Third Annual Virginia Spirits Month Continues to Drive Sales

Media Contacts:
Amy Ciarametaro, Virginia Distillers Association
[email protected]
Cell: 757.535.5829

Distillery store sales more than double over first year results

According to data from Virginia ABC, sales at both ABC stores and distillery stores during September 2018 totaled nearly $1.5 million, representing a 20 percent gain over September 2017. September sales at distillery stores alone grew to more than $640,000, more than doubling sales of just two years ago, when the promotion first began.

“We couldn’t be more excited about consumer response to Virginia Spirits Month and how that support has continued to generate revenue for our distilling industry and our partners – from distillers to restaurants to the commonwealth,” said Gareth H. Moore, VDA President and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company. “At the same time, the increase in distillery store sales – despite store closures during Hurricane Florence – shows that consumers not only value Virginia Spirits, but also want to see where they are produced. This has significant implications for Virginia tourism and is proof positive that ‘Virginia is for Spirits Lovers,’ and our partnership with Virginia ABC and VTC will drive economic benefits for many years to come.”

“Virginia has seen rapid expansion of in-state distilleries – from 10 in 2008 to nearly 70 today with more on the way,” said Virginia ABC Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “We are proud to sell Virginia-made spirits and excited to be a part of a burgeoning industry that creates jobs and is a growing part of the commonwealth’s robust agricultural and tourism economies. “

Highlights of the Virginia Spirits Month campaign included:

“It’s 5 O’clock for 30 Days” promotion driven by 33 “how to make” cocktail videos featuring Virginia spirits used in classic and contemporary cocktails.
Complimentary “Virginia is for Spirits Lovers” tote bags with any bottle purchase of Virginia spirits at 20 select ABC stores, which sold out by mid-month.
Virginia ABC placed signage and product displays promoting Virginia spirits and the month-long campaign partnership in its 374 retail outlets throughout the commonwealth.
A large scale consumer festival, the Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow, kicked off the month-long promotion at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A second roadshow scheduled at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery for Sept. 15 had to be postponed until Nov. 17 due to Hurricane Florence.

**Left to right, from the ‘Kickoff to September Virginia Spirits Month Celebration’ at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA:** Gareth H. Moore, VDA President and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company / Chris Canfield, VTC Vice-President / Travis Hill, CEO of Virginia ABC / Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. CLICK HERE to download a high res. version. Photo credit: Revel Photo Co.

**Left to right – front row only, from the ‘Kickoff to September Virginia Spirits Month Celebration’ at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA:** Amy Ciarametaro, Executive Director for the VDA / Chris Canfield, VTC Vice-President / Rick Wasmund, Master Distiller for Copper Fox Distillery / Travis Hill, CEO of Virginia ABC / Gareth H. Moore, VDA President and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company / Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; along with representatives from 20 Virginia distilleries. CLICK HERE to download a high res. version. Photo credit: Revel Photo Co.

The Virginia Distillers Association is a nonprofit private trade association focused on promotional efforts to increase awareness of Virginia’s growing craft spirits industry, as well as the regulatory and legislative needs of the industry. For more information about the Virginia Distillers Association, visit: www.VirginiaSpirits.org