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b2bbusiness · 2 months ago

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Canada Beverages Market: Trends, Growth, and Opportunities

The Canada beverages market is witnessing dynamic changes fueled by evolving consumer preferences, economic factors, and advancements in product innovation. From traditional drinks like soft drinks and bottled water to rapidly growing categories such as plant-based and functional beverages, this market offers numerous opportunities for manufacturers and retailers alike. Let’s take a deep dive into the trends, growth factors, and future opportunities shaping the Canadian beverage industry.

1. Market Overview

The Canadian beverages market has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by a mix of economic stability, increasing disposable income, and a diverse population. The sector encompasses several categories including carbonated soft drinks, juices, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, dairy beverages, and the fast-growing category of plant-based alternatives.

Key Segments:

Soft Drinks: Carbonated beverages and sugary drinks continue to lead the soft drinks category, but healthier alternatives like sparkling water are gaining traction.

Alcoholic Beverages: Canada’s craft beer scene has expanded significantly, with wine and spirits also enjoying growing demand.

Functional and Wellness Drinks: Health-conscious consumers are pushing the demand for energy drinks, protein shakes, kombucha, and other wellness-focused beverages.

Plant-Based Drinks: Almond, soy, and oat milk are rising in popularity as dairy alternatives due to growing health and environmental awareness.

2. Key Trends in the Canadian Beverage Market

a) Health and Wellness Focus

One of the most notable trends is the growing consumer focus on health and wellness. More Canadians are gravitating toward drinks that offer functional benefits, such as vitamins, probiotics, and hydration boosts, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the demand for immunity-boosting beverages.

b) Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability plays a crucial role in consumer purchasing decisions. Many beverage companies in Canada are making significant efforts to reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable packaging, water conservation, and ethically sourced ingredients. This is especially important for younger generations, who tend to prioritize environmental impact when choosing products.

c) Premiumization

Canadians are increasingly willing to pay for premium beverages. This trend is particularly visible in the alcohol market, with craft beers, artisanal spirits, and high-end wines seeing an upswing in demand. Non-alcoholic beverages such as cold-pressed juices and specialty teas are also benefiting from this premiumization trend.

d) Innovation in Flavors

Consumers are looking for bold and innovative flavors. Whether it's craft sodas, exotic fruit blends in juices, or unique beer infusions, beverage manufacturers are experimenting with novel flavor profiles to capture the interest of adventurous drinkers.

e) Rise of E-commerce

The pandemic highlighted the importance of online shopping, and many beverage brands in Canada have adapted by strengthening their e-commerce channels. Consumers are now more comfortable purchasing beverages online, leading to a boost in direct-to-consumer models.

3. Challenges in the Canadian Beverage Market

a) Regulatory Pressures

Canada has stringent regulations on sugar, alcohol content, and labeling, which manufacturers must adhere to. These regulations are increasingly tightening in response to public health campaigns around reducing sugar consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles.

b) High Competition

The beverage market in Canada is highly competitive, with both local and global players vying for market share. Established brands must continuously innovate to stay relevant, while newer entrants face challenges in building brand recognition and consumer trust.

4. Growth Drivers and Opportunities

a) Diverse Demographics

Canada's multicultural population offers opportunities for ethnic beverages and flavors to gain prominence. As more immigrants settle in Canada, they bring with them traditional beverage preferences, spurring demand for a wider variety of products.

b) Expanding Plant-Based Alternatives

The plant-based movement is set to grow further, driven by the increasing number of consumers seeking vegan, lactose-free, and environmentally friendly options. Plant-based beverages, especially alternatives to traditional dairy, have significant potential for expansion.

c) Functional and Health Drinks

With the wellness trend in full swing, drinks fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are expected to see exponential growth. Beverages that promote energy, detoxification, and hydration, as well as those that enhance immunity, will remain key growth areas.

d) Sustainability Initiatives

Investing in sustainable production and packaging is not only a consumer demand but also an area of opportunity for businesses. Brands that actively promote their green initiatives can differentiate themselves in the market and attract a loyal customer base.

5. Future Outlook

The Canada beverages market is poised for steady growth in the coming years. The rising demand for healthier, sustainable, and innovative products will continue to drive market dynamics. The future holds significant promise for manufacturers who can adapt to consumer preferences, focus on premiumization, and invest in e-commerce capabilities.

Brands that emphasize health benefits, ethical practices, and creative marketing strategies will likely lead the market. In particular, the plant-based, functional drinks, and premium alcohol segments will offer lucrative opportunities for both established players and new entrants.

Buy the Full Report for More Insights on the Canada Beverages Market Forecast, Download A Free Report Sample

#Canada Beverages Market

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writerblogs · 1 year ago

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Whiskey Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Growing Demand for Premium Whiskeys and the Rising Popularity of Craft Distilleries

The global whiskey market is estimated to be valued at US$ 80.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

A) Market Overview:

The whiskey market consists of the production, distribution, and consumption of various types of whiskeys worldwide. Whiskey is a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks. It is known for its unique flavors and distinct production methods. The market offers a wide range of whiskey products, including Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, American bourbon, Canadian whiskey, and Japanese whiskey, among others. Whiskey is enjoyed by consumers globally and is often associated with celebrations, social gatherings, and personal enjoyment.

B) Market Dynamics:

The whiskey market is driven by two main factors. First, there is a growing demand for premium whiskeys among consumers. With increasing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles, consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality and luxury products. Premium whiskeys offer unique tastes, flavors, and aging processes that make them desirable to consumers. Second, the rising popularity of craft distilleries has contributed to the growth of the whiskey market. Craft distilleries produce small-batch, handcrafted whiskeys that cater to niche markets and appeal to consumers looking for artisanal and authentic spirits.

C) Market Key Trends:

One key trend in the Whiskey Market is the growing interest in whiskey tourism. Distilleries around the world have started offering tours, tastings, and immersive experiences to attract visitors. These whiskey tourism initiatives not only generate revenue for the distilleries but also promote local economies by attracting tourists and creating job opportunities. For example, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in the United States and the Malt Whisky Trail in Scotland are popular whiskey tourism destinations that attract thousands of visitors each year.

