3 Badge Beverage Corporation’s Leese-Fitch wine brand achieved record sales in 2017 with growth surging 16% to 271,372 cases, an all-time high. The company attributed the growth to favorable consumer consumption trends in the price category, particularly strong sales execution for Leese-Fitch in the fourth quarter of 2017 and to the brand’s positioning and story.

“Leese-Fitch is a strong brand with a story that resonates with consumers,” said August Sebastiani, president of 3 Badge Beverage Corporation. “Sonoma, the birthplace of California, is at the heart of Leese-Fitch, and we have 115 years of winemaking family history. We have exceptional winemaking resources in California, and the Leese-Fitch wine quality and style have demonstrated great consumer appeal.”

Leese-Fitch, which is named for the historic Leese-Fitch Adobe in the town of Sonoma, makes Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and a red blend, which carry a California appellation and are all priced in the premium plus category over $11. Domestic varietals over $11 was one of the strongest growth categories in the U.S. wine market last year. For the fourth quarter of 2017, Leese-Fitch hit 23% retail sales growth, with particular strength in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Firehouse Red, which all saw double-digit growth.

Sebastiani, a fourth-generation member of one of California’s oldest wine families, noted that the company has strong programming in place to continue the success of Leese-Fitch in 2018.

Read more at source Wine Industry Advisor