70th Annual WSWA Convention Wrap-Up

The GAP team recently exhibited at the 70^th Annual WSWA Convention in Orlando, making it our third consecutive appearance at the event. This year’s record-breaking attendance included about 2,300 beverage industry suppliers, service providers, and wholesalers looking to network and showcase their offerings to the wine and spirits industry. Each year, GAP has been a standout in promotional products and custom displays at the convention, and beverage industry leaders have taken notice.

Frozen pouch cocktails were one of the hottest categories at the WSWA Convention, and GAP has become the go-to supplier for innovative pouch display solutions. Frozen pouch cocktails have been gaining popularity steadily since last summer, and GAP showcased its most popular pouch solutions at the show, garnering substantial attention from convention-goers. Click here for pricing and spec information for the pouch racks that were displayed at the show.

Another trend evident at the show was the experimentation with new and innovative styles of liquor, including hard water, milk vodka, and sweet potato vodka. In fact, the convention marked the United States market launch of XB (bottled cocktails) and Blue Chair Bay Rum, which is sponsored by musician Kenny Chesney.

The convention opened and closed with extremely inspiring keynote speakers. Terry Bradshaw kicked off the show with a speech about the importance of being happy and trusting the talents and skills of those with whom you surround yourself because you can’t succeed on your own. Barbara Corcoran closed the show with an energetic and comedic speech about how hard work, perseverance, and taking chances got her to where she is today. She mentioned that she is “good at failing,” in that she never makes the same mistake twice and that she can trace all of her successes back to a time when she failed.

Overall, it was an extremely successful and fun convention for GAP, and the team is already looking forward to next year! Check out some images from the show below!

[WSWA]

Making History at Blackburn Tavern

There have been many exciting changes at GAP Promotions over the past few months. Our team has grown as we have added team members in graphic design and new business and we are working with a number of new and very exciting clients. And, perhaps most notably, the company has moved to historic downtown Gloucester! The new GAP headquarters sits in the heart of the city, on the corner of Washington and Main in the old Blackburn Tavern. Our new office space carries an abundance of Gloucester history, and GAP Promotions also plans to leave its mark. 

There are two signs posted on the sides of the building, both displaying the name “Blackburn Tavern.” The name ‘Blackburn’ refers to Howard Blackburn, a fisherman who became famous for his heroic voyage in 1883. He and another fisherman were stranded while fishing on their schooner Grace L. Fears, when a sudden winter storm hit and Blackburn lost his fisherman’s mittens overboard. He knew his hands would freeze, but he rowed back to the shore of Newfoundland in five days, braving the weather and lack of provisions. Unfortunately, his fellow fisherman died on the journey. Upon arriving in Newfoundland, a family took Blackburn in and tried to nurse his frostbitten hands and feet back to health. But, he was unable to salvage any of his fingers and he also lost a toe. This did not stop the navigator, as he continued to sail and ultimately became an important Gloucester businessman before passing away in 1931 at 73 years old.

In the spirit of Howard Blackburn, GAP reclaimed the helm of Blackburn Tavern after minor renovations designed to maximize creativity and “outside the bottle” thinking. Over the last seven years, GAP has grown and evolved substantially, to ensure that we continuously meet the needs of our clients. Now with a larger graphic design department, GAP can further assist you or your brand in achieving success in the market. The graphic design department’s repertoire of abilities includes: branding, logo design, print and web ads, website design, signage, and T-shirts, among many other things. If these are things GAP can help you with or if you need more information, contact Parker Olen at 888.88.GOGAP or parker.olen@gappromo.com.

[Cape Ann Museum]

Insights From the 2013 Beer Industry Summit

Last week, several members of the GAP Promotions team had the pleasure of attending the Beer Industry Summit in San Antonio, TX. Organized by Beer Business Daily, this conference brought together all of the key players in the beer industry. Panel discussions reflected insight from brewmasters, presidents, brewery founders, retail buyers, and industry consultants.

Three main themes emerged during the conference:

1. Craft beers continue to be the fastest growing segment of the industry. This growth includes the emergence of hard ciders, which are increasingly gaining space on shelves. There was much discussion among participants around the definition of a “craft beer,” the debate of craft vs. crafty beer, and the potential dangers of over-indexing SKUs.

