April 24, 2012 To: All LCBO Trade Partners, 55 Lake Shore Blvd East Toronto Ontario Canada M5E 1A4 Telephone 416.365.5863 Fax 416.864.2540 www.vintages.com I am writing to tell you that VINTAGES will soon begin reviewing submissions for Winter/Spring 2013. Attached is the VINTAGES product needs chart outlining the product categories, deadline dates and additional information. All submissions must be processed through NISS (New Item Submission System). Please visit lcbotrade.com for instructions on using this system (if necessary). New this cycle, is a limit of 20 submissions per agent per call, down from 25. This is intended to streamline the review process. It should be noted that there are no pre-submission deadlines in July. This will realign the sample deadlines with the call-back deadlines. In partnership with LCBO WINES, SPIRITS & BEER, VINTAGES is pursuing an environmental strategy which is a LCBO priority. Special consideration will be given to submissions with environmentally friendly packaging such as lighter weight glass and/or products made using sustainable agriculture and production practices, etc. in particular organic wines meeting the CFIA standards. Please ensure your suppliers are aware of this corporate priority. For your convenience, instructions on the VINTAGES Purchasing Process Review are also attached.. If you need more information, please visit lcbotrade.com. On behalf of the VINTAGES Team, thank you for your support. Sincerely, Kate Mallett-Thomas Director, VINTAGES cc: Shari Mogk-Edwards, Bob Downey
VINTAGES PURCHASING PROCESS REVIEW Types of Submissions: Product Calls Product Calls are open to all products fitting the criteria outlined in the attached VINTAGES Product Needs Schedule. A Pre-submission must be entered through the NISS system 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. Please use the LCBO Pricing Module, available on the LCBO Trade website, to achieve the estimated retail price for your product application. The estimated retail price must be stated in Canadian dollars. If labels are submitted with the sample, we recommend that they be placed in a small zip-lock bag. We also require background information or third party reviews for the product for use by our writers for the product launch. If you have any questions regarding accepted applications, please call VINTAGES at 416-365-5863.
VINTAGES PURCHASING PROCESS REVIEW CONT D Dropping off Samples We will accept delivery of samples from Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm during the week of the sample deadline. Please note: LCBO Security is not able to accept product samples. Tasting Results Tasting results are available through NISS. 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 agree to honour and adhere to all clauses therein, on behalf of their suppliers, as required. 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. Please do not fax or email acknowledgements; we are not able to process these. Sales Performance Targets The goal of VINTAGES is that a product will achieve a minimum of 75% sell-through after 8 weeks of its release and 100% sell-through by the end of the 12 weeks. The 20% rebate term applied to products failing to achieve 75% sell-through after 90 days of release remains unchanged for products with a rebate agreement. Achieving these sales targets, and increasing sku productivity measurements, will enable us to continuously flow through new and exciting products. Sales and inventory levels can be obtained through LCBO data sources such as the complementary Narrowcast service or by purchasing additional information through the Sale of Data program. If you require more information, please visit lcbotrade.com
Sample 1242 Portugal / Spain Spain: Red - all styles, classic regions and other areas (Jumilla, La Mancha, Yecla, etc). White - 2011 vintage of Albarino, current vintages of Rioja. Portugal: Red - primarily Dao, Bairrada, Douro and Alentejo. White - primarilly 2011 Vinho Verde, and current vintage of Douro. 1243 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics. 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). Red & white: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished $15-$25; up to $30 for Gran Reserva May 9, 2012 May 16, 2012 July 26, 2012 July 30, 2012 May 9, 2012 May 16, 2012 July 26, 2012 July 30, 2012 1244 United States (excluding California) Primarily Oregon and Washington red wines with a focus on price points between $20-$40. All varietals and styles with a focus on Oregon Pinot Noir and Washington Cabernet. $17-$75 May 16, 2012 May 23, 2012 August 9, 2012 August 13, 2012 1245 Specialty and Ethnic Products Primarily spirits that have niche demand with ethnic communities in Ontario with focus on price point between $22-$40. Must have a compelling case. Traditional products from countries not widely represented in the LCBO, particularly Eastern and Southern Europe as well as Asia (excluding sake and rice wines). $22-$75 for spirits; $10-$17 for wines May 16, 2012 May 23, 2012 August 9, 2012 August 13, 2012 1246 Sake Focus on Japanese product, good price/quality ratio for