The co-founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley shares his experiences as a black American co-founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley.When I think of Black History Month I think of looking to our past to inform our future We need to know our history in order to learn from it and not make the same mistakes our mistakes of the past can become blessings for our future but only if we are courageous enough to face them As a black American who has dedicated the last 20 years of my life to fighting cannabis prohibition I have lived the realities of our history on both the race front and the cannabis legalization front and I believe both have a great deal to teach us This is true of both the black American experience and of cannabis probation in this nation My parents emigrated from Haiti to the U.S made me both “African American” and also “a foreigner.” While not often discussed Caribbean Americans grow up with a very different culture than African American culture I didn’t fit in the “African American” box either I remember feeling like a minority many times over This feeling pushed me to grab on to the only thing I was taught was available to every American—the American Dream I truly believed that as long as we were willing to work for it the right for each and every American to pursue life and happiness in a fair and equitable way was possible The strong images of our “cowboy” President Ronald Regan and movies like Top Gun convinced me that joining the military was a sure way to earn my place in the American Dream I was ready to “pull myself up by my bootstraps,” serve the nation did not prepare me for my military experience NYC is a true melting pot of world cultures and I believed the United States to be a very diverse country My first day in boot camp showed me how ignorant my big city life had left me The facts were that most of the guys in my boot camp class were white and from the Midwest and most of them had never met a person of color My first roommate after boot camp had gone to a segregated high school–and this was 1987 but I was still gung-ho on the American Dream The military came through for me in my pursuit I received an ROTC scholarship and was able to go to college I was introduced to the magic of cannabis and the teachings of Jack Herer I came to understand that the cannabis plant has so much to offer the world beyond just its psychoactive and biodiesel were obvious resources we needed to turn the tide in our push toward sustainability and the reduction of our carbon footprint The shocking bias toward cannabis in the face of the overwhelming evidence of its potential to help the world reminded me of the irrational systemic racial bias which holds back people of color across the U.S I often say that cannabis advocacy is the most patriotic thing I have ever done–even more so than my military service Our right to use our voice collectively is a cornerstone of the American Dream My fight for cannabis reform is part of my larger fight to make true a dream that all people can pursue in a fair and equitable way we must continue that shared fight on behalf of all people of color The same lies and mistruths used to foment fear against people of color are used against cannabis It has been 30 years since I was enlisted in the U.S I wish I could say that the last 30 years have been a success on either front The harsh reality is that racism and fascism seem to be on the rise at home and around the globe and cannabis is still federally illegal in spite of it many life- and world-changing benefits Our nation still wrestles with being honest about our “Black History” and the abject failure of the war on drugs For as long as we continue to deny past mistakes we will continue to impede our progress forward Guy Rocourt is co-founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley and a Cannabis Conference advisory board member ShareSaveLifestyleVices5 Questions About Releaf Gummies With Co-Founders Of Papa & Barkley Adam Grossman & Guy RocourtByWarren Bobrow Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights I work with cannabis and have done some wild things in life 04:20am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 4 years old.Releaf Gummies I’m a massive fan of Papa & Barkley California based manufacturer of ultra-high quality cannabis and hemp products I visited their manufacturing facility and was let into a little secret There are very few producers of cannabis products in California who are as diversified in their offerings Sure there are other vertically integrated companies but no one has as much experience and fortitude as Papa & Barkley They perform their craft with healing in mind This is why Papa & Barkley are in it for the long haul to help people live better lives through their attention to detail and passion for the plant Warren Bobrow=WB: Papa & Barkley is known for its topicals and tinctures Adam Grossman: We decided to expand into edibles after realizing there was no gummy option in the California cannabis market designed specifically for wellness Many Papa & Barkley users have dietary restrictions either from preference or necessity; they're health-conscious consumers or older adults who have health conditions that require them to follow a clean diet that’s low in sugar We created our gummy offerings for these individuals so they could feel safe and confident taking them daily Our consumers use our products for relief from stress and from