Dennis Carr, whose career has included two separate terms with the wine giant, joined Casa Azul last month. The appointment, announced formally this week, will allow the start-up to draw on Carr’s “domestic and international experiences” from a 33-year career in beverage alcohol.
Carr first joined Gallo back in 1991, spending just over five years in Tokyo developing the group’s Japanese business. The US native returned home in 1996 to join The Boston Beer Co, before heading to Californian wine producer C Mondavi & Family seven years later.
Then, following almost eight years with spirits distributor and brand owner Hotaling & Co, Carr returned to Gallo towards the end of 2019, assuming the position of VP up until his departure in January.
Coinciding with the announcement, Casa Azul, whose namesake brand debuted with a line of tequila-based RTDs before graduating to a full-strength portfolio, unveiled the Playa Pack. Rolling out to the US off-premise channel in June, the extension comprises eight cans of its 5% ABV tequila soda in flavours including new additions Pineapple Coconut and Spicy Margarita.
Casa Azul blanco carries an SRP of US$69 per 75cl bottle, with the reposado and añejo expressions retailing at $89 and $129, respectively.
Earlier this week, Gallo unveiled a change of corporate name from E&J Gallo Winery as well as an updated company logo.
