Macy’s + Shoes + Champagne …. Macy’s Shoe Department gets a Champagne Bar

In the midst of an extensive $400 million overhaul of its Herald Square flagship, Macy’s may hit the perfect trifecta for shoe-obsessed New Yorkers: When it completes its second floor shoe department, it won’t just have 300,000 pairs of shoes, but a well-stocked Champagne bar, chocolate and coffee bar.

Currently, women’s shoes are sold on two separate floors, but the new space will create “The World’s Largest Shoe Floor,” the store says, with 39,000 square feet of selling space, and 24,000 square feet devoted to stockrooms. Brands such as Calvin Klein, Coach and Michael Kors will have their own shops, and “curated shoe closets inspired by New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods.” The remodeled area is scheduled to open in fall 2012.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

VEUVE CLICQUOT BUSINESS WOMAN AWARD (UK) 2012 SHORTLIST IS ANNOUNCED

Veuve Clicquot has announced this week it’s shortlist for “Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award” at the WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise) Power Breakfast at The London Stock Exchange, and the three finalists are:

• Anya Hindmarch: Founder, Anya Hindmarch
• Helena Morrissey: CEO, Newton Investment Management
• Ruth Rogers: Chef & Owner, The River Café

The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is now in its 40th year. It celebrates entrepreneurial women who have made a significant contribution to business life in the UK. The nomination criteria are those ideals epitomised by Madame Clicquot: Entrepreneurship, financial success, Corporate Social Responsibility and acting as a role model.

All Finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award judging panel demonstrated the strongest evidence of all nomination criteria. Notable achievements included Helena Morrissey’s groundbreaking 30% Club, which helps champion the issue of women on boards, Anya Hindmarch’s entrepreneurial story and global pioneering of her ‘I am not a plastic bag’ initiative which raised the issue of plastic bag usage amongst the public’s consciousness as well as the government’s agenda, and Ruth Rogers’ steady growing business, changing how we perceive, as well as cook, Italian cuisine.

Carolyn McCall, a previous winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and current Panel member, noted: “The nominees for this year’s award are all great role models and have all the attributes that Veuve Clicquot looks for in its Business Woman Award. This award has played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating women in business.”

Sian Westerman, MD of Rothschild and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel commented: “This strong shortlist, drawn from an excellent long list, exemplifies what women can achieve in business: strong entrepreneurship and leadership, combined with a desire and ability to deliver real change in society. Spanning areas key to the UK economy of fashion, finance and hospitality, they are great role models for all who aspire to succeed in business.”

Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel said: “It was inspiring to see the sheer quality and range of candidates for the award — busting the myth that there aren’t many women business leaders!”

The Award’s 20-strong judging panel is comprised of business leaders, including Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive, easyJet, Jasmine Whitbread, CEO Save the Children, Duncan Bannatyne, Entrepreneur and Dragon, Caroline Michel, CEO, Peters, Frasers and Dunlop as well as Sian Westerman, MD, Rothschild and other key industry experts.

The winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award will be announced at a high-profile Champagne reception at The Ballroom at Claridge’s, London on the 18th of April 2012 at 6.30pm.

Christina Jesaitis, Senior Brand Manager, Veuve Clicquot said: “As we reach our 40th year of the award, social and environmental responsibility are still a key focus for our judges and this year’s finalists all represent business women that have embedded these important attributes into their organizations. The award also looks for those women that are able to act as more than just an example of a successful business woman, but rather an inspiration and mentor for future female entrepreneurs; we believe that all of our three finalists have demonstrated this quality.”

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Champagne 2011 exports reached their second highest volume in 5 years

Champagne exports 2011 reached their second highest volume in five years – with sales close to the peak of 2007. Exports in 2011 were up by 5.1%, rising to a total of 141.2m bottles, the second largest volume ever achieved behind 2007 and only 9.5m bottles less than this peak, according to the latest statistics just released by Champagne’s governing body CIVC.

However because of a slight downturn in domestic sales in France, where the market weakened towards the end of the year, total sales figures rose by just over 1%, to 322.97m bottles.

The best performers in emerging markets were Russia (up 24.5%), China (up 19.4%), and Hong Kong (up 15.1%) – the rate of growth slowed in the second half of 2011; these three markets between them account for 4.1m bottles.

