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9/16/2023 Miss Virginia partners with Virginia ABC for school tours promoting healthy choicesRead Now August Free Press - Crystal Graham, Published date:September 16, 2023
Miss Virginia Katie Rose will promote healthy choices and substance use prevention to students in Virginia elementary schools as part of Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s Miss Virginia school tour program. The Miss Virginia Organization and Virginia ABC share the combined goal of educating students about making positive decisions to better prepare for success. Supported by the Virginia ABC community health and engagement mission to prevent high risk and underage alcohol use, Miss Virginia educates elementary school students about the risks of alcohol and other drug use. The tour is funded by a $17,500 ABC grant and features several program options for elementary schools across the state, which can participate in person or virtually live. A George Mason University graduate, Rose earned a law degree from the University of Richmond this year. As Miss Virginia, she plans to also champion her social impact initiative focusing on raising awareness for domestic violence and keeping individuals safe. Rose feels that ABC’s campaign to prevent substance abuse underscores her commitment to improving the lives of children in dangerous circumstances. “I know that I want to encourage and have a platform for every child to make healthy choices for themselves and feel that they have a safe place to come forward if they choose to do so,” said Rose. “Substance abuse prevention efforts must begin in Virginia’s elementary schools.” Since 1953, the Miss Virginia Pageant has provided a platform for young women to advocate for causes and issues important to them. Virginia ABC has a long-standing partnership with the Miss Virginia Organization. Last year’s Miss Virginia, Victoria Chuah, visited 67 elementary schools reaching 18,369 students promoting healthy decision making and leadership through the Miss Virginia school tour program. “Virginia ABC and the Miss Virginia Organization have collaborated to meet students where they are with age-appropriate information about drugs and alcohol to protect them from dangerous behaviors as they grow older,” said Virginia ABC community health and engagement director Katie Crumble. “This early communication sets the stage for a lifetime of promoting health and safety by being informed, approachable and good leaders.” School programsMiss Virginia provides the foundation and encouragement for young students to understand healthy choices and be aware of the harms of substance use. The Miss Virginia school tour messaging aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning of Advocacy and Health Promotion, Essential Health Concepts and Healthy Decisions focusing on substance use prevention as outlined in the SOLs. In accordance with these standards, two versions of the presentation based on grade level (Kindergarten-first grade and second-fifth grades) are available. Each student who participates in the program receives a copy of Virginia ABC’s educational health and safety activity workbook. The workbook encourages powerful connections when a teacher or caregiver shares the experience of completing the book with a child. Workbooks will be shipped to each school prior to the scheduled visit. Students will:
Virginians have a new option to learn when high-demand bourbons and other spirits are available for sale. On September 12, Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) will introduce text notifications for limited availability product drops.
Customers can sign up for drop notifications by texting the keyword DROPS to 80424. Users will have to attest they are 21 years of age or older. Spirited Virginia email notifications for limited availability product drops will continue. However, beginning October 15, limited availability product drops will no longer be posted to Spirited Virginia’s social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). Virginia ABC instituted the drop system in April 2022 to create an equitable system for distributing dozens of spirits (predominantly bourbon) for which demand exceeded supply. While stores receive limited availability products during normal shipments, these are not available for purchase until the drop notifications are distributed. Timing and stores selected for drops are randomized to discourage people from lining up in or around stores. Store staff are given a brief window to prepare for the event before the public is notified about the drops. All limited availability products are one per customer per day, which helps more customers access them. Virginia ABC also sells rare spirits through online lotteries and during in-store barrel pick events. Customers who wish to receive text notifications agree to the following terms and conditions: By subscribing to Virginia ABC SMS (Short Message Service) text messages, you agree to receive recurring autodialed marketing and promotional messages, including but not limited to messages regarding limited availability product drops, at the mobile phone number(s) used at the time of opt-in. Consent is not required as a condition of purchasing any goods or services. • You must be 21 years of age or older. • Message frequency may vary per month. • Message and data rates may apply. News Release Contact:Virginia ABC Communications - (804) 213-4413 Email: [email protected] Tito's Handmade Vodka is top brand for 6th year Virginia Business - PUBLISHED AUGUST 31, 2023 BY COURTNEY MABEUS-BROWN Tito’s Handmade Vodka notched its sixth year as the commonwealth’s most popular liquor at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority stores in fiscal 2023. According to VABC, the Austin, Texas-based craft vodka accounted for $72 million in sales in fiscal 2023, up $5.1 million over the prior year. Tito’s out-guzzled other spirits by a long shot; Hennessy VS cognac ranked No. 2 in sales at $44 million, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey chased behind, ranking No. 3 at $30.1 million, followed by Patron Silver tequila, at $28.6 million, and Jim Beam straight bourbon whiskey, which accounted for $24 million in sales. Among the top 10 best-sellers, Jameson Irish whiskey rose to No. 6 and Maker’s Mark straight bourbon remained at No. 7. Crown Royal Canadian whiskey dropped to No. 8, Grey Goose vodka rose to No. 9 and Lunazul Blanco tequila joined the top 10, rising 10 spots to No. 10. Fireball whiskey fizzled, dropping to No. 14. The spirit, which has been among the state’s top 50 products, saw the year’s largest decline at 18.4%, with total sales dropping by $3.2 million. The best-sellers list, released Tuesday, follows a report of record revenues for ABC in fiscal 2023. The authority topped off at $1.47 billion in gross revenues last year, up $54.3 million over the previous fiscal year. Among Virginia’s top-selling categories for fiscal 2023, vodka led at 1.64 million cases sold, followed by tequila at 885,876 cases, an 18.4% increase from the previous year. Tequila, which grew from an 11.8% to 13.7% market share, shot past straight bourbon whiskey, which accounted for 780,777 cases in fiscal 2023, followed by cordials/liqueurs at 514,517 cases and rum at 470,292 cases. The fastest-growing categories were moonshine at 25.6%, tequila at 18.4%, specialty drinks (such as gift sets) at 14.8%, domestic ready-to-drink cocktails at 10.1% and straight rye whiskey at 9.8%. The biggest declines were seen in Cognacs/Armagnacs at 14.6%, and Canadian whiskey at 10%. Sloe gin grew 64% but is Virginia ABC’s smallest category, with only 141 cases sold. Sales of Virginia-distilled spirits increased to $24.1 million in sales, with more than 1 million bottles sold. Top sellers in that category included Bowman Brothers Virginia straight bourbon, at $1.6 million, Cirrus Vodka at $1.2 million, John J. Bowman Virginia straight bourbon, with $841,852 in sales, Isaac Bowman port finish whiskey at $623,848 and Virginia Highlands War Horn Whiskey, which accounted for $446,898. Virginia ABC added four stores in fiscal 2023, bringing its total to 399. Here are the top five stores by gallons sold:
August 30, 2023
News Release Contact:Virginia ABC Communications - (804) 213-4413 Email: [email protected] Virginia ABC Adjusting Store HoursAll stores to close at 6 p.m. on Labor Day The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) will adjust its store hours effective September 1. Virginia ABC reviews store hours annually as part of its budget process. The decision on closing times is driven by an analysis of store sales during the last two hours of the day.
These changes to retail store hours are part of the authority’s focus on efficiency opportunities while maintaining customer service as a top priority. Customers can visit Virginia ABC’s website at http://www.abc.virginia.gov to search for stores, determine the availability of products at any retail location and order spirits online for in-store or curbside pickup or home delivery in select areas. Virginia ABC encourages customers to make mindful choices about alcohol during all of life’s celebrations. Resources are available at https://www.abc.virginia.gov/sip-responsibly. News Release Contact:Virginia ABC Communications - (804) 213-4413
Email: [email protected] Virginia ABC’s Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue IncreasesThe Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) released its unaudited financial results for fiscal year (FY) 2023 after the ABC Board of Directors adopted a revised FY2024 budget. Fiscal Year 2024 Budget In actions taken Tuesday, the Board adopted an amended budget that projects profits from retail sales of $244.3 million, a $23.7 million increase over FY2023 results. The adopted budget forecasts a 5.1% growth in revenue while focusing on investing in ABC teammates, maintaining core business systems and continuing to enhance regulatory services to ABC licensees. “The ABC Board met and unanimously approved a new FY2024 budget for ABC that will deliver $244.3 million to the general fund of the Commonwealth,” said ABC Chairman Tim Hugo. “This result was thanks to the collaborative efforts of ABC’s executive leadership team working with the Governor’s administration. This revised budget will strengthen ABC and serve our Commonwealth.” The Board also adopted its five-year forecast that will be used to inform the upcoming biennial budget submission. As part of that forecast, the Authority will continue to focus on growing revenues while controlling costs and enhancing its service to licensees. Fiscal Year 2023 Results FY 2023 results show gross revenue of $1.5 billion, up $54.3 million over FY 2022. ABC revenues include the sale of distilled spirits, Virginia wines and mixers and the collection of license fees and other miscellaneous revenues. Each year, per the Code of Virginia, Virginia ABC remits earnings to the commonwealth for designated state programs and services. For FY 2023, ABC contributed a total of $609.7 million, an increase of $2 million over the previous year, excluding a one-time net gain of $15.1 million in FY 2022 from the sale of ABC’s old corporate headquarters and warehouse. This reflects $220.6 million in profits from retail sales, $307.7 million in taxes (retail) and $81.4 million collected in wine and beer taxes. ”Virginia ABC continues to focus on its mission of strengthening the Commonwealth through public safety, education and revenue from the responsible regulation and sale of alcoholic beverages,” said CEO Travis Hill. Providing these essential services to all Virginians is only possible thanks to our dedicated workforce and their tireless commitment to service.” Sales trends Overall sales revenue for the authority in FY2023 grew by $54.3 million to $1.472 billion. Total sales volume grew from 6.32 million cases to 6.46 million cases. Throughout the year, sales rose on each day of the week, except for Thursdays. Sunday sales increased by $3.4 million to $102.3 million. Saturday led all days, with $280.4 million of sales. Sales to licensees increased by $20.9 million to $250.4 million, indicating the continued strength of Virginia’s hospitality industry. Sales to retail customers also increased by $44.6 million, to $1.18 billion. Online sales totaled $8.8 million. Virginia ABC has transferred over $900 million in profits to the Commonwealth in the last four years, exceeding its profit transfer requirement – an amount set in the Commonwealth’s biennial budget that is adopted by the Virginia General Assembly – in each of those years. The authority has contributed $77.6 million above that requirement during that period. Virginia ABC’s final, audited results will be released in the fall. For more information about ABC’s sales and revenue, visit www.abc.virginia.gov. ### The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing nearly $2.9 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Profits from in-store and online retail sales provide funding for designated state programs and services. Virginia ABC currently operates 399 state stores and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees nearly 21,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 89th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia. |
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