2. It was stated that if brewers want to maintain relevance in the market, the entire three-tier system (brewers, distributors, and retailers) should focus on building each of their individual brands. All three entities should invest in communicating the story of each brand, which is what truly connects with consumers and can affect purchasing decisions. This customer connection was said to be a driving force behind the recent growth of craft breweries. Another factor driving growth is that craft brewery owners and their salesmen tend to be true ambassadors to the brand, passionately communicating the full brewery story from their humble beginnings to success as a craft beer contender.

3. Brewers and distributors alike must find additional places within retail stores to merchandise product. This may include utilizing floor space that is traditionally “held” for wine. It was noted several times that wine is more over-indexed in SKUs than beer and spirits. Jim Koch, the founder of Boston Beer Company, closed the conference by reiterating this sentiment. He told the audience that he felt as though it was his responsibility as a brewer to brew great beer that warranted being sold at $10 a bottle alongside wine at retail.

These themes truly resonated with the GAP team and aligned well with the company’s own perspectives on the market. We absolutely share Jim Koch’s enthusiasm about the brewing segment. And, we are incredibly excited to continue to demonstrate our passion and capabilities in creating amazing displays and enhancers that showcase those quality products that merit premier placement at retail.

One of our latest innovations, the GAP Twisted Singles Dispenser, merchandises quality product in a fun and exciting new way. With this display, we aim to bring singles to beer caves and enhance the consumer experience. The GAP Twisted Singles Dispenser, shown below, commands prime placement and warrants instant distribution. If you would like to make your brand stand out from the rest with this innovative, new display, please contact us to be part of our test market. Information and specs for the GAP Twisted Singles Dispenser can be found here. And, as always, you can contact GAP at 888.88.GOGAP (888.884.6427) or sales@gappromo.com to collaborate with us in the creation of custom display solutions for all of your brands’ needs.

Pop a Bottle, Crack a Can...Tear Open a Pouch?

The next big thing in the world of alcoholic beverages is here, and it has arrived in a big way! Frozen pouch drinks have quickly emerged as a major contender in the market and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re unfamiliar with these pouches, they are pre-mixed cocktails, enjoyed frozen and look like large adult juice boxes. Many major brands have hopped on the pouch bandwagon and are offering their own versions of ready-to-serve frozen cocktails. Brands such as Smirnoff, Parrot Bay, and Island Squeeze have all seen great success since their entry into the pouch game. 

According to Advertising Age, sales of alcohol pouches jumped 153% to $154 million in the year ending June 23, 2012. Consumers can choose from a wide variety of perfectly-mixed frozen pouch cocktails including daiquiris, pina coladas, margaritas, and frozen wine.

So what is it about these pouches that make them so successful? In a word, ‘convenience’. Pouches allow consumers to simply reach into the freezer and retrieve a fully-prepared mixed drink. Being able to enjoy a delicious margarita at a moment’s notice makes these pouches highly appealing to today’s consumers. And for those green-minded consumers: these pouches are more environmentally friendly than other forms of packaging.

GAP Promotions has been at the forefront of pouch merchandising innovation. We’ve created durable pouch rack solutions that achieve maximum exposure for brands. Check out some of our awesome pouch racks below, and click here for ordering information. You can also call GAP at 888.88.GOGAP or email sales@gappromo.com for completely custom pouch rack solutions.

Collapsible A-Frame Pouch Rack

H-Rotor Spinner Pouch Rack

High Capacity Hook Rotor Spinning Pouch Rack

[AdAge]

GAP PROMOTIONS AT THE 2012 NBWA

Join GAP Promotions in San Diego for the 75th NBWA

GAP Promotions will be exhibiting at the 75th National Beer Wholesalers Convention Monday, October 15th from 12:00-4:30pm. The GAP Team can be found at booth #403 in the Douglas Pavilion. We invite you to stop by and discover how GAP Promotions can help build brands, enhance floor presence, and increase sales, through our promotional products. 

GAP Promotions is a promotional products agency specializing in unique mass displays and creative dealer loaders to fit any budget. Check out a few we have at this year’s show, including singles innovation and pouch rack solutions. While you are speaking with one of our talented account managers, try your hand at a game of pong for a chance to win Antigua gear branded with your favorite NFL team’s logo. 

For more information of the 75th NBWA Annual Convention and for a full schedule of events, head over nbwa.org/convention and if you are already planning on attending the show, don’t forget to soak up some warm Southern California sun.

