HEADED TO OHIO!

Breaking news across the state and celebrations abound! D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, recently announced that the company will begin to distribute Yuengling beer in Ohio starting in October of this year. Ohioans will no longer have to make the trek across state lines to purchase their favorite brew. Ohio will become the 14th state to distribute Yuengling beer and, not since Coors made its way east of the Mississippi in the early 80s, has there been such excitement in the U.S. beer market.

Yuengling Lager, Light Lager, and Black & Tan will be distributed from the company’s expanded Mill Creek brewery in Pottsville, PA. Yuengling will begin distribution in the Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown areas beginning October 3rd. The remainder of the state will receive the beer in November. Given the popularity of the brand, it is expected that cases will fly off the shelves. So, heads up, Ohio shoppers!

As more and more of what are perceived to be ‘American beers,’ have been purchased by foreign-owned companies, Yuengling remains a true American brand and continues to be family-owned and operated. The family business began in 1829 when German immigrant David G. Yuengling opened Eagle Brewery in Pottsville. The name officially changed to D. G. Yuengling and Son in 1873. The brewery has remained in the family ever since, and, in 1985, Richard “Dick” Yuengling, the current owner, purchased the brewery from his father. The GAP team will be co-hosting the Yuengling booth at the National Beer Wholesalers Association in Vegas in October. We hope to see many of you there. And, while we are very happy for Ohio and wish Yuengling much success in this new market, here at GAP, we can’t help but ask ‘When are you coming to Massachusetts?

For more information about Yuengling Brewery, head over to their website: www.yuengling.com 

CELEBRATING OKTOBERFEST AND THE FALL BEER SEASON

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It’s time to say “goodbye” to warm beach days and bathing suits, and say “hello” to colorful foliage, delicious pumpkin beers, and Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day festival held each September-October in Munich, Germany. It is the world’s largest fair, and features copious amounts of German beer and traditional German fare. The festival began in 1810 as a way of honoring the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. German immigrants then brought the tradition with them to the United States, where we have continued the celebration throughout the years. Celebrations are held across the US and vary in duration from two days to six weeks.

In conjunction with Oktoberfest, many companies offer special promotions and hold contests. This year, Yuengling is offering a trip to experience Oktoberfest in Pennsylvania. The winner will receive hotel accommodations for two nights, VIP access to Yuengling Musikfest Café, two all-access passes to the festival events, a private meet and greet for the VIP concert event, and a $250 gift card! For information on how to enter this contest, visit Yuengling’s web site.

Some of our favorite fall beers at GAP include: Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Wachusett Octoberfest, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, and Shipyard Pumpkinhead. Pumpkin beers truly capture the spirit of the fall season; they are typically released in early September and tend to be available through the holiday season. George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson are all said to have brewed beer from pumpkins. This was merely out of necessity for our Founding Fathers, as barley and other ingredients used to make liquor were scarce in America at that time. Ingredients such as parsnips, squash, corn, molasses and apples were also used. Despite its long history, pumpkin beer was not popular until the 20th century, when craft brewers began using these ingredients.

Pureed, canned, fresh, raw, and roasted pumpkins are all used to give pumpkin beer its unmistakable flavor. Brewers often add spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to these beers for added flavor. Pairing pumpkin beer with a pumpkin pie is delicious, and pumpkin beer can even be used as a substitute for the liquid in pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin and Oktoberfest style beers aren’t around for long, so don’t miss your opportunity to celebrate this autumn with the perfect seasonal beverages.

www.epicurious.com

www.gayot.com

www.wikipedia.org/wiki/oktoberfest

FOOTBALL IS BACK! PART TWO

As we noted in our last segment, the players are back in camp, preseason is underway, and it’s almost time for another football season!

Both the College and Professional seasons are poised to begin, and fans across the country are getting ready for some serious football. Last blog, we spoke about tailgating; and nothing beats pulling an ice cold Yuengling Lager out of the cooler,  gaming with your friends, and chowing down on some grub from your favorite parking lot chef or grilling your own. The in-game component can’t be beat; today’s modern-day stadiums have great sight lines, fabulous amenities, and when the home team scores, it’s an awesome feeling cheering along with 70,000 of your closest friends.

But hey, let’s be honest, going to the game isn’t for everyone. For those who don’t like traffic, crowds, frigid temperatures, or paying $12.50 for a dog and a beer, watching at home with friends can be a very appealing option. There have been tremendous advancements in both how the games are broadcast and in-home entertainment equipment. For example, in many homes, mine for one, HD is a must. The worldwide leader in sports, ESPN has created the first-ever sports channel with 3D broadcasts. Several NFL games throughout the year, as well as last year’s BCS National Championship game, were viewed with those fancy 3D goggles.

Here at GAP, we have a couple suggestions that could make your home viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Once you have the fancy TV down, you’ll need a place to sit. Check out this recliner. Not only does it sit two people, it has two cup holders, and an ice bin for 12 frosty beverages. We’ll even match the leather to the color of your favorite team and add an embroidered logo to the head rest.

