Beam Inc. had a stronger first quarter (3 months ending March 31) than expected, benefitting from "strong demand" and "excellent initial sell-in for new product launches that are front-loaded in 2012," said chief Matt Shattock. Sales grew low double-digits in the US led by Beam's power brands (Maker's Mark and Jim Beam) and rising stars (Pucker Vodka and Skinnygirl)

Yes, you're reading that correctly. Beam Inc. announced this morning it has reached an agreement with White Rock Distillers to acquire Pinnacle Vodka and Calico Jack rum brands and other related assets for $605 million in cash.Pinnacle is expected to excee d 3 million 9-liter cases in 2012, said the company, and obviously greatly enhances Beam's presence in the vodka category

White Rock Distilleries has had a lot of success with its Pinnacle Vodka line, which is often credited with starting the dessert flavor phenomenon. Whipped remains its top flavor, backed by Cherry Whipped, Chocolate Whipped, Orange Whipped and Whipped Key Lime. Other recent flavor innovations include Atomic Hots, Cookie Dough and Gummy

It's been a busy year. Since January Campari America has changed its name from Skyy Spirits, appointed a new coo (Paolo Perego), announced a new $44 million packaging facility at the Wild Turkey distillery in Kentucky and joined the Distilled Spirits Counc il. All these things suggest a renewed focus on its North American and US businesses

Incoming WSWA chairman Charlie Merinoff (ceo and chairman of Charmer Sunbelt Group) urged listeners at the 69th Annual WSWA Convention & Exposition to come together and work towards the greater cause of building this industry. The CARE Act (HR 1161), of co urse, has been a majorly controversial piece of legislation in the industry, while privatization in Washington State has also taken center stage

[Editor's note: Lots of news items surfaced over the weekend, so we thought it was worth an early morning edition to start off the week].The impending outcome of ongoing negotiations between Diageo and Cuervo is one of the biggest news stories of the year, and it sounds like they are getting closer to striking a deal

​Belvedere vodka was lambasted in the press last week after the company posted an ad on its Facebook...

Lyle Tick has appointed Mullen as the lead for Grey Goose’s global creative business, his first change as the new head vodka marketer for Bacardi Global Brands. The Interpublic agency succeeds Radical Media, which will continue to handle some of the brand’ s content initiatives.

Diageo chief Paul Walsh spoke with WSJ this weekend, touching on much speculated about topics like a potential Beam Inc. takeover and the future of their distribution deal with Cuervo. Paul also confirmed industry chatter that newly appointed coo Ivan Mene zes would be his natural successor when he eventually retires