D) SWOT Analysis:

Strength: Growing demand for premium whiskeys and their unique flavors.

Weakness: High production costs and the need for long aging periods.

Opportunity: Expansion into emerging markets with growing disposable incomes.

Threats: Stringent regulations and increasing competition from other alcoholic beverages.

E) Key Takeaways:

In terms of market size, the global whiskey market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for premium whiskeys and the rising popularity of craft distilleries that offer artisanal and authentic spirits.

From a regional perspective, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the whiskey market. The region's strong whiskey culture, coupled with the presence of renowned whiskey producers such as Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, and Beam Suntory, Inc., contributes to its market dominance.

Key players operating in the global whiskey market include Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, William Grant and Sons Ltd., Crown Royal, Beam Suntory, Inc., Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) Pvt. Ltd., Brown–Forman Corporation, and Suntory Beverage & Food Limited. These companies play a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of the market and driving innovation in whiskey production and marketing.

In conclusion, the global whiskey market is expected to experience significant growth due to the increasing demand for premium whiskeys and the rise of craft distilleries. Whiskey tourism is also on the rise, providing unique experiences for consumers and boosting local economies. With North America leading the way, key players in the industry will continue to introduce new products and strategies to meet the evolving preferences of whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

#Food and Beverages #Whiskey Market Growth #Whiskey Market Analysis #Whiskey Market Forecast #Whiskey Market Trends #Whiskey Market Overview

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poojascmi · 1 year ago

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Whiskey Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Growing Demand for Premium Whiskeys and the Rising Popularity of Craft Distilleries

The global Whiskey Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 80.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

A) Market Overview:

The Whiskey Market consists of the production, distribution, and consumption of various types of whiskeys worldwide. Whiskey is a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks. It is known for its unique flavors and distinct production methods. The market offers a wide range of whiskey products, including Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, American bourbon, Canadian whiskey, and Japanese whiskey, among others. Whiskey is enjoyed by consumers globally and is often associated with celebrations, social gatherings, and personal enjoyment.

B) Market Dynamics:

The Whiskey Market is driven by two main factors. First, there is a growing demand for premium whiskeys among consumers. With increasing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles, consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality and luxury products. Premium whiskeys offer unique tastes, flavors, and aging processes that make them desirable to consumers. Second, the rising popularity of craft distilleries has contributed to the growth of the Whiskey Market. Craft distilleries produce small-batch, handcrafted whiskeys that cater to niche markets and appeal to consumers looking for artisanal and authentic spirits.

C) Market Key Trends:

One key trend in the Global Whiskey Market is the growing interest in whiskey tourism. Distilleries around the world have started offering tours, tastings, and immersive experiences to attract visitors. These whiskey tourism initiatives not only generate revenue for the distilleries but also promote local economies by attracting tourists and creating job opportunities. For example, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in the United States and the Malt Whisky Trail in Scotland are popular whiskey tourism destinations that attract thousands of visitors each year.

D) SWOT Analysis:

Strength: Growing demand for premium whiskeys and their unique flavors.

Weakness: High production costs and the need for long aging periods.

Opportunity: Expansion into emerging markets with growing disposable incomes.

Threats: Stringent regulations and increasing competition from other alcoholic beverages.

E) Key Takeaways:

In terms of market size, the global Whiskey Market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for premium whiskeys and the rising popularity of craft distilleries that offer artisanal and authentic spirits.

From a regional perspective, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the Whiskey Market. The region's strong whiskey culture, coupled with the presence of renowned whiskey producers such as Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, and Beam Suntory, Inc., contributes to its market dominance.

Key players operating in the global Whiskey Market include Diageo plc, Pernod Ricard, William Grant and Sons Ltd., Crown Royal, Beam Suntory, Inc., Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) Pvt. Ltd., Brown–Forman Corporation, and Suntory Beverage & Food Limited. These companies play a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of the market and driving innovation in whiskey production and marketing.

In conclusion, the global Whiskey Market is expected to experience significant growth due to the increasing demand for premium whiskeys and the rise of craft distilleries. Whiskey tourism is also on the rise, providing unique experiences for consumers and boosting local economies. With North America leading the way, key players in the industry will continue to introduce new products and strategies to meet the evolving preferences of whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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justwalkiingthedog · 6 years ago

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http://deeprootsdistillery.com ...

#absinthe #small batch ditillery #Prince Edward Island #budthespud #Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition

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blueweave8 · 3 years ago

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Vodka Market Trends, Share, Insight

A study, recently conducted by the strategic consulting and market research firm, BlueWeave Consulting, revealed that Global Vodka Market was worth USD46.2 Billion in the year 2020. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.1%, earning revenue of around USD57.4 Billion by the end of 2027. Vodka is a distilled alcoholic beverage that comes in a transparent liquid form. The raw ingredients for vodka production include starches such as wheat and vegetables such as potatoes. Millennial consumers growing interested in cocktail culture is driving the growth of the global vodka market. Several key players are experimenting with innovative vodka cocktail flavors, which is encouraging consumers to explore more premium alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, many key market players are introducing new products to catch up with the fast changes in consumer preferences.

Growth Drivers

Increasing alcohol consumption among millennials

Millennials make up the largest segment of the US population. A good reason for the growth of the global vodka market is the rise of social media and the popularity of pubs and nightlife, both of which have increased the awareness of premium vodka products among millennials. Additionally, the increase in the spending power of consumers has boosted sales of alcoholic beverages across the world, including vodka. Moreover, due to Millennials' affinity for breweries, social events, and gatherings, vodka consumption has increased considerably across the globe.

Increased marketing and promotional activities

The growth of the global vodka market can be attributed to the increased marketing and promotional efforts of producers. Several players in the market have surplus capital to invest in campaigns for promoting their products and the image of their brands, as well as for developing strategies that help maximize their customer base. Parameters on which producers are promoting their products are flavor, calorie intake, packaging, variety, and others. Moreover, many key players in the market are planning new innovative marketing activities and strategies to endorse their brands, which is influencing the demand for vodka globally.

Restraints

The major restraint in the growth of the global vodka market is the constant intake of alcoholic drinks which leads to long-term health problems like liver inflammation, rise in blood pressure, damage to heart muscles, problems related to kidney, weight gain, and much more. Additionally, strict regulatory framework and stringent approval process for alcoholic drinks in advanced countries are the major reasons, which are expected to restrict the growth of the global vodka market over the forecast period.

Request For Free Sample Report @ https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/report/global-vodka-market/report-sample

Impact of COVID-19 in theGlobal VodkaMarket

The outbreak of COVID -19 has affected alcoholic beverage producers around the world. The pandemic has disrupted companies' supply chains and forced them to rethink their business models. As a result of the pandemic, the companies also started witnessing sales decrease. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdowns imposed by the governments of different countries, many restaurants, food service providers, liquor stores, hotels, and bars had been shut down. Consequently, vodka sales witnessed a sharp decline across the globe.

Flavored type occupies the largest share of Global Vodka Market

Based on flavors, the global vodka market has been segmented into Flavored and Non-flavored. The flavored vodka segment holds the largest share in the market. The companies are experimenting with many new flavors for vodka cocktails that are attracting consumers towards discovering more premium alcoholic beverages. In order to keep up with the rapid changes in consumer preferences, many prominent companies are launching new products. As there are now more varieties of vodka available to customers, the global vodka market is experiencing strong growth.

North America to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

Based on region, the global vodka market is categorized into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. The United States dominates North America's market share due to a growing demand for spirits among consumers and an increasing number of craft distilleries with regular product launches in the region. Moreover, there is a high demand for ethnic premium and super-premium vodkas, as well as flavored vodkas, which have craft and artisanal varieties, which has stimulated many countries to import the same, thereby boosting the region's growth in vodka. Moreover, regional players are also launching products that are subsequently driving the market.

Competitive Landscape

The key players in the global vodka market are Stoli, Proximo Spirits, CANADIAN ICEBERG VIDKA CORPORATION, Distell, Constellation Brands, Inc., Central European Distribution Corporation, Brown-Forman, Bacardi & Company Limited, Pernod Ricard, Campari Group, Diageo plc, Soyuz-Viktan, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd, Suntory, Russian Standard, GRAY GOOSE, Nemiroff, The Absolut Company AB, the UB Group, and other key manufacturers.

About Us

BlueWeave Consulting provides comprehensive Market Intelligence (MI) Solutions to businesses regarding various products and services online & offline. We offer all-inclusive market research reports by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data to boost up the performance of your business solution. BWC has built its reputation from the scratches by delivering quality inputs and nourishing long-lasting relationships with its clients. We are one of the promising digital MI solutions companies providing agile assistance to make your business endeavors successful.

BlueWeave Consulting & Research Pvt. Ltd

+1 866 658 6826 | +1 425 320 4776 | +44 1865 60 0662

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#Vodka Market

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quenchmagazine · 4 years ago

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Award Winning Canadian Artisan Gins

Award Winning Canadian Artisan Gins @distillersca @compassdistills #DistillerieFilsduRoy #patent5 @NoteworthyGin @TheDubhGlasD #BruinwoodDistillery #tastewithquench #learnwithquench #gin #artisanspirits #Canadianspirits @frogspadca #food #wine #life

The Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, the only national judging of Canada’s artisanal spirits producers, is judged by experts from coast to coast, and has grown steadily since its inception three years ago. Here are 5 Gold Medal winning gins from the 2021 awards. Gin Royal, Compass Distillery (Gold Medal and tied for Best in Class in Contemporary Gin category), Halifax, Nova Scotia, 45%…

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#artisan gin #botanical garden gin #noteworthy gin

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bcspirits · 4 years ago

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Canadian Whisky Awards 2021

Last night saw the 2021 Canadian Whisky Awards go virtual for the first time, lead by Davin de Kergommeaux; the annual competition pits legacy whisky brands against craft distilleries in a blind tasting competition judged by some of the best and brightest whisky enthusiasts in the country. British Columbian distillery yet again won big across the board, full winners list here.

Congratulations to all the distilleries and spirits that got a top honor. You can watch the full livestream at the bottom of this post.

AWARDS

Best Whisky Spirit - De Vine Wine and Spirits: Ancient Grains

Best Single Grain Whisky – Trust Single Grain

Best Mixed Mash Whisky – Ancient Grains (Devine Distillery & Winery)

Award of Excellence – Innovation – Shelter Point Distillery (for peated whisky process)

Artisanal Distillery of the Year – Devine Distillery and Winery

Lifetime Achievement Award – Ken Winchester (on his retirement Devine Distillery and Winery)

GOLD MEDALS

Devine Distillery ANCIENT GRAINS

SHELTER POINT DOUBLE BARREL #5

The Liberty Distillery TRUST SINGLE GRAIN

SILVER MEDALS

Devine - GLEN SAANICH SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Dubh Glas FIRE IN THE SKY CASK STRENGTH

MACALONEY’S CALEDONIAN PEATED MAC NA BRAICHE

MACALONEY’S CALEDONAIN OAKEN POITIN

MACALONEY’S CALEDONIAN GLENLOY SINGLE MALT WHISKY

MACALONEY’S CALEDONIAN INVERMALLIE SINGLE CASK STRENGTH

SHELTER POINT SINGLE CASK PEAT

SHELTER POINT SMOKE POINT 2

SHELTER POINT THE FORBIDDEN

SHELTER POINT SINGLE CASK VIRGIN OAK

SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY RYE

The Liberty Distillery TRUST SOUTHERN

BRONZE MEDALS

Odd Society COMMODORE SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Dubh Glas SMOKE ON THE WATER

GOODRIDGE AND WILLIAMS – 100% RYE GRAINS

GOODRIDGE AND WILLIAMS – HIGH RYE GRAINS

LOHIN MCKINNON CHOCOLATE MALT SINGLE MALT

LOHIN MCKINNON BORDEAUX FINISHED PEATED SINGLE MALT WHISKY

LOHIN MCKINNON NIAGARA WINE BARREL SINGLE MALT WHISKY

MACALONEY’S CALEDONIAN PEATED DARACH BRAICHE

MACALONEY’S CALEDONIAN INVERMALLIE SINGLE CASK EX BOURBON

ODD SOCIETY BLENDERS RELEASE SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Odd Society PROSPECTOR RYE WHISKY

SHELTER POINT DISTILLERY THE COLLECTIVE

SHELTER POINT PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

SHELTER POINT MONTFORT D1 151

SHELTER POINT ECHOES OF THE HEBRIDES

TRUST ANCIENT GRAINS

TRUST CANADIAN RYE

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Join the #1 authority on British Columbia's distilling and spirit culture, we taste through some of BC’s burgeoning craft spirits, from the weird and wonderful to the eclectic. With in-depth tastings, to advice on how to mix craft spirits along with professional bartending tips and tricks; BC Spirits has you covered.

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wineanddinosaur · 4 years ago

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Toronto’s Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts

Evelyn Chick’s visionary ethos is centered on building (socially distanced) communities and inclusive spaces. She’s honed her skills in the two Cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Toronto, where she’s worked at a multitude of businesses — from event spaces such as Blue Water Cafe in Vancouver, to high-volume cocktail bars and fine dining restaurants like Toronto’s Bar Raval and Pretty Ugly, both of which placed Top 10 in Canada’s Best Bars for two years in a row.

With 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry so far, Chick has held numerous roles. Presently, these include beverage director for the Donnelly Group; Canadian coordinator of Speed Rack, an all-female charity competition focused on speed bartending; and, most recently, founder of Evelyn Chick Projects (EC Projects), which launched in May of this year.

Plenty of praise and accolades have accompanied her professional life. She is a WSET-certified sommelier, a certified specialist of spirits, and global champion 2015 of the Beefeater MIXLDN cocktail competition. (Her signature drink, crowned champion at the MIXLDN competition, was called “Endless English Summers,” an homage to a classic Gimlet offering an intoxicating melange of Beefeater London Dry Gin, fino sherry, a Green Park Cordial made of pomelo, fennel, caraway, and salted absinthe.)

Chick’s distinctive flair for crafting creative sips that span cannabis cocktails to zero-proof serves are central to EC Projects, a digital education platform bringing her wellspring of wisdom into people’s homes through livestream classes and virtual workshops. In building this digital hub, Chick says she is all about facilitating an accessible and fun environment where “cocktail-curious” novices can feel free to ask questions, to maximize their learning enjoyment without feeling judged or intimidated. Additionally, Chick recently signed on with Quell, a hospitality agency that represents a roster of talented BIPOC industry professionals. The company is helping her juggle numerous projects on the go, and aligns with her belief that sharing a passion for drinks, food, and bespoke experiences can be achieved through continued diversification of the community at large.

In advocating for equal representation and opportunities, Chick continues to champion for a more robust cultural climate of drinks inclusivity. Her ability to facilitate an ongoing dialogue of what it means to enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in this ever-shifting landscape only serves to further spark her inventiveness, and cement her place as a beverage leader. Below, Chick shares these thoughts and her affinity for pioneering dynamic drinks in the interview below.

1. What are you doing currently within the drinks industry?

At the moment, I am the regional beverage director for the Donnelly Group in Toronto. In the pandemic, I founded EC Projects, a creative hub for drinks enthusiasts. Additionally, I’m the bar & beverage curator for Restaurants Canada, a national association that serves the needs of the food service industry; and bartender-in-residence for a publication in the city called Toronto Life.

2. Can you share with me the genesis of you founding EC Projects?

The biggest question I get as a bartender is, “How did you come up with stuff like that?” — in terms of developing a cocktail — or, “I have this ingredient at home … how do I use it?” Evelyn Chick Projects is an approachable guide to bartending techniques and artisan recipes for the at-home drinks enthusiast. It started as a passion project for a way to connect with consumers and show them the creative side of the hospitality industry. It explores more than just “this is how you make a drink,” but digs into thoughtful ways in which home bartenders can use ingredients readily found in their pantry or fridge, easy uses they hadn’t considered before with them, and how they complement spirits. It evolved into a cool way for drinks enthusiasts to explore new techniques and recipes through virtual learning and experimentation, all from the comfort of their own home! Everyone had to pivot during the pandemic, so bringing elements of the bar to a digital form makes sense!

For instance, in one session, I used the entire banana (including the peel) to make a food-and-drink-paired recipe. It featured a Banana Chocolate Mug Cake and Caramelized Banana Peel Syrup which I used as a sweetener in an Espresso Martini that was fortified with Bacardi Ocho. This Low Waste project is one of the many subjects I explore in my easy-to-follow recipe series from EC Projects. For more information about tailored classes (one-on-one and group), recipes, tutorials, etc., I encourage everyone to visit my website for more information.

3. With such a diverse portfolio of experiences, what’s the coolest thing you’ve gotten to do in your role(s) so far?

As a Beverage Director for the Donnelly Group, I get to connect with guests on a personal level and share in their passion for learning about spirits, cocktails, etc. It’s all things that come natural to me. Due to the pandemic, I’ve also been able to share my expertise online and connect with a larger global network — which is pretty cool because I’ve missed engaging and interacting with people.

Additionally, in building a name for myself in the industry over the years, I’ve been able to reach audiences beyond the small/local cocktail community. In one instance, I got to curate beverage educational programs for large-scale conferences like the Restaurants Canada Show (Canada’s largest hospitality trade show), bringing a passion for drinks to folks who aren’t directly involved and/or wouldn’t think they would be interested in this side of the industry. I’ve created classes for people who are avid drink enthusiasts but don’t normally have access to the “how-tos” in the hospitality industry. Take, for example, my hosting a virtual cocktail hour for lawyers from a large firm based out of multiple countries across a few time zones, all enjoying the same drink.

4. How have you continued this community building with your businesses and respective roles in the pandemic, especially when it has uprooted and altered the lives of many people?