Don’t like recliners but want more cooler space in the living room to keep your favorite beverages cold while putting your feet up? We have something for you as well. Check out this sweet chair and ottoman combo. 

Now that you’re prepared to sit and watch the game, you’re going to need something to eat. You will not be disappointed with this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip. See below:

16 ounce cream cheese
6 ounce hot sauce

Soften and combine cream cheese with hot sauce in a saucepan.

2 boneless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper chicken breasts and grill until done. Let cool, then chop/shred to desired chunks.

Stir in:

1 cup chopped celery
Chopped/shredded chicken breasts
1 cup blue cheese dressing

Place a little shredded cheddar on top and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F. Serve warm with pita chips. For an extra boost, serve in a sourdough bread bowl, and use the inside of the bowl to use in the dip!

Adapted from www.cooks.com

For those looking for a great game day cocktail, try this:

1-Part Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea flavored vodka

2-Parts Lemonade

Serve over ice

And for those who can’t wait for a commercial to mix their own beverage, try the Jeremiah Weed Roadhouse Tea.

As always, cheer (and drink) responsibly. 

FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Much to the delight of fans across the nation, the NFL Players Association and owners finally reached a 10-year collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout after an arduous five months of negotiations. With the preseason kicking off in a few short weeks, the agreement has unleashed NFL teams into a frenzied week of football activity: facility reopenings, trade negotiations, contract signings and practices - all in preparation for another chase at the Lombardi Trophy.

While NFL teams attend to their preseason activities, fans are busy making preparations of their own, securing the latest apparel, memorabilia, and gear to back their team all the way to February. In our three-part tailgating series we covered games, grills and coolers to get you to game-time. Here, we’ll cover great GAP fan gear to support your brand and keep the party going all the way to the final whistle.

Football Jersey - our top-of-the-line football jerseys are made of high-quality durasheen and mesh construction with embroidered logos. Customize your jersey with your team colors and endless branding locations. This is the go-to jersey on game day.

Foam Fingers – a classic fan staple, foam fingers are “number 1” when it comes to showing your support. 

Rally Towel – This author may be the only Steelers fan in the office and perhaps even in New England, but, when it comes to fan support, it’s hard to beat the Terrible Towel. Also handy for any spillage that may occur during your endzone dance.

Sunday Hoody – Football means fall, and fall means cool weather. Assuming your team gets through to the playoffs, you’re going to need some extra layers. That means you, tough guy.

Not a season ticket holder? Check back next week to discover great new products and recipes to make watching the game in your “man cave” better than sitting front row at Gillette!

Please cheer responsibly.

TAILGATING PART THREE: COOLING IT DOWN

In part one of our three-part tailgating blog series, we focused on games. Tossing a Frisbee at a beer can resting atop a ski pole, or hurling u-shaped pieces of metal at your friends make a tailgating experience so much more fun. At any given event, it is common to see more than 10 different games being played between the rows of parked cars, as you stroll towards the stadium to cheer for your favorite team.

In part two, we focused on the hotter side of tailgating. Tailgating and grilling go hand-in-hand, and whether you choose traditional fare or decide to be more creative, ample consideration must be given to the beverage side of the menu. Keeping your drinks icy cold is key and we would certainly be remiss if we didn’t address this important tailgating element.

Therefore, in the third and final part of our tailgating series, we focus on this crucial component: Keeping it cool. There is no greater feeling in the midst of a blistering hot parking lot than reaching into a cooler and pulling out an ice-cold beverage. There are many ways to keep your drinks cool while tailgating and GAP Promotions can assist you with all your temperature-reduction needs. From the small 6-pack day-tripper cooler to a 188-can touting behemoth, we’ve got your cans covered (literally).

Beer, cocktails, wine, soda, juice and even water have been spotted keeping tailgaters cool and refreshed during the hot summer months. Below is short list of drinks that make for great tailgating beverages.

Beer:

Coors Light: A tried and trusted tailgate classic. Plus, its “Super Cold.”

Miller Lite: Coors Light’s Midwest cousin that goes perfectly with baseball.

Red Stripe Jamaican Lager: Insert bobsled race tailgating joke here…

Guinness: With soccer gaining more and more interest on this side of the pond, no soccer hooligan tailgate is complete without it.

Spirits:

Captain Morgan: A tailgating favorite for years at sporting events and concerts alike. Let your pirate flag fly high!

Tanqueray Gin: Two letters G & T

Crown Royal: Even an event as classy as the Kentucky Derby demands its own tailgate. You too can keep it class while drinking with royalty.

Wine:

Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandels: Consider a Zinfandel or Zin blend from Rosenblum Cellars and consider submitting photos of your gathering on their Facebook Grilling Parties Page.

Hazlitt Red Cat: The wine that was meant to be drank at a tailgate. They even encourage you to drink it out of a Solo cup!

Please chill responsibly.