pain it didn’t make sense to offer them a high-calorie Releaf Gummies were thoughtfully crafted with the needs of our consumers in mind WB: What makes Releaf Gummies different from other edibles on the market Guy Rocourt: Most of the gummies on the marketplace are made using cannabinoids processes into isolate or distillate form Ours are made without chemicals and are infused with pure hash -– the collection of ripe cannabinoid-rich crystals of the flowers of the cannabis plant So consumers receive the full spectrum of cannabinoids in the plant The hash infusion helps with onset timing and provides a clean and consistent effect most gummies on the market are filled with sugar edible that would appeal to individuals who see cannabis as a form of wellness and want a healthy product That’s why our Releaf Gummies are sugar-free WB: Tell me more about the development process GR: At the core of all our products are clean high-quality ingredients – including our cannabis – and solventless infusion processes that ensure the whole plant with all its terpenes and phytonutrients makes its way into our products The result is potent products with maximum efficacy Our Releaf Gummies share these fundamental attributes To make Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Gummies we use solventless hash-infused coconut oil We mechanically separate the kief – or cannabinoid-rich trichome crystals – from the cannabis plant and then melt those crystals into our coconut oil base We blend our infused coconut oil with natural ingredients in one simple process which lends itself not only to a cleaner product When you eat an edible made with THC isolate or distillate you experience a one-dimensional effect because you only get THC; you’re missing all the other cannabinoids in the plant Since Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Gummies are made using solventless hash you get the whole plant with all its cannabinoids WB: How did the partnership with Sistah's Vegan come about GR: At Papa & Barkley, we strive to work with community members in our home in Eureka, California. Patricia Jones, aka Sistah’s Vegan is an amazing local dietician runs a vegan catering business that also provides a meal plan service She and her son used their expertise to help us develop two vegan we were able to perfect the vegan gummies and create our two non-vegan flavors with the same focus on health and clean ingredients with the help of our in-house confectionary director WB: What are Papa & Barkley's plans for future product development and expansion We have been expanding our geographic reach through our national CBD line which recently launched in Vitamin Shoppe and Erewhon We are having the first cannabis conversation on a national level as we always talk about our Humboldt roots and the full spectrum benefits of the Entourage Effect – all of the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in the plant working together to achieve a better result GR: New product development is always top of mind Papa & Barkley is the leader in the California tincture category we plan to expand our tincture offerings under our sister brand Papa’s Select is a line of premium living extracts beloved by what we call “cannasseurs” – experienced cannabis connoisseurs Papa’s Select extracts are crafted in small batches in partnership with Emerald Triangle farms and since each extract is strain-specific the products are bursting with distinct flavor thanks to the plant’s terpenes Our new Papa’s Select tinctures will be no different AG: Under our Papa & Barkley Releaf line we plan to launch iterations of our Releaf Gummies with different cannabinoids ratios and featuring specific cannabinoids like CBN expanding the concept of personalized medicine by recognizing the wide variety of individual needs all of our products are designed to improve people’s lives and make daily wellness accessible and enjoyable for consumers Hershey Medical Center completed the first major step in becoming a latex-free health care  facility all disposable gloves used by surgical and support staff became latex-free which substantially reduces the risk of allergic reactions for patients and staff The surgical glove conversion marked the first step in a three-stage initiative being led by a cross-disciplinary team assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine; Kathleen Law Hershey Medical Center; and Crystal Rodriguez value analysis facilitator at Penn State Health a derivative harvested from rubber trees in Malaysia Repeated human exposure to proteins within the latex may trigger mild to severe allergic reactions that can include skin rashes breathing difficulty or respiratory arrest Health care workers and certain patient groups are at increased risk due to repeated latex exposure An estimated 8 to 12 percent of health care workers are latex sensitive Nearly 73 percent of children with spina bifida and adults with conditions requiring multiple surgeries are also considered high-risk groups for experiencing latex-based allergies this latex-free initiative is well worth the effort,” said Rocourt the Hershey Medical Center’s primary surgical glove supplier staffed a two-week surgeon glove fitting and evaluation for medical and surgical staff members Rodriguez said that of the hospital’s 800 clinicians who wear surgical gloves 508 staff members participated in the event Rocourt reports surgical residents have noted a decrease in hand rashes and itching “They didn’t realize