Evelyn Chick Projects is undoubtedly a product of the pandemic. Without our venues (at the Donnelly Group) open, I had to find a way to preserve that little bit of connection I had in the beverage industry. So for me, building this personal brand during an unprecedented crisis was a huge learning curve; it’s very different when you reach out to potential clients and represent yourself as “the brand” versus repping my position within a company that has buying power. While it was a challenge, I was incredibly excited about it because I had never pursued something of this nature before.

Prior to this, I worked to build up different companies my entire life. This is the first time I’ve created for myself. It’s almost like announcing to the world and saying, “Hey, this is my expertise, this is what I’ve worked on my whole life, and I’m putting it all out there.” I’ve discovered that you almost have to reinvent yourself, think outside the box, and showcase what you can offer as an individual to set yourself apart from the “other you” (e.g., the one repping company brands), if that makes sense. At first, I had doubts all the time about the likability of my content, whether or not I’m justifying what I’m presenting, and whether or not it’s been enough. But so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive. It’s a continuing journey of navigating the social network(s), gaining exposure, and telling my personal brand’s story. While there’s a lot of talent, and to set yourself apart is not the easiest task, it’s been an incredibly rewarding venture so far.

5. Have there been additional challenges you or your businesses faced since Covid-19? How did you address it?

In wearing my beverage director hat (with the Donnelly Group), with the world filled with uncertainty, the toughest thing has been keeping my staff informed of the ever-changing situation. We try our best to stay connected with staff (e.g., via Zoom chats) and keep one another posted of any learning opportunities, foster ongoing positivity, and offer each other any prospects that could help them survive the lack of work available. For instance, any time we stumble upon government aid updates, resources from local nonprofits geared toward our hospitality industry, brands that have reached out to support us, or anything just beyond their reach, I’m there to help facilitate dialogue between these channels.

6. What’s a significant shift your business has made in the last six months that you had never considered before?

Altering the business model completely as a restaurant and bar for Pretty Ugly. We’ve had to learn to be flexible in terms of how service should run, and the magnitude of precautionary measures we have to take just to open the doors. There were a lot more considerations to put into practice, such as ensuring the whole space was socially distanced; training staff who are used to nightlife service to shift focus on what to pay attention to in this “new normal” (e.g., health and safety protocols); and exploring alternative options to recoup the loss of revenue from being in lockdown, like takeout, delivery, and cocktail kits. Despite all of these shifts, we remain optimistic: Any obstacle can be overcome, it just may take a bit more time to achieve it!

7. In light of your recent announcement of being repped by Quell (a hospitality agency that represents BIPOC industry professionals), I’m wondering: How are you using your position to push forward on racial equity in the industry?

Both personally and professionally, I’m blessed to have multiple platforms — events, virtual classes, social media — to voice my opinion in matters involving race, diversity, and inclusivity. I am constantly learning from my BIPOC peers, their personal and collective experiences, [and] trying to understand and empathize with situations that they may have come across. Moreover, I have zero tolerance for anyone who makes remarks that are intended to be sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, whether internally with staff or externally with patrons. These individuals are made to know that their school of thought is not welcome anywhere.

For my BIPOC peers, I’m not only appreciative of their candor, but use these as teachable moments for our own establishments. For instance, at the Donnelly Group, we have hired external help to set up a diversity council, whose protocols are currently under development, ensuring that our hiring and training practices are inclusive, respectful, and empowering. Everyone should feel safe and welcome to share in what I consider to be these essential community hubs together.

In the interim, I’ve hosted numerous virtual round-table panel discussions called “Initiating Change: Global Hospitality Through a BIPOC Lens,” which delves into many issues regarding the topic of race in hospitality. For example, identifying existing structures, as well as systematic and operational biases we need to change. For those who are interested in learning more, you can find previously recorded and upcoming sessions on my IGTV channel.

8. Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for your business to grow?

There’s lots of room in curating fun virtual experiences at the moment. Thinking beyond classic drink creation and traditional pairings, I’d want to bring something that promotes social gatherings, but in a responsible manner. My ideas include wine and food pairing workshops, showcasing the versatility of one ingredient and using it in numerous ways, cook-along sessions with booze, and a sober-curious rave that’s set to live DJ-spun tunes.

There’s also great demand for unique initiatives that have to do with health, wellness, and moderation. As an example, I’ll be guiding and informing such curious people on how to craft non-alcoholic beverages (that aren’t boring!). There’s a fantastic Spiced Carrot Ginger Mule I’ve made that features spiced chili cinnamon syrup, some fresh lime, and soda, with the buzz from the spice. For those interested in making this recipe, you can find the video link here.

Additionally, with the legalization of cannabis in Canada, there are ways to bridge the world of cannabis and (non-alcoholic) cocktails, educate consumers on these types of drinks; and opportunities to pair terpenes with global cuisines. These sips not only taste delicious, but facilitate much-needed conversations to help remove the stigma surrounding that industry. One drink I’ll highlight is my THC tonic that has notes of pine, earth, and wood from the terpene pinene I use. I take a thoughtful and methodical approach to creating this drink by first identifying the terpenes that the cannabis concentrate bring, then introducing flavors that complement those aromas. It’s very much like an art form, and similar to tasting a spirit or a wine and picking out flavor associations, all while being aware of dosage.

Overall, many businesses have had to shift their goals and perspectives, and the drinks industry is no exception — we’re all learning to cater to different demands. It’s a trying but very exciting time.

9. What’s your long-term vision for your brand?

The goal for Evelyn Chick Projects is to connect people from different industries, walks of life, race, religion — through the shared passion and enjoyment of everything food and drinks — together, but virtually. For the time being, it’s kind of hard to pinpoint exactly what this can look like as EC Projects is very much a fluid, approachable, global, and online brand. With that said, I would like to get to a point where one day, the only barrier between myself and connecting with other food and drink collaborators are dissimilar interests — and I would bridge this divide.

Since everything is going virtual through apps such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, House Party, etc., the possibilities are endless. A cool example I can think of is if a bar from London, England would have me host virtual sessions with their guests and collaborate on a cocktail kit they can follow along with. It’d be such an invigorating opportunity for both parties because we’d inject our respective cultures and thoughts into the process. But this would only be the beginning — it’s just one very small part of what this is about. Ultimately, it’s about creating and uniting a global network of drink enthusiasts beyond the “traditional” confines of a bar, curating incredible experiences that transcend time and space.

