1,200+ convenience stores in 11 states equipped with eCommerce app
November 16, 2021
Drizly, Boston, announced its collaboration with 7-Eleven, Irving, Texas, to deliver alcohol to adults of legal drinking age in under 60 minutes from more than 1,200 7-Eleven stores. Following a successful pilot program with 190 stores, more than 1,200 7-Eleven stores across Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington state now offer delivery through Drizly.
Companies plan to link retailers, technology, partners and more
November 9, 2021
ReserveBar, Ridgefield, Conn., has agreed to acquire New York-based Minibar Delivery, a leading marketplace featuring on-demand delivery of wine, spirits, beer, ready-to-drink cocktails, mixers and more. Minibar Delivery facilitates these deliveries by partnering with more than 2,800 retail partner locations nationwide, including independent liquor stores and iconic national brands such as 7-Eleven. The acquisition accelerates ReserveBar's expansion of its retailer fulfillment network and planned introduction of on-demand delivery capabilities.
As consumers are likely to do more of a mix of in-store and online shopping, mass merchandisers are making substantial investments to expand online coverage, services and capabilities.
Although the pandemic produced a mixed bag of results for the natural and organic channel, experts note that shoppers remain loyal to these retailers because of its curated selection of products.
How and where consumers are purchasing their alcohol continues to shift, with eCommerce continuing to drive sales. Although hard seltzers have been king of the beverage industry the past three years, ready-to-drink canned cocktails now are outpacing the category.
Cured Leaves Tea Co., Baltimore, launched its online tea company to offer top-quality loose-leaf teas carefully cultivated and ethically sourced from the heart of Africa and mindfully blended for the ultimate tea drinking experience, it says.
When it comes to eCommerce, consumers continue to index increased usage. As eCommerce’s influence grows, beverage-makers and wholesalers also are seeing the benefits direct-to-consumer and digital ecosystems can offer.
Post-COVID-19, experts note that the “size of the prize” opportunity in the on-premise channel are huge. When making cocktails, rum is surging in popularity as the spirit of choice in piña coladas, mojitos and Margaritas.