that those reactions were is the systemwide conversion of nearly 200 urinary products The final phase will be to identify and replace specialized items within departments for latex-free alternatives The goal for project completion is December 2018 Joseph has also joined the latex-free initiative “The overall bottom-line benefit for going latex-free is patient and staff safety This ties into Penn State’s mission of quality If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications © 2025 Penn State College of Medicine Have questions, or suggestions for missing content? Email us at comweb@pennstatehealth.psu.edu (WPDE) — Police are investigating more than 170 car break-ins in Florence County and the City of Florence since the start of the new year Florence police arrested five teens Monday in connection with some car break-ins but haven't said which ones they're charged in at this time Bruce Nelson said someone broke out the side window of his truck while he was eating last Friday at Longhorn steakhouse in Florence Nelson said the culprits stole his wallet with his driver's license and credit cards NEW: CCU students channel civil rights movement with march for social justice After I done worked hard to pay for my vehicle To have them vandalize it," said Nelson Ashawnte Rocourt of Florence said last month someone broke into one of her cars parked outside her home and tried to make their way into her other car Rocourt said it snowed that night and mother nature helped keep the vandals out of the other car Rocourt said she did share surveillance video of the incident with Florence police She added the officer has yet to get back with her regarding the break-in “Cops came there wasn’t a police report filed I watched them from my apartment with a camera So they didn’t even try to follow the tracks and stuff," said Rocourt TRENDING: SC student picked up by Uber driver pronounced dead at New Orleans hospital hours later Mike Brandt with Florence police said they investigate every case Brandt said sometimes surveillance video may not be of the best quality "The evidence that presents itself is not always the best Doesn't mean that it’s perfect for identification purposes And we don’t have all of the TV show enhance buttons on our computers We have limited capabilities," said Brandt He added they can't be everywhere and rely on community members to be their eyes and ears “There are multiple locations throughout the city and county where these vehicle break-ins occur Restaurant parking lots things of that nature we will rely on our community members to be our eyes and ears And if something looks strange or out of the ordinary Brandt said always lock your car doors and never leave any valuables in plain sight He added please don't leave your gun inside your vehicle As the cannabis market expands worldwide with new strains the need for cannabis companies to differentiate themselves is immediate and it’s a lot more complicated than searing a cow.  Brand management is crucial for the cannabis space. Evan Berglund is the senior partner at San Francisco’s The Gonzberg Agency He feels brand management is crucial in the cannabis industry According to Berglund, “Branding is just as important for cannabis as it always has been for other Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) branding is ultimately critical for the product being picked off the shelf.” Brandon Dorsky, CEO of healthy edibles manufacturer Fruit Slabs, said brand identity should be treated as an intellectual asset “Start protecting it [from the beginning] and maximizing its value,” he advised Guy Rocourt, president and CEO of Papa & Barkley believes a cannabis company’s mission statement is an imperative foundation of its branding strategy When Rocourt and his co-workers sought to create their company’s mission statement They then adopted a system based on the best-selling book Traction A company’s mission statement should be succinct and “capture everything you’re about,” said Rocourt “A mission statement can help in guiding a company’s branding goals In a world of “cookie cutter mission statements,” don’t rush the process, says Sara Gullickson, founder and CEO of The Cannabis Business Advisors She has been recognized by Benzinga as one of the Top 20 Women to Dominate the International Cannabis Space “In my experience, it’s best to take the time and effort on the mission statement so you’re correctly communicating with investors, the public, and the community you hope to be a part of about who you are and what you’re about,” Gullickson said Gullickson explained her strong support for researching and testing different options before settling on a mission statement “It’s your backbone about what differentiates your brand from others,” she said a cannabis and IP attorney in addition to his role with Fruit Slabs urges cannabis entities “to identify their brand before bringing the product to market and begin protecting your brand as soon as possible.” Gullickson’s best branding advice is that people involved in the cannabis world “must be okay doing something innovative and different.” She urges marijuana entities to invest the extra time and resources required to create a brand whether that means hiring someone in-house or another professional “Invest in your brand to help it properly stand out,” Gullickson added it means participating in the local cannabis economy and marketplace He also suggested meeting with people involved in the cannabis community His other