March 15, 2013 To: All LCBO Trade Partners, RE: VINTAGES Product Needs for Winter/Spring 2014 Spring is almost here and VINTAGES will soon begin accepting submissions for Winter/Spring 2014. Attached is the Product Needs schedule outlining opportunities for purchases and detailing product specifications and deadlines. As per the usual protocol, submissions must be processed through NISS (New Item Submission System). For those who are new to the system, instructions for registering for or using NISS are available on doingbusinesswithlcbo.com under Web Systems. The LCBO s Green Initiative is an ongoing corporate priority and agents and suppliers should note that special consideration will be given to products that follow sustainable, biodynamic, or organic agricultural practices meeting CFIA standards. For your convenience, an overview of the VINTAGES Purchasing Process is attached. On behalf of the VINTAGES Category team, thank you for your support. We look forward to working with you and your suppliers to grow our premium wine sales this year. Kind Regards, Kathy Cannon Director, & VINTAGES, LCBO cc: Shari Mogk-Edwards, Bob Downey 55 Lake Shore Blvd East, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5E 1A4 www.lcbo.com www.vintages.com
PURCHASING PROCESS Types of Submissions: Product Calls Product Calls are open to all products fitting the criteria outlined in the VINTAGES Product Needs Schedule. A must be entered through NISS by the posted deadline. Agents should refrain from resubmitting the same or next vintage of a wine that has already been scheduled for an upcoming release, excluding iconic wines and collaborative items. VINTAGES Direct This refers to applications, outside of the Product Calls, for which a sample is not required for tasting and/or laboratory analysis. Approval from the appropriate buyer is required before submitting an application. VINTAGES Ad Hoc This refers to applications, outside of the Product Calls, where a sample is required for tasting and/or laboratory analysis. Approval from the appropriate buyer is required before submitting an application. Accepted Applications Each application must be accompanied by a complete quote on supplier letterhead. Be sure to include any applicable third-party reviews and technical information. Fully completed applications are vital to ensuring expedient purchases. Estimated retail price must be stated in Canadian dollars. If labels are submitted with the sample, we recommend placing them in a small zip-lock bag. If possible, please include technical information and third-party reviews for our researchers to reference. If you have any questions regarding accepted applications, please call VINTAGES at 416-365-5863. 55 Lake Shore Blvd East, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5E 1A4 www.lcbo.com www.vintages.com
PURCHASING PROCESS CONT D Dropping off Samples We will accept delivery of samples Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm during the week of the sample deadline. Please note: LCBO Security will not accept product samples after hours. Tasting Results Tasting results are available through NISS only. Due to the potential volume of telephone inquiries, VINTAGES cannot accept calls regarding tasting results. Notice to Purchase VINTAGES issues a Notice to Purchase via NISS for all products we intend to purchase. That is, when a decision to purchase has been made, a Notice to Purchase will be issued. This is the only precursor to the issuing of the purchase order. Offers under consideration should not be interpreted as intent to purchase. Agents are requested to acknowledge the Notice to Purchase and must agree to honour and adhere to all clauses therein, on behalf of their suppliers. Suppliers are required to agree to all terms and conditions specified in the purchase order. We are not able to issue a purchase order until suppliers have registered for Web P.O. More information on Web P.O. can be found at doingbusinesswithlcbo.com under Web Systems. Please do not fax or email acknowledgements as we are not able to process these. Sales Performance Targets