The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) announced the 2023-2024 scholarship recipients of the Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) and the Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program February 26. Recipients are recognized for having outstanding commitment to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the wine business. The Wine Industry Scholars Program (WISP) supports the access, retention, and graduation of students who are first-generation college students and children of families working in the wine industry. WISP awards approximately $150,000 in scholarships annually. The Wine Business Institute Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive wine industry by supporting a broad range of scholars, including women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds and those requiring financial support for their education. “This year’s recipients went through a rigorous sel

WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, recently installed new members on its Board of Directors and discussed the outlook in Washington heading into 2023. The annual Fall Retreat, this year held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington on November 14-15, also included updates on the organization's membership, government affairs activities, and 2022 National Economic Impact Study. "This was an excellent and productive gathering reflective of WineAmerica's continuing evolution," said WineAmerica President Jim Trezise, who served on the organization's Board and Executive Committee for 25 years before becoming President in 2017. "The new Board members bring fresh perspectives and energy to blend with the dedication and experience of longtime Directors." The newly installed Directors, elected by the membership in October, are Michelle Kaufman of the Stoller Wine Group (OR), Edward Matovcik of Constellation Brands (NY, CA, WA),

Leading Alcohol Removed Wine Brand, Starla, Taps Debbie Novograd, Former Bevzero and Starbucks Exec, as Advisor and Chief Strategy Officer

The undeniably feminine, highly stylized, and lifestyle-focused brand expands its leadership team for the next phase of growth as the non-alcoholic beverage segment continues its upward trajectory. DALLAS, Sept. 20, 2022 […]

BevZero Launches White Label Program to Support Brands Looking to Enter the No- and Low-Alcohol Wine Industry Leading beverage services and equipment provider, BevZero, leverages infrastructure and partners to allow brands a streamlined approach to enter the no and low wine market. SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 14, 2022: Beverage industry veteran, BevZero, has announced the launch of the BevZero White Label Program to further enhance the full suite of service offerings in support of the growing no- and low-alcohol space. With a market value of nearly US$10 billion in 2021 and an estimated +8% CAGR between 2021 and 2025 (compared to regular alcohol volume growth of +0.7% CAGR during that same period), the IWSR predicts that the no- and low-alcohol segment is still in its infancy. The wine category, in particular, is forecasted to grow even further at +20% CAGR for low-alcohol wine and +9% CAGR for no-alcohol wine. BevZero has partnered with key wine industry supply chain leaders to deve

Beverage industry leader BevZero has announced a new suite of services that build on its 2021 rebranding and organizational enhancements in support of the growing no- and low- alcohol space. BevZero is now offering end-to-end product services to ensure extraordinary outcomes for its clients. They provide support across their six step process flow, including product development, formulation, fulfillment, and support across the supply chain, including product sourcing and packaging. In addition to BevZero’s extensive winemaking, brewing, and food science expertise, these services provide streamlined solutions for the non-alcoholic beer, wine, and cider markets. They also support the growing functional beverage and hemp- and cannabis-infused categories. BevZero CEO Debbie Novograd says, “Our plan to focus on innovation and build on our strong history and capabilities is coming to fruition in 2022. It’s exciting to see the no- and low-alcohol trend take hold across the gl

BevZero, known previously as ConeTech and PolarClad, provides same services and equipment as well as new innovations.  For over 30 years, suppliers around the globe have turned to ConeTech to provide alcohol adjustment and dealcoholization services, as well as PolarClad for their tank insulation and mixer needs. But as the industry moves into a new era for low- and no- alcohol beverages, ConeTech, PolarClad, and Advanced Beverage Technologies have consolidated under the BevZero name to streamline its resources and continue to bring innovative equipment and services to its customers. As BevZero steps into this new role, it is supported by a global team, including recent hires designed to offer customers a powerhouse roster of winemakers, brewers, distillers and scientists. This exceptional team is in place to offer their expertise in an array of advisory services, including formulating, consulting across the supply chain, large scale dealcoholization services and specialized bevera

Thirty years ago a company called ConeTech perfected a process known as alcohol removal using thin film vacuum distillation to assist wineries with alcohol level management for tax purposes and “sweet spotting.” Today, ConeTech has morphed into BevZero, an international leader for low, non-alcoholic and infused beverage innovations across the entire spectrum of the wine, beer, cider and spirits industry to address growing consumer preferences in the drinks business. “There is a global movement towards the reduction in daily alcohol consumption, as a result of lifestyle changes, governmental regulations and continued medical warnings, and consumers are responding,” confirms Debbie Novograd, BevZero’s CEO. “BevZero was created in 2018 to provide product development, base product sourcing and advisory services to our clients in recognition of this critical trend.” BevZero has recently announced the consolidation of its services, service locations

Leading alcohol and flavor management services company ConeTech, Advanced Beverage Technologies (ABT) and its family of companies realign under BevZero. SANTA ROSA, Calif., September 1, 2021: Leading alcohol and flavor management services company ConeTech, who in 1991 pioneered the use of vacuum distillation for alcohol removal in wine, along with Advanced Beverage Technologies (ABT) and its family of companies, will merge with and under the brand name BevZero.  BevZero Holdings includes BevZero Services and BevZero Equipment. BevZero Equipment comprises PolarClad, Vinfoil mixers and GoLo dealcoholization technologies. BevZero will be the beverage industry advisory, service and equipment provider leading the future of beverage innovation.  For over 30 years, ConeTech has made the removal of excessive alcohol from traditional alcoholic beverages possible without the slightest loss of aroma or flavor. As lower alcohol and no alcohol beverages reach new heights, includ