methods for receiving earned media coverage include: • Engaging in national and global cannabis conversations as a member of the local cannabis community to develop and build professional relationships which eventually lead to opportunities for earned media coverage you have to cultivate flower but also cultivate relationships with the voices that speak for and speak to the cannabis industry at large,” Dorsky said Rocourt noted he never misses a chance to share Papa & Barkley’s message of pride in developing “all-natural Cannabis entrepreneurs should understand that marketing takes time to succeed “We are only now reaping the benefits of our marketing change to “efforts [which date back to 2015],” Rocourt said Gullickson says the novelty of cannabis attracts media attention her two decades working in media have taught her that brands with a compelling story about why they’re different are likely more successful than those which don’t Gullickson laments branding strategies for cannabis that rely on an “old school That won’t earn your brand respect.” She also is not a fan of packaging or imagery that “sluts the industry out.” she urges people in the cannabis industry to showcase it in a dignified manner “Consistently demonstrate respect for your brand “Always consider how what you’re doing impacts the cannabis community and its overall reputation.”  Dorsky said the biggest mistake to avoid in any business transaction “Any brand identity created by a third party should be accompanied by a written enforceable agreement signed by all parties with authority to do so.” Another mistake to avoid is expecting overnight success in the cannabis industry “Brand authenticity and credibility take years to build,” said Dorsky so it is important for a brand to be committed to embodying its mission not only in its products but in its culture This article first appeared in Volume 4 Issue 3 of Cannabis & Tech Today. Read the full issue here Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio attorney and freelance writer She is the Social Media Chair of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and tweets as @girlwithapen You must be logged in to post a comment By: Charlie Sternberg Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media Spitting up and occasional constipation are unfortunate – yet normal – facts of life for most infants “All babies experience reflux to at least some degree,” said Dr. Dorothy Rocourt, a pediatric surgeon at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital “Same with a couple days of constipation here and there.” While those symptoms are seldom cause for concern there are several more serious – albeit rare – warning signs that can be present in the first hours and days of life that can indicate any of a number of congenital conditions “Different children are on different schedules,” Rocourt said a child having less than two bowel movements per week is when there may be cause for concern.” Rocourt singles out two other symptoms as immediate cause for concern: vomit that is green in color and projectile vomiting “Neither of these is normal for an infant and should result in immediate medical attention,” Rocourt said failure to thrive – or lagging behind expected height and weight milestones – can also signal a more serious condition Some of the gastrointestinal illnesses pediatric surgeons treat include: Depending on what conditions are suspected diagnosis could involve a special X-ray or an enema study while in more severe cases multiple surgeries may be required Regular follow-up visits with a physician also are needed to ensure a healthy long-term outcome Rocourt adds it’s important to understand that most of these conditions are relatively rare The various forms of atresia occur in approximately one out of every 4,500 children with pyloric stenosis being more common (approximately 1 percent of infants) and malrotation being less so (one in 6,000) She notes many of them are caught within the first day or two of life before the infant has been discharged from the hospital growing and meeting milestones are typically fine,” Rocourt said it never hurts to call the pediatrician if any unusual symptoms surface Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital experts will answer questions about these and other gastrointestinal conditions during a live online chat on Friday, May 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. Learn more here The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature produced by Penn State Milton S Articles feature the expertise of Penn State Hershey faculty physicians and staff relevant health information of interest to a broad audience an exotic dancer named Mata Hari was executed by a French firing squad condemned as a sultry Dutch double agent who supposedly caused the deaths of thousands of soldiers during World War I Her life and death became fodder almost overnight for one of the greatest spy stories of all time — featuring an alluring temptress who could dance dazzle and draw secrets from the hapless military men unable to resist her Mata Hari — the stage name adopted by Margaretha Zelle — is also being reinterpreted as a victim of a time when a sexually liberated woman with artistic ambitions faced harsh judgment The Myth and the Maiden," an exhibit opening this weekend in Leeuwarden the Dutch town where Zelle was born in 1876 issues like money and having to sleep with someone in a position of power to achieve something are not