AWT Labels & Packaging is expanding its RFID capabilities to better serve customers across the healthcare, engineered, and consumer markets. By broadening our RFID expertise for both existing and prospective customers, we transform traditional labels into smart data carriers—enhancing efficiency, visibility, and confidence across the entire supply chain, from clinical labeling to consumer applications. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology elevates labeling solutions by adding real-time visibility and intelligence to products. By embedding RFID into labels and component parts, customers can automatically track items throughout production, distribution, and end use. Eliminating manual scanning reduces errors, improves accuracy, and saves time. The result is stronger inventory control, improved traceability and compliance, faster workflows, and more reliable data to support informed decision-making. In 2024, AWT Labels & Packaging acquired American Label Technol

Scott Laboratories is pleased to announce the launch of Scott Premium Closures, an independent venture created to serve the wine and specialty beverage industry with a dedicated focus on closures.   As part of this transition, all closure sales, support, and operations will move from Scott Laboratories to Scott Premium Closures (www.spclosures.com).  The creation of Scott Premium Closures represents a strategic step towards ensuring long term sourcing stability and operational independence. As a standalone entity, the new closure business is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of beverage producers, while continuing to invest in its portfolio to best position the company for future growth.  As part of this commitment, Scott Premium Closures’ welcomes their first strategic acquisition, ACIC Cork & Closures. The ACIC brand expands the Scott portfolio with new partnerships and an extended selection of natural cork, capsules, bar tops, and related offering

Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE), the leading provider of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales education, leadership coaching, and certification for the wine industry, today announced the launch of WISE Public Speaking Pathways, a new suite of live, practice-based public speaking courses developed in partnership with Clear Communication Academy (CCA). Designed specifically for winery professionals, WISE Public Speaking Pathways delivers role-based communication training across every level of the organization, from frontline tasting room staff building confidence with guests, to managers and winemakers representing the winery publicly, to executives speaking with influence and authority. With both live Zoom and in-person options, the program offers flexible access for individuals and organizations to select the experience that best aligns with their goals, team structure, and growth initiatives. “Strong communication is not a ‘nice to have’ in today’s DTC envi

Angels & Cowboys Expands Their Sparkling Program  

The California brand adds a Brut NV traditional method sparkler  Healdsburg, CA – May 24 Angels & Cowboys has released their second sparkling wine – Angels & Cowboys  Brut NV, joining stablemate Brut Rosé NV which was released in December 2020. Following similar  production protocols as its sibling wine, the Brut NV employs the traditional […]

Afternoon Brief, June 23rd

Constellation Brands Expands The Prisoner Wine Company Portfolio with Acquisition of Luxury Napa Valley Wine Brand, Domaine Curry: The acquisition further enhances the company’s higher-end portfolio and reinforces its ongoing commitment to female and minority representation within the industry...

Sorren, a Top 50 national tax, accounting, and advisory firm, announced today that Connected Accounting, an innovative technology-forward accounting firm with deep roots in Los Angeles, has joined the organization. Founded in 2019 by Marie Greene, Connected Accounting is recognized for leveraging technology to streamline accounting processes, improve operational efficiency, and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes for clients. By bringing together two firms committed to innovation and client service, this expansion strengthens Sorren’s footprint in California and its ability to deliver scalable, technology-driven solutions without compromising the personalized attention clients value. “Connected Accounting has built a strong reputation by combining trusted relationships with forward-thinking technology and efficient processes,” said Josh Tyree, CEO of Sorren “Their approach aligns closely with our strategic priorities and ongoing investments in integrated

The Group has acquired Vinventions’ Mexico-based screwcap manufacturing operations, establishing a dedicated production hub for the U.S. alcoholic beverage industry. February 23, 2026 (Milan, Italy) — Guala Closures, a global leader in specialty beverage and pharmaceutical closure solutions, has acquired Vinventions’ screwcap production business located in Rosarito, Mexico, expanding its manufacturing footprint in North America and strengthening its supply capabilities for the U.S. wine and spirits market. Established in 2024, the Rosarito plant is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in the production of high-quality 30×60 aluminium closures, with a total installed capacity exceeding 200 million units per year and the potential for further expansion. Due to its strategic location and access to the North American market, the acquisition will provide Guala Closures with additional capacity to support growing demand from its U.S. wine and spirits customers, en

It is time to dust off the employee handbook, review your policies and procedures, and make sure they comply with all the new laws, regulations, and interpretations that went into effect during 2025, became effective in late 2025, or January 1, 2026. Below, we have identified our “top 10” changes.  Please keep in mind there were hundreds of laws, regulations, and changes implemented at the local, state, and federal levels throughout 2025. This summary highlights selected changes most likely to impact California employers and is not intended to be exhaustive. So, if you need a handbook/policy review or have any questions, please call us! 1 – Minimum Wage Update: Updates happen every year.  It’s best to put a calendar reminder in November, to make sure your payroll is ready! Action: Review your payroll to ensure all employees are being paid the new minimum wage, send written notice of the wage change to affected hourly employees, and be sure your salari

For more than 20 years, Activ8 Commerce has built technology specifically for wineries — and we’re proud to share our latest update. In every tasting room, the moments that matter most happen at the counter — or wherever a guest decides they’re ready to buy. The challenge is making sure your team can meet that moment quickly, without waiting on hardware or wrestling with terminals. Across the industry, the wineries seeing the strongest DTC results this year have focused on a few core operational shifts: 1️⃣ Reduce friction at checkout Guests expect fast, smooth transactions. Long lines or “sorry, this reader is stuck again” moments absolutely impact sales. Tap-to-pay with credit cards — especially when available on mobile devices — helps teams stay fluid and attentive. 2️⃣ Make hardware flexible and affordable Tasting rooms aren’t built like retail stores. Stations need to move. Staff shift positions. Outdoor service expands and co

When your crew is facing a one-off lift, renting a telehandler with the right specialty attachment is often the most cost-effective and low-risk solution. Telehandlers combine the reach of a crane with the maneuverability of a forklift, and today’s rental fleets offer more capacity, boom lengths, and attachment options than ever. If your challenge is “unusual,” a rental telehandler configured for your exact task turns the unusual into routine. Why Renting a Telehandler Is a Smart Move There are several reasons why telehandler rentals are ideal for one-off lifts or specialty applications. Purpose-Built for Reach and Rough Terrain Unlike conventional forklifts, telehandlers are designed to travel uneven jobsites while extending loads out and up. Papé Material Handling’s rental lineup spans compact 5,000–6,000 lb machines through high-capacity units up to 15,000 lb, with lift heights from the high teens into the 60-foot range, so you can pick the right