various grades. $12-$20; up to $60 for Daiginjo May 16, 2012 May 23, 2012 August 9, 2012 August 13, 2012 1247 Alsace / Eastern, Central and Southern Europe, Asia /North Africa Alsace - primarily white. For all others - both red and white, products with history of strong sales or new wines with strong compelling cases Key varieties from Alsace. Regional and international varieties from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, former Yugoslavia and USSR, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Lebanon, Israel (non-kosher). $15-$25 for Alsace; $13- $20 for all others May 23, 2012 May 30, 2012 August 16, 2012 August 20, 2012 1248 Other - fruit based wines Iced ciders and fruit wines with focus on such products originating from Canada; primary price band $15- $20 All fruit and other wine based products not made from grapes. $15+ May 23, 2012 May 30, 2012 August 16, 2012 August 20, 2012 1249 Ontario VQA Red and white (including Sparkling) that over-deliver, from all VQA regions (Niagara, PEC, LENS); primary price band between $15-$25 $25. Icewine - Primary price band $20-$30$30 for mixers and $30-$50 for sippers. Looking for strong compelling case - always include past sales results, LCBO number, and 3rd party reviews if possible. 1250 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics. Red with a focus on Pinot Noir and Bordeaux varietals (from 2009/2010 vintage); All white varietals with a focus on Chardonnay and Riesling. Icewine - all varietals. Red & White: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished $15-$40 May 30, 2012 June 6, 2012 August 23, 2012 August 27, 2012 May 30, 2012 June 6, 2012 August 23, 2012 August 27, 2012 4/24/201212:45 PM 1
Sample 1251 Tuscany/Piedmont Traditional/classic appellations for Tuscany and Piedmont, as well as up and coming ones - e.g. Maremma and Bolgheri and some better known IGTs. Primarily reds. Traditional varieties and blends from all areas. $16-$22 focus; Chianti Riserva <$30; Barolo/Brunello up to $50 June 06 2012 June 13, 2012 September 6, 2012 September 10, 2012 1252 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics. Red & white: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished June 06 2012 June 13, 2012 September 6, 2012 September 10, 2012 1253 South America (excluding Argentina) All varietals and regions with price points between $15-$50, $ with a focus on $16-$25. Looking for site-specific wines and new suppliers to the Ontario market. All varietals and styles (including sparkling) with a focus on Cabernet, Carmenere, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Red: $15-$50; $50 White: $14- $40 June 13 2012 June 20, 2012 September 13, 2012 September 17, 2012 1254 Champagne/Sparkling Champagne (all styles, including Vintage), Cremant and key sparkling styles (Prosecco, Cava, etc). Traditional or traditional-for-the-area varieties for the appropriate style. $17-$80, with $50-$60 for NV Champagne; $55-$80 for Vintage. June 13 2012 June 20, 2012 September 13, 2012 September 17, 2012 1255 Bordeaux 1256 Kosher Spirits and Liquers Primarily Reds, all areas, focus on satellites/cotes, great values from Medoc and Right Bank, preference for older good years (no 2007 or 2002), 2009 and 2010 finished wines, no Futures ff Scotch, Whisky, Brandy, Cognac, Vodka, and Liqueurs. Kosher for Passover preferred where applicable. Great value whites and reds at $16-$20; district appellations - e.g. Medoc, St. Emilion, etc under $30; communal/cru Classe under $50. Authentic source spirits. Liqueurs from all areas, focus on Israel. $16-$50 $20-$40 June 20, 2012 June 27, 2012 September 20, 2012 September 24, 2012 June 20, 2012 June 27, 2012 September 20, 2012 September 24, 2012 1257 Argentina All varietals and regions with price points between $15-$75, with a focus on $16-$25 and new suppliers to the Ontario market All varietals and styles (including sparkling) with a focus on Malbec, Cabernet, Bonarda, Chardonnay and Torrontes. Red: $15-$60; White: $14- $40 June 27, 2012 July 4, 2012 September 27, 2012 October 1, 2012 1258 All styles of Sherry, Madeira, Port and similar and traditionally Sherry/Madeira, Port and other styled wines from elsewhere (e.g. Moscatel, Vin Santo, etc.) For fortified NV products the accolades must be no older than than 2 years. Focus on under $20 for Sherry and value Madeira, Ruby and LBV; up to $30 for age indicated Madeira, Port and Sherry; $50 for Vintages port. Fortified $14 - $20, and up to $30 for Madeira, aged indicated Tawny; $50 for Vintages Port. June 27, 2012 July 4, 2012 September 27, 2012 October 1, 2012 1259 Rose All countries, focus on classic French rose origins or compelling cases from elsewhere, taste 2011, buy 2012. Regional varieties. $13 - $20; (mid-teens to $20 for Tavel and Bandol only). Aug.8, 2012 August 15, 2012 October 11, 2012 October 15, 2012 1260 Rose All new world countries with a focus on established, successful brands in the Ontario market as well as new brands to the market. For Northern Hemisphere taste 2011, purchase 2012, for Southern Hemisphere taste 2012, purchase 2012. All varieties and regions. $13 - $20 Aug.8, 2012 August 15, 2012 October 11, 2012 October 15, 2012 1261 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics only. Red & White: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished brands, great values in all price Aug.8, 2012 August 15, 2012 October 11, 2012 October 15, 2012 4/24/201212:45 PM 2