time-related," Rocourt said "You cannot help but think about what is going in Hollywood at this very moment," said Julie Wheelwright author of the biography "The Fatal Lover." ''All these allegations that are coming out now and you just wonder 'But what's changed in 100 years?' Not much." where vicious winds and icy temperatures can freeze the water for months a statue erected in 1976 shows Mata Hari in her typical stage regalia Dressed in little more than pearls and veils she stands with legs apart and arms outstretched How she got to the glittering salons and theaters of Paris and Berlin before ending up in front of a firing squad was due to desperation as much as boldness Her comfortable youth was disrupted when her father went broke and her mother died she answered an ad placed by an aristocrat military officer seeking a wife The couple had two children despite her husband's violence and unfaithfulness and Margaretha's own fiery the marriage disintegrated and her ex-husband refused to pay alimony facing being a single mother without financial support gave up custody of her daughter and in 1903 left for Paris "I am tired of struggling against life," she wrote The choice she saw was to "be a decent mother or live life as it is dazzlingly offered to me here." who edited a book of Mata Hari's letters published late last year said "she evolved from being a flirt into the woman that started living this loose Building a dance repertoire on the sensuous temple dances she had observed in Asia Mata Hari had her breakthrough performance at the Paris Musee Guimet on March 13 But the brilliant life she envisioned was expensive to maintain especially as she got older and her popularity as an exotic dancer declined she used her passport from a neutral country to continue traveling and took wealthy well-connected lovers from all sides of the conflict The promise of a steady supply of francs to support herself persuaded Zelle to accept an offer to spy "She thought that spying was just another role It was another kind of performance," Wheelwright said French intelligence eventually intercepted a German telegram discussing the work of an agent codenamed H-21 The details revealed Mata Hari as a double agent two-timing France She was arrested while having breakfast in her suite at the Elysee Palace Hotel she cracked and admitted to working for the Germans she was shot at a military ground close to Paris at dawn on Oct The rest is history — and an awful lot of books and movies Mata Hari's story ebbs and flows with the mood of the times and geography their view was very much more that 'Here was this decadent woman who was responsible for all these deaths so why should we feel any sympathy for her?'" Wheelwright said "They stressed more the spy story and the exotic dancer rather than the fact she was a decadent woman," Oldersma said in front of the Mara Hari statue as it was being restored for the commemorations With the publication of his book last year and she had to go through a fight," he said the question of who Mata Hari really was defies easy answers One year she refused to pose naked for a painter The verdict on whether the secrets she gained from her lovers' lips' doomed thousands of young Allied soldiers continues to be debated but seems increasingly unlikely "There is a kind of paradoxical thing going on," Wheelwright said she's also got a sense of manipulating people." The mystery of Mata Hari still confounds Rocourt ShareSaveCommentLifestyleVicesNew Hemp-Derived Cannabis/CBD Brand Clea Midlife Targets MenopauseByIris Dorbian I cover the business of cannabis.Follow AuthorJan 28 When Anea Bogue, co-founder of the newly launched hemp-derived cannabis/CBD product line CLEA Midlife she was hit with various menopausal symptoms that made her life challenging Fortunately, her husband Guy Rocourt, co-founder and chief product officer of Papa & Barkley a California-based cannabis wellness brand "As a scientist and product formulator in the cannabis industry he dug into some of the research I was doing on the use of cannabinoids to treat symptoms of menopause," explained Bogue a multihyphenate who has worked as an educator "What we found was that this magical plant has been used by women for many generations to treat various reproductive symptoms including those associated with the menopause journey." Rocourt began formulating products to help Bogue deal with the symptoms the HRT had not addressed This revelation led her and Rocourt to team up to create CLEA Midlife which is aimed at women navigating midlife and the journey of menopause Bogue took a break from her schedule to answer several questions via email about CLEA Midlife which include the challenges involved in the launch and her goals for the product line This Q&A has been edited for conciseness and clarity Iris Dorbian: Congratulations on the launch Are you bootstrapping CLEA Midlife or do you have investors Anea Bogue: My husband and I are funding CLEA Midlife with our own money We have been very fortunate to have folks in our inner circle who have been generously offering their time and talent at significantly discounted rates to make our money go a little further Dorbian: Have there been challenges in the launch what are they and how are you trying to resolve them the plant’s lack of full federal legalization creates complications Dealing with merchant processors and platforms that won’t allow the sale of products containing cannabinoids can be both frustrating and