Top performer in emerging markets was India at 58.7% – total shipments to this market reached 290,286 bottles.

Shipments to Belgium and Germany both rose by 8.5% – the best results achieved within Europe.

Shipments to the USA recovered well, rising by 14.4% to 19.4m bottles – still short of the historic peak of 23.2m bottles in 2006.

Shipments to Australia rose to 4.86m bottles.

Michel Letter, head of G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët, said, ‘2011 was the third best year ever after 1999 and 2007 with total shipments reaching 323m bottles, not bad considering the worldwide economic situation.’

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Academy Awards: The “Moet Red Carpet Glamour” is unveiled as the exclusive Champagne cocktail for the Governors Ball

Moet & Chandon, the Champagne of success and glamour since 1743, announces the winner of the inaugural Moet Oscar Cocktail Contest. The legendary Champagne House congratulates Chicago native Adam Seger, whose “Moet Red Carpet Glamour” cocktail dazzled a panel of expert judges and social media experts. The Moet Red Carpet Glamour cocktail was selected for its originality, taste and popularity and will be brought to life at the 2012 Governors Ball, the after-party of the 84th Academy Awards®.

The Moet Red Carpet Glamour captures the essence of Hollywood glamour with exquisite notes of heady cardamom and kaffir lime that develop a refreshing and harmonious taste. This winning cocktail was chosen for its combination of the Hum® botanical spirit with Moet & Chandon Imperial, which highlights the flavor profile of Champagne while truly celebrating the elegance of the Academy Awards.

“The Moet Red Carpet Glamour cocktail will be a gorgeous addition to this year’s Governors Ball,” said Aida Mollenkamp, Moet & Chandon’s Award Season home entertaining expert. “The cocktail is intriguing and innovative yet still allows the flavor of the Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne to shine.”

Aida Mollenkamp has joined Moet & Chandon as this year’s home entertaining expert in a new Oscar season collaboration. The acclaimed chef and culinary curator, known for her signature combinations of fresh, seasonal ingredients and use of ethnic flavours.

Moet Red Carpet Glamour Cocktail Recipe:

• Fill a chilled Champagne flute 1/2 way with ice.
• Stir 1 ounce of fresh squeezed Sour Mix and Hum® Botanical Spirit with fresh ice.
• Strain into flute to fill 1/2 way.
• Top with Moet & Chandon Imperial.
• Garnish with a single rose petal.
• Continually refresh as you wish with Moet & Chandon Imperial as the Champagne will float on top of the Hum Sour, but its effervescence will deliver Hum’s heady cardamom & Kaffir lime notes.
• Fresh Squeeze Sour Mix Preparation: Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water until sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1 cup fresh lemon juice and refrigerate.

As winner of the 2012 Moet Oscar Cocktail Contest, Adam Seger and a guest will receive an exciting behind-the-scenes Oscar weekend, including a three-night stay at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live, round-trip airfare on United Airlines, car service, tickets to the Governors Ball Preview Event, red carpet bleacher seats at the Fan Experience Red Carpet Arrival and Viewing Party on Oscar Sunday and access to the official Oscar viewing party at El Capitan.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Moët & Chandon launches Moët Rosé Impérial at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Love was in the air as Moët & Chandon enthusiasts gathered at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week to launch the limited edition Moët Rosé Impérial “Tag Your Love” bottle pack.

Fashionistas and socialites sipped flutes of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial and declared their feelings towards loved ones through personalized champagne bottles.

Reflecting the brand’s fun and flirty style, the iconic Moët Rosé Impérial bottle is dressed in pink and comes with a marker.

“In true Moët & Chandon style, the limited edition Rosé Impérial ‘Tag Your Love’ bottle is given a fresh take, while still representing the unique characteristics discovered within the bottle,” enthused Frederick Noyere, managing director of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia. “Moët’s signature bottles will always be synonymous as tributes to special events, and we can’t think of a better time to launch this limited edition bottle.”

With a background of symphony music, guests were privy to delectable strawberries and jazz vocals by Poova.

Rosé Impérial is touted as a seductive expression, combining the intensity of Pinot Noir, the fruitiness of Pinot Meunier and the finesse of Chardonnay. It is distinguished by heady, sensual aromas; a lively bouquet of fresh summer berries with floral nuances and a light peppery touch.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses