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BUZZ - Trends, News and Views
By Editor: November 2007,
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Our quick (and unscientific) look at some of the trends and news we find interesting and relevant.
Rosé on the rocks the next big trend?
Seems English cities are the newest testing ground for several South African wineries promoting rosés crafted specifically to taste better as the ice melts in the glass. Wine on the rocks may sound like sacrilege to many, but, as Beppi Crosariol reports in the Globe and Mail (November 14), it’s a reflection of what lots of wine drinkers already do at their patio parties. “The main thing that distinguishes the new rosés is the winemaking,” writes Crosariol. “The grapes were crushed and fermented specifically with the intention of mixing with ice. Most notably, the wines are more concentrated and darker, with more of an electric-red color than a pale-strawberry hue, and slightly sweeter than the typically off-dry rosés popular with wine novices, such as a white zinfandel or rosé d'Anjou.”
At least one of the new offerings can also be spiked with vodka to make a martini-style cocktail. “Sweet though they are, both Frozé and Couture [two of the wines now available in the U.K.] impressed me with their balance when I tasted them last month in London,” reports Crosariol. “At fridge temperature, they finished clean rather than cloying, even without ice. And when on the rocks, they did become noticeably drier.”
More or fewer party hats this holiday season?
Are worries about the U.S. economy spreading to party planners? Two separate surveys find that the bulk of U.S. companies will be holding seasonal celebrations -- but conflict on whether the numbers are up or down, and how the economic picture is affecting decisions.
Ninety per cent of companies are planning to hold seasonal parties this year, up from 79 per cent last year, and 39 per cent are actually boosting the budget for celebrating, according to a survey of 100 human resource executives by outplacement consultancy Challenger Gray & Christmas. Another survey of 104 U.S. businesses found that 85 per cent will conduct a holiday celebration. That figure, however, was down 9 per cent from a year earlier, representing the third-lowest percentage of companies partying in the 19 years of the annual survey by executive search firm Battalia Winston.
"Companies may be throwing caution to the wind in anticipation of a slowdown in 2008. Or, it may be that the troubles in the housing and financial sectors have remained relatively isolated and, outside of home building and mortgage lending, there is good reason to celebrate," suggested Challenger Gray chief executive officer John Challenger.
That's one way to look at it: The other. "This year's survey indicates that current economic concerns linked to the credit crunch are causing many companies to rein in their plans," said Battalia Winston CEO Dale Winston.
(from the Globe and Mail, November 14)
Candy canes for adults
Liquorsnob.com drew our attention once again to what may be the number one novelty item at holiday parties this year – the edible candy cane shot glass. Available from amazon.com, these edible striped cups have also been available at Target stores in years past, and at Urban Outfitters locations, so shop around. But shop early – these have been very popular…