time-consuming Dorbian: What are your goals for CLEA Midlife Bogue: Our goals are directly tied to our two-part mission we are deeply committed to getting these products into the hands of as many midlife women as possible to support their menopause journey and enable them to continue living life to the fullest we aim to provide abundant educational content and reframe the long-standing negative narrative around midlife and menopause It’s time to free women from the burdensome belief that this phase diminishes our value or potential we want to help midlife women embrace this extraordinary transformative time as an opportunity to come home to themselves and step into a fuller Dorbian: What did you do before CLEA Midlife Bogue: My life’s work has always been rooted in supporting the empowerment of girls and women. Upon finishing graduate school in 2011, I created an empowerment program for girls called REALgirl I’ve also developed consent education presentations and curricula and I’ve maintained a coaching practice dedicated to supporting girls and women for well over a decade Dorbian: How does CLEA Midlife differ from other cannabis/CBD products that may also be targeting menopausal women Bogue: There are actually very few cannabis/CBD products that are targeting menopausal women This is unfortunate because there is enormous potential for women to be supported by products like ours through their menopause transition the majority of CBD/cannabis products on the market in general which fail to truly honor the essence and access the full efficacy of plant medicine…Our products are all formulated with whole plant They are clean from start to finish—no chemicals and no preservatives offering potentially life-changing products to women on the ‘meno-journey,’ which are made efficacious by the hemp-derived cannabinoids they contain Currently, CLEA Midlife’s products are being sold on the firm’s site Examples of the product line are the EASE capsules which provide relief from anxiety and aches and retails at $59.99; and the SLEEP capsules a natural sleep aid that also retails at $59.99 with CLEA Midlife’s official launch following on January 1 Welcome Mickeymickey@disney.comManage MyDisney AccountLog OutFather of 3 shot to death in Auburn-GreshamMonday was shot to death near his home in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood Sunday night.CHICAGO (WLS) -- A father of three was shot to death near his home in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood on Chicago's South Side was gunned down Sunday night in the 8300-block of South Wood Street Neighbors said Simpson moved with his wife and three children here about a year ago because he had hoped it would be a safer neighborhood very shocking to me to find out that something like this happened," said Mickiea Crosswell Neighbors said Simpson was active in the neighborhood which draws many families to this part of the neighborhood "Here's a young man trying to do the best he could raising his three kids and he gets killed for nothing It's awful," said Patricia Rocourt He was crazy about his kids," said Erskin Jones Some long-time residents were happy to see Simpson step up to help improve safety in a neighborhood that had seen problems in and around the park after dark But there's too much stuff going on in that park over there," Jones said "I don't understand what's going on I have a 40-year-old son and I'm scared for him to come in and out of the house when he comes home from work," Rocourt said but said they believe Simpson may have been mistaken for someone else By Doug Newhouse | Sunday Bacardi Global Travel Retail and Virgin Atlantic have just completed a special five week summer pop-up promotion offering ‘exclusive travel inspired cocktails’ at the airline’s Heathrow Airport Clubhouse throughout August and the first week of September The cocktails not surprisingly featured premium spirit bases from Bacardi BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum and DEWAR’S blended Scotch whisky The entire promotion was run in ‘close collaboration’ with the well known Dandelyan bar at Mondrian London on the South Bank and the four cocktails were based on creations by award-winning bartender ‘Mr Lyan’ (Ryan Chetiyawardana) and the Dandelyan team exclusively for serving by Virgin Atlantic All the drinks were also inspired by travel and botany with Mr Lyan having now completed a week’s residency at the airline’s Clubhouse to show off the Dandelyan cocktails to travellers from around the world San Francisco and Los Angeles also took up week-long residencies at the airline’s London Heathrow Clubhouse between 1-4 September Mr Lyan (right) and Dandelyan crew at the Virgin Atlantic Bacardi promotion Bacardi describes the five-week campaign as ‘the first of its kind in an airport lounge’ with each bar cocktail menu featuring brands from the Bacardi portfolio The mezzanine area of Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse was also transformed week by week to highlight each bar’s home city and culture ‘FANTASTIC RELATIONSHIP…’ Bacardi Travel Retail said the company enjoys ‘a fantastic relationship with Virgin Atlantic’ She added: “The ‘Five Up’ season is particularly special as it seamlessly links travel retail with some of our leading bar partners in key cities and highlights the relevance of enjoying our brands wherever you are in the world “Airlines are an important sector for Bacardi Global Travel Retail thanks to the opportunity they bring for more