KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Employees at Imperial Beverage are putting in extra hours to ensure retailers are well-stocked ahead of small family gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More people are drinking according to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) a data analytics and market research company, alcohol sales are up 21% at grocery stores at 17% at liquor stores compared to this time last year.
“We are proud to provide a safe working environment for all of our employees so they can ensure retailers’ shelves are stocked with reds, whites and rosé and Michiganders can celebrate safely at small family gatherings this holiday season,” said Joe Cekola, president of Imperial Beverage. “From the front office and the warehouse, to our sales team and delivery drivers, our entire team is committed to ensuring consumers’ favorite wines and champagnes are on store shelves.”
The Michigan wine industry and its 150 wineries generate more than $5 billion for the state’s economy annually. Michigan currently ranks in the Top 10 for wine production and is the fourth-largest grape growing state in the country.