The article Toronto’s Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/ec-projects-evelyn-chick/

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delfinamaggiousa · 4 years ago

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Toronto’s Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts

1. What are you doing currently within the drinks industry?

2. Can you share with me the genesis of you founding EC Projects?

3. With such a diverse portfolio of experiences, what’s the coolest thing you’ve gotten to do in your role(s) so far?

4. How have you continued this community building with your businesses and respective roles in the pandemic, especially when it has uprooted and altered the lives of many people?

5. Have there been additional challenges you or your businesses faced since Covid-19? How did you address it?

6. What’s a significant shift your business has made in the last six months that you had never considered before?

8. Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for your business to grow?

9. What’s your long-term vision for your brand?

The article Toronto’s Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/ec-projects-evelyn-chick/

source https://vinology1.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/torontos-evelyn-chick-is-creating-a-new-at-home-bartending-experience-for-socially-distanced-cocktail-enthusiasts/

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johnboothus · 4 years ago

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Torontos Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts

1. What are you doing currently within the drinks industry?

2. Can you share with me the genesis of you founding EC Projects?

3. With such a diverse portfolio of experiences, what’s the coolest thing you’ve gotten to do in your role(s) so far?

4. How have you continued this community building with your businesses and respective roles in the pandemic, especially when it has uprooted and altered the lives of many people?

5. Have there been additional challenges you or your businesses faced since Covid-19? How did you address it?

6. What’s a significant shift your business has made in the last six months that you had never considered before?

8. Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for your business to grow?

9. What’s your long-term vision for your brand?

The article Toronto’s Evelyn Chick Is Creating a New At-Home Bartending Experience for Socially Distanced Cocktail Enthusiasts appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/ec-projects-evelyn-chick/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/torontos-evelyn-chick-is-creating-a-new-at-home-bartending-experience-for-socially-distanced-cocktail-enthusiasts

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damajority · 5 years ago

Photo

DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/courvoisier-cognac-and-uninterrupted/

Courvoisier® Cognac And UNINTERRUPTED Partner On First-Of-Its-Kind, Live Storytelling Event And Content Series

(Left to right) Jemele Hill; Benoît De Sutter, Master Distiller at Courvoisier; Taylor Rooks; Al Harrington and Sue Bird attend “UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones,” a first-of-its-kind, live athlete storytelling partnership between Courvoisier Cognac and Uninterrupted. As part of the collaboration, Courvoisier and UNINTERRUPTED empowered athletes to toast to their “day ones,” the individuals who have played an instrumental role in their journey to success.

“Uninterrupted Live: The Day Ones” Features Jason Collins, Al Harrington, Sue Bird, Taylor Rooks and Host Jemele Hill in Five Live Performances Honoring the Individuals Who Helped Them Achieve Success

CHICAGO, July 10, 2019 — Courvoisier®, the most awarded cognac house*, and UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete empowerment brand founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, are proud to join forces on a first-of-its-kind, live athlete storytelling partnership called “UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones.” As part of the collaboration, Courvoisier and UNINTERRUPTED are empowering athletes to toast to their “day ones,” the individuals who have played an instrumental role in their journey to success through a live storytelling event and content series. “UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones” empowers athletes to own their narrative and express their point of view to offer viewers and fans a deeper, more authentic understanding of the athletes they admire. Alongside host Jemele Hill, storytellers Jason Collins, Al Harrington, Sue Bird and Taylor Rooks took the stage to share first-person memories and experiences in front of a live audience.

“We’re excited to partner with UNINTERRUPTED to launch this first-of-its-kind storytelling platform,” said Rashidi Hodari, Vice President of Marketing at Courvoisier. “Courvoisier was founded on the principle that we are a community, not a company. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity for us to encourage our fans to strive for their dreams while acknowledging those who helped them get there.”

“Athletes are natural storytellers and performers, and until now, our exposure to them as performers has been somewhat limited to what we see on the field or the court,” said Maverick Carter, CEO of UNINTERRUPTED. “Together with Courvoisier, we’re empowering these incredibly talented performers to be More Than An Athlete and own their stories in a wholly unique way, giving the audience a window into the lives and talents of some of the biggest athletes in the world.”

The partnership puts athletes center stage for a first-person performance that combines diverse storytelling techniques like theater, music, animation and video to create a one-of-a-kind experience for the athlete and fan that incorporates stories of mentorship, perseverance and shared success. These stories will live as an online content series that will be distributed across UNINTERRUPTED and Courvoisier social platforms including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook starting in August.

“UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones” with Courvoisier is the first event for UNINTERRUPTED Live, a new event franchise that takes UNINTERRUPTED’s mission to empower athletes to be More Than An Athlete beyond content to live events and experiences. The partnership with UNINTERRUPTED supports Courvoisier’s “Honor Your Code” platform, which celebrates the influences, life lessons, convictions and ideas that guide life’s choices and inspires others to share their success with those who matter most.

About CourvoisierThe House of Courvoisier was founded by Louis Gallois and Emmanuel Courvoisier based on their belief in the power of the collective. It is this conviction that inspired Courvoisier to nurture close relationships with respected artisans and winegrowers to produce its high quality, award-winning Cognac since 1828. Courvoisier Cognac has several expressions, which appeal to a variety of Cognac preferences and lifestyles, including VS, VSOP, Sherry Cask Finish, XO, Initiale Extra, and the ultimate expression of the House, L’Essence de Courvoisier.

To learn more about Courvoisier Cognac, visit www.courvoisier.com and follow us on Instagram.

* Based on top 25 US and UK spirits awards competitions from 2013 – 2018.

About Beam Suntory Inc.As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About UNINTERRUPTED:UNINTERRUPTED is an athlete empowerment brand founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. The company is built upon the radical idea that all athletes should have a platform to express themselves without intermediaries. From this premise, a mission was born: to empower athletes from all walks of life to communicate in an unimpeded way and to be More Than an Athlete. UNINTERRUPTED is upending the world of sports media by working with athletes to tell unique, human stories from their point of view. Through content, merchandise, events, partnerships and educational opportunities, UNINTERRUPTED is changing the way athletes engage with the public and empowering them to be known and valued for more than the sport they play.

SOURCE Courvoisier

#Courvoisier® Cognac

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atlanticcanada · 6 years ago

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Canada's best absinthe distilled on P.E.I.

P.E.I.'s Deep Roots distillery has taken home a top honour at the inaugural Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition.

from CBC | Prince Edward Island News http://bit.ly/2RIobBT

#prince edward island #news #politics #canada #atlantic canada #CBCPEI

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sommeliercourses · 6 years ago

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Smoke Gets In Your… Sinuses (San Francisco International Wine Competition 2018 Results)

Have lab coat, will judge (at the 2018 SFIWC)

Late last year, I had the pleasure (once again) of pretending to be an all-growed-up wine pro judging alongside some very notable palates at the 38th annual San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Judging the SFIWC almost always ends up being one of my favorite events of the entire year, and despite quite a bit of behind-the-scenes personnel changes, the competition didn’t skip a beat; I had a blast, with the only downer being the inundation of the city streets by the ominous smoke from the nearby Camp Fire (terribly, California’s deadliest and most destructive to date).

The results of the 2018 SFIWC have been announced, so I am officially allowed to share them with you. Here are some thoughts on the Best In Show winners, which are determined after going through 1) two days of normal judging panels, 2) “super tastings” of judges from multiple panels (meant to whittle down the field of wines deemed excellent enough to potentially vie for Best In Show ), and finally 3) a lively and spirited sweepstakes round in which the the most awarded wines are pitted against one another…

Up the Irons! (Number of the) Beast Mode enabled walking the streets of San Fran in November, 2018.

Best in Show Red (and Best Syrah): 2015 V. Sattui Winery Syrah (Napa Valley, USA, $50) – This spicy, deep, and concentrated little number edged out a field of tough competitors that included some killer Pinots; that a Syrah took top honors is, I think, indicative of the scientifically proven fact [ editor’s note: this is not factual and has never been proven clinically ] that hating on Syrah makes you boring and stupid.

Best in Show White (and Best Riesling): 2018 Winemaking Tasmania Artisan Riesling (Tasmania, $NA) – Well… I didn’t even pretend not to be relieved that a more marketable grape took top White honors in 2018, after a run of a few, uhm, more obscure varieties garnering the top spot in the last couple of SFIWC results. Perky and focused, this one will be difficult to find but well worth seeking.

Best in Show Sparkling (and Best Blanc de Noir): NV Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Blanc de Noir (Carneros, USA $25) – Yes, they basically always win; Yes, they deserve it… and for 2019, maybe we can save time and just forward some medals to them now? Just a thought…

Best in Show Dessert (and Best Ice Wine): 2017 Inniskillin Niagara Estate Riesling Icewine (Niagara Peninsula, Canada $80, half bottle) – Holy f*ck, this is soooooo good. Look, Canadian Ice Wine is usually a safe bet for those who like their dessert wines to amp up the volume on sweetness, fruit purity, and natural acidity, but when Riesling gets the Great White North Ice Wine treatment, something magical happens… floral, candied, lip-smacking, succulent magic…

Hard work during the 2018 SFIWC Sweepstakes round

Cheers!

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Smoke Gets In Your… Sinuses (San Francisco International Wine Competition 2018 Results) from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/smoke-gets-in-your-sinuses-san-francisco-international-wine-competition-2018-results/

from Linda Johnson https://meself84.wordpress.com/2019/01/09/smoke-gets-in-your-sinuses-san-francisco-international-wine-competition-2018-results/

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canvasclothiers · 6 years ago

Text

Smoke Gets In Your… Sinuses (San Francisco International Wine Competition 2018 Results)

Have lab coat, will judge (at the 2018 SFIWC)

Up the Irons! (Number of the) Beast Mode enabled walking the streets of San Fran in November, 2018.

Hard work during the 2018 SFIWC Sweepstakes round

Cheers!

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Source: http://www.1winedude.com/smoke-gets-in-your-sinuses-san-francisco-international-wine-competition-2018-results/

0 notes

aaroncutler · 7 years ago

Link

June 25: The link above leads to the English-language list of prize-winning films at the sixth edition of the Brazilian international film festival Olhar de Cinema (“Cinema View”), whose most recent edition took place June 7th-15th. The same list can be found in Portuguese here.

I worked as one of three programmers of feature-length films for this year’s edition of the festival, which led me to regard the prospect of awards with a mixture of excitement and regret. An award or mention can always help a film, even if in a small way, and the giving of prizes should therefore be cherished. At the same time, there will inevitably be a number of great works that do not take home honors, and a programmer must hope for potential spectators to continue to discover these films as well. I hope for readers to discover all of the films that screened in Olhar de Cinema this year, and for these films to have further screenings in Brazil and around the world.

The festival’s three principal juries (each comprised of three members) made their decisions independently, without soliciting input from each other or from the festival’s programmers. All nine of the jurors approached their work with great seriousness and senses of personal responsibility, and I would like to thank Marcelo Alderete (New Views), Mónica Delgado (Other Views), Philippe Gajan (Competition), Lili Hinstin (N.V.), Luís Fernando Moura (O.V.), Guto Parente (Comp.), Barbara Rangel (O.V.), María José Santacreu (Comp.), and Ulrich Ziemons (N.V.) for their presences at Olhar de Cinema this year. They were all fine professionals, dream audience members, and wonderful guests.

When I look at the list of prize-winners, some impressions about the festival’s programming strike me, particularly in relation to the top award-winning features of the three competitive international sections: Kevin Jerome Everson’s Tonsler Park (New Views), Tatiana Chistova’s Convictions (Other Views), and Joshua Bonnetta and J.P. Sniadecki’s El mar la mar (Competition). The impressions that I will list here are my own, without any effort to speak for those of other people.