in-depth engagement with our consumers throughout their journey We plan to deliver more of this kind of activity across the globe.” EVP Customer for Virgin Atlantic commented: “We are always looking for ways to surprise our customers and being able to collaborate with Dandelyan and Bacardi on this project has been very exciting.” TRBusiness Magazine is free to access. Read the latest issue now By Doug Newhouse | Friday Bacardi Global Travel Retail talks to Doug Newhouse in Paris about Grey Goose VX and why it’s so important Cognac Maitre de Chai (=Grey Goose’s creator) and Aude Rocourt Background: Bacardi Global Travel Retail has been busy working on premiumization with the latest offering – Grey Goose VX (vodka exceptionelle) – launched exclusively at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport recently This exclusive blend of Grey Goose vodka and fine Cognac was unveiled for the first time in a one-litre decanter/gift box with Paris Charles de Gaulle shops operator Sociéte de Distribution Aeroportuaire [ADP/LSTR-Aelia JV-Ed] at a premium price of £89 (€112/$152) But this is just one of several new premium offerings that Bacardi is planning to launch across its range SO HOW DO YOU SEE THE BRAND POSITIONING TODAY Bacardi Global Travel Retail: From a company perspective Grey Goose is clearly by far and away the lead super-premium vodka and there’s huge growth in the super-premium vodka business and by innovating we believe we can take that business much higher In this product Grey Goose VX – vodka exceptionelle – we have a product that does that in terms of trading up and premiumizing but bringing a new dimension to Grey Goose and particularly a new consumer consumption occasion Grey Goose VX (vodka exceptionelle) launched exclusively at Paris CDG with SDA last week So we believe the growth will be good for us but also for retailers for whom I think it’s an incremental opportunity If you then look at travel retail and why we’ve particularly chosen travel retail the vodka category globally is much bigger in domestic markets than it is in travel retail and it’s beginning to premiumize… I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT THE REASON IT’S NOT BIGGER IN DF&TR IS BECAUSE THE CATEGORY IS NOT SEEN AS PREMIUM ENOUGH… but it’s not the least premiumized of all categories Super-premium is growing very fast and Grey Goose is still two thirds of that category so we really wanted to bring something that was going to drive that hard sooner with global travellers we believe that we will drive incremental sales for ourselves but also build the category and get it back to its fair share versus domestic – so this is our first foot in that water I think that the initial results – and it’s only three days [speaking after the launch-Ed] – are incredibly exciting It’s appealing to the consumers in strong Grey Goose markets like Canada but it’s also being particularly appealing to Asians in the early days and also Russians where Russians would typically go with their own vodka OUT OF THOSE CONSUMERS – PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM BRICS MARKETS – WHICH NATIONALITIES HAVE SURPRISED YOU Mike Birch: If you take Asia and the Chinese as a big part then that’s what has most surprised us because they are the big Cognac and whisky market But we have seen early signs in the likes of Korea and other Asian markets that the younger consumers are moving into vodka That old adage that you don’t drink what your father drinks because you want to show your differences is potentially showing signs there but we’re very clear that this is very early days It looks like it’s going to have a very wide appeal but we’ll need to do proper analysis to fully understand whether that’s the case and also talking a bit about the real substance behind the proposition there is actually real huge craft and thinking that’s gone into the marriage of the Cognac and Grey Goose [Francois Thibault’s answers were kindly translated by Aude Rocourt]: He started to think about it three years ago and he really made it a real project when he realized he could actually blend our own grapes (Aude Rocourt for Francois Thibault) He wanted the product to express the values of Master Cellars and the region where Grey Goose comes from IT’S VERY UNUSUAL FOR A PRODUCT ASSOCIATED WITH VODKA TO HAVE THE ORIGINS THAT THIS HAS GOT The story of the creation became natural at some point First it came very naturally when Grey Goose made a turning point by coming and settling into Cognac Without any pretension or arrogance he said that his skills as a Master Distiller really helped him to create Grey Goose as it is today But at that time 15 years ago there was absolutely no idea that he could take some Cognac and make this product So he went to the Picardie region north of Paris where they have the best wheat in France to select this for Grey Goose vodka Because Grey Goose is a massive success it is now recognized in the Cognac region that it really is a superior very sophisticated product with superior ingredients Then he felt it was the right time to start thinking of a blend which 20 years ago would have been seen as a crime Bacardi Global Travel Retail; Aude Rocourt Cognac Maitre de Chai (=Grey Goose’s creator); and Doug Newhouse DO YOU REALLY WANT THIS TO BE IN THE WHITE SPIRITS CATEGORY NOW this is a white spirit and it will sit in the white spirits category The early indications are that this is attracting new consumers and that’s incremental