Sample 1262 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 Aug. 15, 2012 August 22, 2012 October 18, 2012 October 22, 2012 1263 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics. Red & white: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished Aug. 15, 2012 August 22, 2012 October 18, 2012 October 22, 2012 1264 Premium Spirits Primarily Whisky (other than Scotch), non-cream Liqueurs, Tequila, Eau-de-Vie/Grappa - focus on new and trend-setting Spirits for Distilled Treasures feature. Whisky from established and emerging regions (excluding Scotland), innovative or breakthrough Liqueurs and Eau-de-Vie. $40-$125 Aug. 22, 2012 August 29, 2012 October 25, 2012 October 29, 2012 1265 British Columbia, Canada other then Ontario Focus on proven performers and new suppliers to Vintages. Focus on price points between $15 - $25 for whites and $17 - $30 for red. Red: All varietals. Whites: All varietals including Sparkling. $15-$60 Aug. 22, 2012 August 29, 2012 October 25, 2012 October 29, 2012 1266 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 Aug. 22, 2012 August 29, 2012 October 25, 2012 October 29, 2012 1267 Loire/Germany/Austria Key appellations in Loire $14-$20; Sancerre/Pouilly Fume under $30; Sauvignon (other than Loire, still wines, primarily white, some red. Primarily white of all Sancerre/Pouilly-Fume) or Melon based wines levels for Germany. Primarily dry whites from Austria. Some preferably 2011 vintage. Key varieties from reds from both countries. Germany with focus on Riesling; primarily Gruner Veltliner for Austria. $14-30, with upper range for Sancerre/Pouilly Fume, and Spatlese/Auslese. l Aug. 29, 2012 September 5, 2012 November 1, 2012 November 5, 2012 1268 Kosher wines Reds, whites, rose and sparkling wines, Kosher for Passover and Mevushal preferred. and Europe Red and White $10-$15, Israel red and white $12-$25, Sparkling $10-$25, Rose $8-$12. $8-$25 Aug. 29, 2012 September 5, 2012 November 1, 2012 November 5, 2012 1269 New Zealand Primarily regionally specific wines with price points between $17-$60 with a focus on $20-$25 for whites and $20-$30 for reds. All varietals, styles and blends (including sparkling) with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir with $17-$60 interest in Bordeaux varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Sept. 5, 2012 September 12, 2012 November 15, 2012 November 19, 2012 1270 Northern Rhone and Whites from Rhone and Southern France Red for Northern Rhone, white from entire Rhone region and elsewhere in Southern France Traditional varieties from respective areas. $15-$20 for whites; $18- $29, up to $50 for Condrieu, Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. Sept. 5, 2012 September 12, 2012 November 15, 2012 November 19, 2012 1271 Southern Rhone, South France Reds primiarily, recognized appellations from all areas in Southern Rhone and Southern France. Preference for 2010 vintage. Traditional blends, or indigenous single varietal of the areas. Exceptional wines of other blends/varieties. $16-$22; Vacqueyras- Gigondas <$30, with CdPape up to $50; $15- $25 for SW wines. Sept. 12, 2012 September 19, 2012 November 22, 2012 November 26, 2012 1272 Classics Collection, all areas. Selections will support Classics. Red & White: all varietals. High scores or wellestablished Sept. 12, 2012 September 19, 2012 November 22, 2012 November 26, 2012 4/24/201212:45 PM 3
Sample 1273 Australia All varietals and regions with a preference for regionally specific wines. Price points mainly $17-$22 for white and $17- $30 for red. All varietals and styles (including sparkling) with a focus on Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, blends, and Chardonnay, though also looking for alternative varietals like Vermentino, Sagrantino etc. $17-$75 Sept. 19, 2012 September 26, 2012 November 29, 2012 December 3, 2012 1274 Southwestern France Primarily reds with a focus on Cahors and Madiran. Traditional for the area. $14-$22 $ Sept. 19, 2012 September 26, 2012 November 29, 2012 December 3, 2012 1275 Burgundy and Beaujolais Burgundy: Primarily 2010 vintage. Focus on Cote d'or red and Burgundy: Bourgogne white and red, Macon and white village and Crus, Macon, Challon, as well as whites from Chablis - $16-$22; Chalonnais, Pouilly, Chablis 1-er all sources; Bourgogne and Cote de wines 2010-2011 Cru and Cote de..- $18-$30; Villages and 1-er Cru vintages; Beaujolais 2011 Cru. Cote d'or - $30-$60; Beaujolais Cru - $17-$25. $16-$60 Sept. 26, 2012 October 3, 2012 December 6, 2012 December 10, 2012 1276 Premium Spirits (Scotch) Premium Scotch with an age statement, focus on high scores and well-known distilleries. Primarly single malt scotch. $80+ Sept. 26, 2012 October 3, 2012 December 6, 2012 December 10, 2012 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. 4/24/201212:45 PM 4