The new alliance will kick national account growth into high gear
Healdsburg, California – November 27 SHARE A SPLASH wine co. and Flying Blue have announced a partnership to accelerate growth of the SHARE A SPLASH wine co. portfolio in strategic US national accounts. Yoav Gilat founded Cannonball Wine Company in 2006 with a singular vision – to create the best sub $20 California Cabernet on the market. SHARE A SPLASH wine co. has grown into a leading marketer and driver of approachable wine brands that are united in their mission to connect people through wine.
Flying Blue is a team of industry veterans founded by Roger Scommegna and Ryan Kepler, with a proven track record of brand development, innovation, and a best in class national accounts team. “We are excited to partner with SHARE A SPLASH and their growing family of brands, well positioned in some of the fastest growing categories. Angels & Cowboys Rosé in the over $15 domestic rosé category; Cannonball a high velocity brand, top scoring New Zealand darling Astrolabe; and José Maria da Fonseca’s Twin Vines hitting the low alcohol, better for you category” Kepler remarked.
Gilat, who was named a 2022 Wine Industry Leader by Wine Business, also launched sustainably minded Russian River Valley brand Atelier with head winemaker Ondine Chattan earlier this year, sees this as an extension of his mission to break down barriers in wine. “We’ve made great progress in the last couple of years building our national account business” Gilat noted, “I see our trajectory in this channel accelerating with the strategic mindset and relationships Flying Blue brings to the table.” Both Cannonball and Angels & Cowboys have strong sales velocity heading into 2024; Gilat sees a big opportunity for both brands to fill gaps in the large white space Flying Blue is playing in.
Jennifer Chapple, Vice President of Sales, SHARE A SPLASH wine co., who will lead the partnership noted “We are excited about the depth of knowledge the Flying Blue team has in this space; they possess the analytics, professionalism and experience to continue to grow our portfolio with the right national and regional accounts.”
SHARE A SPLASH wine co. closes 2023 with some big wins. Sonoma-centric Angels & Cowboys, which added a sparkling program in 2021, grew 30% (2022/2021); flagship brand Cannonball celebrated its 17th year with robust consumer and trade programming, including philanthropic partnerships with José Andres’ World Central Kitchen and select local charities. Cannonball Women Making a Splash, a campaign celebrating Women’s History Month, spotlighted their female employees. The company is over 75% female, with women employed through all company levels – production, sales, marketing, and operations.
About SHARE A SPLASH wine co.
Founded in 2006 as Cannonball Wine Company, SHARE A SPLASH wine co. produces and manages a portfolio of wines that echo a simple belief: that wine, like life, is best enjoyed when shared. Today, the SHARE A SPLASH portfolio offers a diverse range of premium – luxury wine brands, including Cannonball, Angels & Cowboys, High Dive Napa Valley, and boutique brand Atelier with imports New Zealand’s Astrolabe Wines and Portugal’s José Maria da Fonseca’s Twin Vines. From their base in Healdsburg, California, the SHARE A SPLASH wine co. wines are present in 48 United States and 30 international markets and on a mission to “Share a Splash” with every glass! For more information visit shareasplash.com.
About Flying Blue Imports
In 2018 Roger Scommegna and Ryan Kepler founded Flying Blue Imports; a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction and aims to bring our clients’ vision to life. Flying Blue is a dynamic and nimble organization specializing in national accounts, focused on a holistic approach to the adult beverage industry, including sales, winemaking, sourcing, logistics, packaging, design, and global execution. Flying Blue’s customer-centric approach is a commitment to meeting the specific needs and preferences of the end consumer rather than imposing our own agenda. To learn more, visit flyingblueimports.com