1. It strikes me initially that all three of the films deal directly with processes connected to citizenship. Tonsler Park shows members of a historically disenfranchised group of people (African-Americans) voting, learning how to vote, and helping others vote on 2016’s Election Day in the U.S.A. Convictions presents a series of interviews between members of Russian draft boards and young Russian men seeking deferment from military service (some of whom ultimately prove successful). El mar la mar relates, in largely elliptical fashion, encounters between individuals who have crossed the Mexico-U.S.A. border illegally and individuals who have greeted them (whether intentionally or by happenstance) on the other side. The film registers people perceiving a humanity shared between them as citizens of the world.

2. During a year in which Olhar’s selection of new films contained clear and strong examples of fictional narratives, feature-length documentaries, and overtly experimental endeavors, the juries opted to grant their top prizes to three films that I feel comfortable calling experimental documentaries. Each film takes a different aesthetic approach to its work in this ever-expanding genre, with Tonsler Park falling closest to pure observational filmmaking, Convictions to political activist cinema, and El mar la mar to what Maya Deren might have called a “film-poem”. Yet each of the films is also open enough in its form to contain elements from other genres such as fiction (or, if one prefers, fictionalization), along with a critical capacity for self-questioning and reflection on how disparate elements might fit together.

3. It is possible that these three films were the lowest-budget works in their sections. I am confident that they were all in the bottom halves. Tonsler Park was recorded entirely in one day by a prolific artisan and his small crew and met its world premiere less than three months afterwards. Convictions was shot on low-grade digital equipment by teenagers at its director’s behest, resulting in crude and startling material that contains all the technical defects one would expect as necessary components of the work’s force and power. El mar la mar, a film realized across two countries, was made virtually in its entirety between two tremendously talented people, the listing of whose names in sources stating the film’s credits reaches comic heights of repetition. Every film faces challenges on its way to being born and greeting the world. These are three compelling test cases.

My impressions collectively lead me to believe that the festival’s juries acted bravely in their decision-making, even if individual members disagreed with the results or, to the contrary, followed impulses that were obvious to them. There were many great films of larger or comparable scales in the festival whose prizes would have been justly awarded, but the particular conjuncture of these three particular titles, to me, sends a democratic message. I find in the grouping a bold but humble suggestion that many different kinds of films can be considered equals. And why not?

The juries’ decisions inspired some comments that I made on the last day of the festival, post-awards night, while introducing the reprisal screening of Tonsler Park. I include here a revised and expanded version of these remarks:

“An interesting coincidence is that the New Views jury, which gave its top prize to Tonsler Park, awarded a Special Mention to another film in the section, John Torres’s People Power Bombshell: The Diary of Vietnam Rose. Interesting because the American Everson and the Filipino Torres are friends, and because Everson has frequently cited films by Torres and other directors from the New Philippine Cinema as influences on his own practice.

“More coincidences: Another filmmaker from this group that Everson has cited as an influence is Khavn De La Cruz, who was represented in Other Views this year with his film Alipato – The Very Brief Life of an Ember. And John Torres, in addition to his connections with Khavn and with Kevin, is friends with the Thai filmmaker Anocha Suwichakornpong, who was the subject of Olhar de Cinema’s Focus section this year. During her time in Curitiba, Anocha told me about her admiration both for Torres and for Everson as artists, and she expressed a desire to see their new works.

“More coincidences: The American filmmaker J.P. Sniadecki, one of the two co-directors (with Canadian Joshua Bonnetta) of Competition winner El mar la mar, is friends with the Chinese filmmaker Xu Xin, who directed the Other Views entry A Yangtze Landscape. Xu Xin even invited Sniadecki to join him on the boat trip that resulted in A Yangtze Landscape, and although Sniadecki missed going, he watched the recorded material with excitement afterwards.

“The Chilean-American filmmaker Niles Atallah, whose Competition film Rey received a Special Mention this year, is an admirer of the great Chilean documentarian Ignacio Agüero. Atallah even appears speaking about his film in an interview in Agüero’s latest feature, This is the Way I Like It II, which played in Olhar de Cinema’s Special Screenings section. Niles attended Olhar this year with a desire to accompany the festival’s F.W. Murnau retrospective, but while he was here, he also watched This Is the Way I Like It II projected for the first time.

“The Spanish filmmakers Chema García Ibarra and Lois Patiño faced each other in separate programs of Olhar de Cinema’s Short Film Competition this year with their respective films The Disco Shines (filmed in Reha Erdem’s homeland of Turkey) and Fajr (filmed in Morocco). The two are good friends, and they met socially in Madrid a few days before their works screened in Curitiba.

“Even Curitiba’s own João Castelo Branco – co-director, with Elizabeth Moreschi, of a beautiful documentary about childrens’ inner lives called Scribbles, Doodles and Other Monsters that screened in New Views – worked as the cinematographer on Guto Pasko’s Mirada Paranaense entry Among Us, the Stranger, an observational record of the Ukrainian community in the Brazilian state of Paraná.

“I mention all these connections in the interest of saying that independent cinema – independent both in its vision and in its spirit – is a global community; and that any film made with this vision and spirit, in any part of the world, immediately enters into dialogue with the rest of the world, including with all of you. We hope for you all to have good screenings of these films, as well as good conversations.”

Now that the festival’s sixth edition has concluded, I would like to note an aspect in which I found my work for the most recent installment of Olhar de Cinema to be rewarding. The work quite simply expanded my horizons, and it has made me want to continue pursuing both internal and external discoveries.

Some of the most crucial discoveries that I have made recently have been of films that did not screen at Olhar de Cinema. There were numerous inspirational works that I watched during the past several months that, for various reasons, the festival could not present. In keeping with this post’s pattern of three, I therefore wish to cite three additional films that have premiered since last October, that did not screen at Olhar de Cinema, and that continue to grow inside my mind, with the hope that these films can continue their travels and be seen as widely as possible.

Lidia Sheinin’s Harmony, Alexandre Koberidze’s Let the Summer Never Come Again, and Sompot Chidgasornpongse’s Railway Sleepers are all humanist works that look backwards and forwards at once. They propose formal innovations particular to their current moment while also studying the delicacies of human figures in motion in ways that gently and even sweetly harken back to cinema’s inception. The world is richer for the unique presences of these independent films, and for all other wonders like them.

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