The sales target for products purchased for VINTAGES retail releases is (minimum) 75% sell-through after 8 weeks in stores and 100% sell-through after 12 weeks. Achieving these targets and increasing sku productivity ensures continuous a flow of new and exciting products. For products with a rebate agreement that fail to achieve 75% sellthrough after 12 weeks, a 20% rebate term will be applied. Sales and inventory levels are available through LCBO data sources such as the complimentary Narrowcast service or by purchasing additional information through the Sale of Data (SOD) program. More information on SOD is available at doingbusinesswithlcbo.com under Web Systems. 55 Lake Shore Blvd East, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5E 1A4 www.lcbo.com www.vintages.com
Sample 1463 California Red All varietals and regions with preference for regionally specific wines, particularly Napa and Sonoma. Prices $17-$150 with a focus on $20-$50. All varietals with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Pinot Noir and red blends are also of interest. Prices for Cabernet and Pinot Noir should be $19.95+. $17-$150 April 3, 2013 April 10, 2013 June 13, 2013 June 17, 2013 1464, all areas. Red, white, sparkling, fortified, all varietals. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. $35+ April 3, 2013 April 10, 2013 June 13, 2013 June 17, 2013 1465 Portugal / Spain 1466 Sparkling Wine Portugal: reds - primarily Douro as well as Dao, Alentejo and Bairrada. Whites - primarily 2012 Vinho Verde, and current vintage of Douro. Spain: reds - all styles & age designations, classic regions and other areas (Bierzo, Toro, Jumilla, La Mancha, etc). Whites - 2012 vintage of Albarino, Rueda, Godello etc., current vintages of Rioja. All new world wine regions with a preference for traditional method. Focus on traditional indigenous grapes, classic origins in Portugal, e.g. Douro, Dao, Alentejo, Bairrada, plus Tejo basin. All styles for Spain, classic regions, as well as Other (non-traditional appellations). Looking for all varietals, though focus on traditonal varieties. $14-$25; up to $30 for Gran Reserva $17 - $50 April 10, 2013 April 17, 2013 June 20, 2013 June 24, 2013 April 10, 2013 April 17, 2013 June 20, 2013 June 24, 2013 1467 California White 1468 High scoring/high volume All varietals and regions with a preference for regionally specific wines, particularly Napa and Sonoma. Price points $17-$75 with a focus on $20-$50. Reds only, 1000cs+ of 12s, key areas of Italy and France, 2+ glasses GR, 4+ star Decanter, 90+ WA/WS, etc. For potential program wines, Food and Drink Discovery, Wine of the Month, Benchmark and Arrive in Style. All varietals and styles, with a focus on Chardonnay. Viogier, Sauvignon Blanc and blends are also of interest. Consideration will be given to other varietals as well. Major, well recognized regions' wines and varietals/blends from both countries. $17-$75 $17-$29 April 17, 2013 April 24, 2013 July 4, 2013 July 8, 2013 April 17, 2013 April 24, 2013 July 4, 2013 July 8, 2013 1469 Veneto and Regional Italy (North, Center and South) All areas, except Tuscany and Piedmont, red and white. Red & white: all varietals, primarily native grapes. $14-$25; Ripassos $16+; up to $50 for Amarone April 24, 2013 May 1, 2013 July 11, 2013 July 15, 2013 1470 wines and spirits, all areas. All wines and spirits. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. wines $35+; sprits $100+ April 24, 2013 May 1, 2013 July 11, 2013 July 15, 2013 1471 Premium Spirits (excluding scotch) 1472 British Columbia 1473 Primarily whisky (excluding scotch), non-cream liqueurs, eau-devie and grappa. Focus on new and trend-setting spirits for Distilled Treasures program. Vodka and gin will not be considered. Focus on proven performers and suppliers new to Vintages. Focus on price points between $15-$25 for whites and $17-$30 for reds. Preference given to products priced competitively with domestic market (BC). wines, all areas. Whisky from established and emerging regions (excluding Scotland), innovative liqueurs and eau-devie. $40-$125 Red and white: All varietals $15-$60 Red, white, sparkling, fortified, all varietals. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. $35+ May 1, 2013 May 8, 2013 July 18, 2013 July 22, 2013 May 1, 2013 May 8, 2013 July 18, 2013 July 22, 2013 May 1, 2013 May 8, 2013 July 18, 2013 July 22, 2013 1
Sample 1474 Burgundy and Beaujolais 1475 Ontario Burgundy: Primarily 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages. Focus on Cote d'or villages and Crus (red and white), Macon, Challon, as well as whites from all sources; Bourgogne and Cote de wines 2011-2012 vintages; Beaujolais 2012 Crus. Ontario Destination Boutiques - Enhanced Assortment program. Burgundy: Bourgogne white and red, Macon, Challon, Cotes de... and Chablis -$16-$22; Chalonnais 1-er Cru, Pouilly, Chablis 1-er Cru - up to $30; Villages and 1-er Cru Cote d'or -$30-$60; Beaujolais Cru -$17-$25. Details will be available April 2013 $16-$60 Details will be available April 2013 May 8, 2013 May 15, 2013 July 25, 2013 July 29, 2013 May 8, 2013 May 15, 2013 July 25, 2013 July 29, 2013 1476 South Africa Modern-styled wines with a focus on price points between $13- $30 for reds and $13-$20 for whites. All varietals and styles, with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, white blends, Cabernet, Pinotage, Syrah and red blends. $13-$30 May 15, 2013 May 22, 2013 August 8, 2013 August 12, 2013 1477 U.S.A. (Excluding California) Focus on reds between $19 - $30 and whites $17 - $25 Oregon: primarily Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris; Washington: primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay $17-$75 1478 France Other France Other Red and White - Savoie, Jura, et al. Value relative to origin in France ($15-$25). $15-$25; up to $50 for Vin Jaune May 15, 2013 May 22, 2013 August 8, 2013 August 12, 2013 May 15, 2013 May 22, 2013 August 8, 2013 August 12, 2013 Primarily reds. All areas with focus on satellites/côtes, great 1479 Bordeaux values from Medoc and Right Bank, commune value wines - Pauillac, St. Julien, etc. Preference for older good years (no 2007 or 2002), 2009 and 2010 finished wines, no Futures Great value whites and reds at $15-$20; district appellations - e.g. Medoc, St. Emilion, etc under $30; communal/cru Classe under $50. $16-$50 May 22, 2013 May 29, 2013 August 15, 2013 August 19, 2013 offers. 1480 wines and spirits, all areas. All wines and spirits. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. wines $35+; sprits $100+ May 22, 2013 May 29, 2013 August 15, 2013 August 19, 2013 VQA, QC fruit wines and 100% Ontario. Red, white and sparkling wines that over-deliver from all regions; primary price 1481 Ontario band between $15-$25. Icewine, primary price band $20-$30 for mixers and $30-$50 for sippers. Whites - with a focus on Chardonnay, Riesling and summer refreshment. Reds - with a focus on Pinot Noir, and ripe, rich Bordeaux varietals. $15-$40 May 29, 2013 June 5, 2013 August 22, 2013 August 26, 2013 Looking for compelling sales potential - always include past sales results, LCBO number, and 3rd party reviews if available. 1482 White wines from Other Europe, mostly Southern & Eastern Europe Traditional white wines from Hungary, Greece and other Southern and Eastern countries as well as Switzerland. Classic Tokaji as well as dry whites from Hungary. Indigenous and traditonal varieties/blends from Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Lebanon etc. $14+ May 29, 2013 June 5, 2013 August 22, 2013 August 26, 2013 2
Sample 1483 Tuscany/Piedmont Primarily reds from traditional/classic appellations for Tuscany and Piedmont, as well as up-and-comers e.g. Maremma, Bolgheri and some better known IGTs. Traditional varieties and blends from all areas. Primarily $14-$22; Chianti $16- $20; Chianti Riserva <$30; up to $50 for Barolo/Brunello June 5, 2013 June 12, 2013 September 5, 2013 September 9, 2013 1484 Scotch Premium Scotch with a focus on high scores and well-known distilleries. Primarly single malt Scotch. $80+ June 5, 2013 June 12, 2013 September 5, 2013 September 9, 2013 1485 Ontario Ontario - Limited Availabilty program. Minimum availability: 300 cases. Initial order will be 150 cases and additional stock will be flowed in throughout the 4 month turn as needed. Shipping cartons must be compliant with the new standards of Durham warehouse. All varietals/blends/styles considered for two seasonal collections (Feb.- June 2014) - emphasis on trend-setting styles, popular favorites, wines for spring celebrations and to start the white wine season (June - Sept. 2014) emphasis on summery whites and BBQ-season reds. $14-$20 June 12, 2013 June 19, 2013 September 12, 2013 September 16, 2013 1486 Specialty Portfolio 1487 Primarily spirits that have a niche demand with ethnic communities in Ontario with a focus on prices $22-$40. Submissions must have a clear target market. wines, all areas. Traditional products from countries not widely represented in the LCBO, particularly Eastern and Southern Europe as well as Asia (excluding sake and rice wines). Red, white, sparkling, fortified, all varietals. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. wines $10-$17; spirits $22-$75 $35+ June 12, 2013 June 19, 2013 September 12, 2013 September 16, 2013 June 12, 2013 June 19, 2013 September 12, 2013 September 16, 2013 1488 Champagne and Sparkling Champagne (all styles, including Vintage), Cremant and key sparkling styles (Prosecco, Cava, etc). Traditional or traditional-for-the-area varieties. Cava $15-$22; Cremant $17+ ; non vintage Champagne $45- $60; Vintage Champagne $55+ June 19, 2013 June 26, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 23, 2013 1489 Port/Sherry/Fortified Port, Sherry and traditional fortified wines from elsewhere (e.g. Moscatel, Vin Santo, etc.) Traditional or traditional-for-the-area varieties for the appropriate style. Entry level fortified $15-$22; up to $55 for Vintage Port June 19, 2013 June 26, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 23, 2013 1490 wines and spirits, all areas. All wines and spirits. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. wines $35+; sprits $100+ June 19, 2013 June 26, 2013 September 19, 2013 September 23, 2013 1491 South America (excluding Argentina) All varietals and regions with price points between $13-$50, with a focus on $15-$25. Looking for site-specific wines and new suppliers to the Ontario market. All varietals and styles with a focus on Cabernet, Carmenere, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. white $13-$40; red $13-$50 June 26, 2013 July 3, 2013 September 26, 2013 September 30, 2013 1492 Northern Rhône reds; Rhone, South and South Western France whites Reds from Northern Rhône, whites from entire Rhône region plus elsewhere in Southern and South Western France. Traditional varieties from respective areas. white $14-$20; red $18-$29; up to $50 for Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and Hermitage June 26, 2013 July 3, 2013 September 26, 2013 September 30, 2013 3
Sample 1493 Southern Rhône, South and South Western France Reds only, recognized appellations from all areas in Southern Rhône, Southern and South Western France. 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages for Rhône. Rhône and the South - traditional blends, or indigenous single varietals of the areas. Exceptional wines of other blends/varieties. Key appelellations from South West - Madiran, Cahor, et al. Primarily $15-$22; Vacqueyras- Gigondas <$30; up to $50 for CdPape; SW wines $15-$25 July 3, 2013 July 10, 2013 October 3, 2013 October 7, 2013 1494 Sake and Rice Wine Focus on Japanese product; good price/quality ratio for various grades. $12-$20; up to $60 for Daiginjo New Wold July 3, 2013 July 10, 2013 October 3, 2013 October 7, 2013 1495 Rosé - All countries, focus on classic French rose origins or compelling cases from elsewhere, taste 2012, buy 2013. Regional varieties. $13-$25 (upper end for Tavel and Bandol only). July 10, 2013 July 17, 2013 October 17, 2013 October 21, 2013 1496 Rosé - All new world countries including Ontario. For Northern Hemisphere taste 2012, purchase 2013; for Southern Hemisphere taste 2013, purchase 2013. All varieties and regions. $13-$20 July 10, 2013 July 17, 2013 October 17, 2013 October 21, 2013 1497 Argentina All varietals and regions with price points between $13-$75 with a focus on $15-$25 and suppliers new to the Ontario market. All varietals and styles with a focus on Malbec, Cabernet, Bonarda, Chardonnay and Torrontes. whites $13-$40; reds $14-$75 July 17, 2013 July 24, 2013 October 24, 2013 October 28, 2013 Red, white, sparkling, fortified, all varietals. High 1498 wines, all areas. scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. $35+ July 17, 2013 July 24, 2013 October 24, 2013 October 28, 2013 1499 New Zealand Primarily region-specific wines. Price range $17-$60 with a focus on $20-$25 for whites and $20-$30 for reds. All varietals, styles and blends with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with interest in Bordeaux varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. $17-$60 July 24, 2013 July 31, 2013 October 31, 2013 November 4, 2013 1500 Kosher & Spirits All wines & spirits with a focus on premium quality wines from Israel and good value from anywhere. Kosher for Passover and COR approved preferred. All varieties and all countries with a focus on Israel, South America, California, France & Italy. All spirits with a focus on Brandy and liqueurs. red & white wines $9-$30; liqueurs and spirits $20-$60 July 24, 2013 July 31, 2013 October 31, 2013 November 4, 2013 Germany: Riesling primarily (Mosel and Rhine etc.) 1501 Germany / Austria + Other Europe Germany & Austria: primarily white wines from key appellations /varieties. Southern & Eastern Europe: red wines only. plus other varieties including Pinot Noir; Austria: focus on Gruner Veltliner; reds only from Hungary, $13-$25 July 31, 2013 August 7, 2013 November 14, 2013 November 18, 2013 Greece, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, etc. 1502 Other - fruit-based wines Iced ciders and fruit wines with a focus on products originating in Canada (excluding Ontario). Primarily priced $15 -$20 All fruit and other wines not made from grapes $15+ July 31, 2013 August 7, 2013 November 14, 2013 November 18, 2013 1503 Australia All varietals and regions with a preference for regionally specific wines. Price points mainly $15-$25 for whites and $17-$30 for reds. All varietals and styles with a focus on Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Chardonnay. $15-$75 August 7, 2013 August 14, 2013 November 21, 2013 November 25, 2013 1504 High scoring/high volume Reds only, 1000cs+ of 12s, key areas of Italy, Spain and France, 2+ glasses GR, 4+ star Decanter, 90+ WA/WS, etc. Major, well recognized regions' wines and varietals/blends from these countries. $17-$29 August 7, 2013 August 14, 2013 November 21, 2013 November 25, 2013 4
Sample 1505 Loire / Alsace Loire: Key appellations / varieties, current vintage for Sauvignon Blanc based wines. Alsace: Key appellations / varieties. Main appellations/varieties from both regions. $13-$25; up to $30 for Pouilly- Fumé and Sancerre August 14, 2013 August 21, 2013 November 28, 2013 December 2, 2013 1506 Middle-East, North Africa and Asia Red and white wines from Lebanon, Israel (non-kosher), Turkey, North Africa and Asia. Regional and international varieties. $13-20 August 14, 2013 August 21, 2013 November 28, 2013 December 2, 2013 1507 wines and spirits, all areas. All wines and spirits. High scores or well-established iconic brands, great values in all price bands. wines $35+; sprits $100+ August 14, 2013 August 21, 2013 November 28, 2013 December 2, 2013 All samples and submissions must be received by the stated deadlines above. Please note that the needs calendar may change without prior notice. Please note that there is an ongoing demand for wines made from organically grown grapes and/or using biodynamic and sustainable agriculture practices. When applying to the specific calls please ensure you highlight submissions that are organic and/or Kosher. It is critical that submissions are completed in their entirety. Include grape varietals and the LCBO number if the product or previous vintage was listed. Incomplete submissions will be declined. 5