Albertsons Cos. has launched Bee Lightly, the newest addition to the company’s Own Brands wine portfolio, distinguished by its flat bottle design made from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate.
This approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, highlighting its commitment to recycled solutions. The 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Roséach each boast 91-point ratings from The Tasting Panel.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” said Curtis Mann, master of wines. “By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we are offering shoppers quality, affordable wines from France while also redefining wine packaging standards.”
Bee Lightly is available at select Albertsons Cos. stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and ACME, and for delivery soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The new wines feature chardonnay and rosé varietals sourced from the up-and-coming Hérault and Limoux regions.
- Bee Lightly Chardonnay: Harvested at night from a collective of vineyards and fermented in thermoregulated tanks, the chardonnay offers a palate with bright and intense aromas of melons and pears, with a hint of fresh butter and subtle honey and oak balance.
- Bee Lightly Rosé: Capturing the essence of Southern France with its pale salmon color, the rosé presents a perfect pairing for light meals with its compelling flavor profile of fresh red fruit, hibiscus and dried rose petals.
Bringing Bee Lightly wines to Albertsons Cos. stores was a collaborative effort focused on customers. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, along with Mann, partnered with WX Brands, known for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama, a climate tech packaging company committed to promoting a lower carbon future in the beverage industry, to develop Bee Lightly.
The line is distinguished by Packamama’s recyclable flat bottle design, made from recycled PET, a material that is 87 percent lighter than the material used for traditional glass bottles.
Packamama’s flat packaging design has a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional wine bottle shapes. It reduces transportation-related emissions and enhances logistic efficiency, enabling the transportation of nearly twice as many products on a single pallet. Bee Lightly in the Packamama bottle used 44 percent fewer pallets for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.
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“The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship,” said Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos.
“Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognize the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavor at an affordable price.”
Own Brands’ wine portfolio also includes Vinaforé, O Organics, Nadia, Quail Oak and Creamery wines.
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