Riboli Family Wines has followed through on its pledge to extend the US reach of the Stella Rosa brandy range.
Just under a year ago, the Los Angeles-based company unveiled the three-strong line extension of its Stella Rosa Italian wine brand. Smooth Black, Honey Peach and Tropical Passion, which debuted in seven metropolitan markets, are all now available state-wide in Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The trio carry a retail price-point of US$30-$35 each.
According to privately-owned Riboli, the brand, which is also produced in Italy, has sold 74,000 cases since launch. “Our data shows Stella Rosa Brandy Smooth Black is the top-selling SKU and has been thriving in independent retailers, especially in the southeast,” said company president Steve Riboli.
“That tells us it has become a true alternative to traditional Cognac and that was the goal of this line.”
The most recent data from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association in the US shows the combined brandy & Cognac category in steady decline in the country’s Control States. Volumes in May were down year-on-year by almost 8% in the 17 states, while sales by value declined even further, by approaching 11%.
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