FALL HAS ARRIVED

As the crisp, cool air rolls in, it’s apparent that summer is coming to an end. While many prefer the warmth of the summer, there is something soothing and nostalgic about the fall. With autumn come thoughts of warm apple crumble, pumpkin patches, and brilliant foliage. Autumn is about that familiar, sweet calm with family and friends before the winter cold creeps into our bones.

One of the best parts of the changing of the season is the myriad delicious seasonal fall beers. Most breweries offer pumpkin-flavored or Oktoberfest-inspired beers, which truly capture the spirit of autumn. Magic Hat Brewing Company has a “Participation” Variety Pack, which includes beers like Hex (their Oktoberfest offering) and Hocus Pocus. Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest Lager, which blends hints of caramel and German hops, and Yuengling Oktoberfest are other tasty fall choices.

If you like pumpkin beers, look no further than Blue Moon’s Harvest Pumpkin Ale. This wonderfully autumnal beer incorporates pumpkin, cloves, and nutmeg into a perfect concoction, reminiscent of a fresh pumpkin pie. Wachusett Pumpkan is another notable pumpkin beer, easily identified by its Jack-O-Lantern adorned cans and distinctly cinnamon flavor.

If beer isn’t your thing, you might try a spiked apple cider made with Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey (see recipe below). This is a truly festive autumn party beverage whether you heat it up or keep it cool. It can also add a perfect touch as you cozy up by the fire with a good book and a blanket.

And, to boost your fall sales try promoting your brands with GAP’s stylish hoodies and jackets available in beautiful fall colors. A custom-logoed picnic tote or fleece blanket are also sure to catch the attention of leaf-peepers and other outdoor adventurers.

Royal Apple Cider

Ingredients:

· 1.5 cups Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey

· 8 cups apple cider

Combine Crown Royal and apple cider in a large pot and heat until warm. Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick (optional).

As always, enjoy responsibly.

THE PERFECT MOSCOW MULE

Seems like everywhere you look today, some fancy mixologist in some chic, unmarked tavern in NYC is inventing a new recipe like a “Rose Peartini” or the “Blackberry-Gin Fizz.” As innovative and exciting as new drink recipes may be, there is something special about the tried and true recipes of yesteryear like the “Tom Collins,” the “Manhattan,” and the simple but perfect “7&7.” Recently, the popularity of these classic cocktails has been on the incline.

Shows such as “Mad Men” and “Magic City” (both set in the 1960s) may be credited for the revival of “retro” drinks across the country. Retro is in. From television shows to home décor, the styles and trends from five and six decades ago are “in” and cocktails have followed suit. One drink that has made an enormous comeback within the last year, the Moscow Mule, has been around since the early 1940s.

First mixed in 1941 by John G. Martin and Jack Morgan, the Moscow Mule is a simple recipe with basic ingredients. Vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer are all one needs to concoct this refreshing, citrusy cocktail. What makes the Moscow Mule stand out from other vodka drinks is the signature stout copper mug in which they should be served. The copper mug not only plays a role in the identity of the drink, it also keeps it extremely cold.. Chorus lines of copper mugs can be found on more and more bar backs everyday, some even feature the establishment’s logo. (BoozeNews)

If you still haven’t tried a Moscow Mule, or if you are just looking for a great drink recipe to enjoy at home, try our favorite version, perfected by GAP’s very own Drew Murray!


The Perfect Moscow Mule

-Start with the standard 24oz. Copper Mug (Has to be the real deal, full copper, not tin- lined)

-Fill a quarter of the way with ice.

-Roll a fresh lime, to release the juices.

-Cut a round slice of lime (so that it looks like a spoke of a wheel) from the center of the lime.

-Take one of the lime “halves” and squeeze the juice over the ice.

-Throw that same half, into the mug on top of the ice.

-Fill halfway with ice.

-Place the round slice of lime at the top of the ice.

-Take your favorite vodka (I like Tito’s) and pour it directly over and through the lime slice, so that it acts as a filter. While pouring, count 4 long seconds (sometimes I treat myself to 5)

- Pour a whole can of your favorite ginger beer, (I strongly recommend Gosling’s), through the lime slice in the same fashion.

-Stir your beverage and enjoy.

Enjoy your Moscow Mule responsibly!