sales Part of that new consumer group seems to be attracted by the Cognac cue so if I had enough space and I was a retailer I would want to dual locate it So I think that would be a smart thing to do for the retailer and it would obviously be very welcomed by us Grey Goose is benefiting because of the growth in super-premium so people investing in super-premium vodka and bringing great consumer solutions to that category is great news for everybody I believe Grey Goose will continue to lead but with some of the value-added packaging we’ve been introducing and some of the flavours we’ve been introducing WHERE WILL YOUR FIRST POINTS OF SALE BE FOR THIS PRODUCT Mike Birch: Well we were very keen to launch in Paris first and it does just re-emphasize the link of where we’re from and the values of the product we are quickly going to be available around the world We will be available across total global travel retail in scale with strong execution and strong sampling as you’ve seen today We’re taking this very seriously and we’ve invested huge sums of money so we’re really hopeful it’s going to be a big success I think everybody realizes within Bacardi that travel retail can be a fantastic area to test new products and we’ve got some strong recent history with Glen Deveron with the launch of Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron on Bacardi We’ve learnt things within the first two days of launching and they would never happen in domestic so everyone at Bacardi is fully behind travel retail being a great place to learn things and decide things Nobody gets innovation 100% right all of the time: some will fly Director General and CEO of Sociéte de Distribution Aeroportuaire IT PROBABLY ISN’T AND THAT IS QUITE A GOOD THING IN SOME WAYS We are surprised by who’s been buying this product in the first few days We would never have predicted that and that changes how you then think about your executions and locations Aude Rocourt: This morning we had Chinese and 25 to 30-year old Koreans who I never would have thought would have been in our first target group they could be a whisky drinker or whatever but actually they are interested in this premium product which resonates better for them HAVE YOU GOT ANYTHING ELSE IN THE PIPELINE Aude Rocourt: Well you’ve seen this morning Maestro de Ron which is also a big launch for us worldwide That is nice because like this one it’s in Paris for a month before the whole world – even domestic doesn’t have this It is a real travel retail exclusive and Paris exclusive We’ve been launching Maestro de Ron Bacardi in T5 [Heathrow] only last month so we have two major innovations on the premium white spirits Mike Birch: Innovation is a central pillar and integrated and you can never say innovation is going to happen until it happens But the plan for the moment is to have a substantial pipeline of innovation hitting regularly this year and next year and we have a three-year rolling programme we expect some not to work and we’ll deal with that accordingly WE TALKED ABOUT THE SLEEPING GIANTS THAT ARE IN THE BACARDI PORTFOLIO THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF WHAT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO WITH SOME OF YOUR BRANDS ISN’T IT Mike Birch: Yes and I think it splits into two There are areas where we’re already very strong where we probably haven’t been doing the job we should have done – rum is an example of that and we’ve got some incredibly aggressive plans in that area We’ve test launched Amber which has shown incredible results growing Bombay Gin and taking market share We think a similar pattern is probably going to happen here with Grey Goose VX Then on the other side of the coin there are the big categories where we haven’t been strong We’re really just focusing carefully on how we can bring those to market with the retailers in a way that adds a new consumer dimension rather than it’s just something that’s going to take some share I grew up air drying my hair often. I would even wash my hair and then go straight to bed. I did this so often that I still find washing my hair and then sleeping on it quite comforting though I try not to do it anymore (more on why I do still air dry my hair though—who has time to heat style with every single wash The truth of the matter is that it’s not so cut-and-dry feels and affects strands all depends on your hair type I ask three experts for their takes and dive into the pros cons and best products to use when it comes to air-drying People might opt to air dry to save time on styling or because they want to embrace their natural hair texture We already know that extreme heat styling can damage hair but this damage is to the outside of the hair strand The claim is that air drying can cause damage to the inside.  “Heat drying is only better when it is done properly.” So don’t crack out the extreme heat tools just yet scrunch or twirl your hair while it’s still wet or drying as wet hair is fragile and easily broken.” which is why I no longer go to bed with it wet as these hair types typically take much longer to dry naturally which can attract bacteria and create an unhealthy scalp biome the weight of wet hair can cause it to stretch I’d suggest blow-drying your hair on a low heat keeping it at least six inches of distance they both gushed about the benefits of air-drying “Air drying hair is great,” were Chad’s exact words Once you’ve sorted your hard water problem, make sure you’re using a scalp treatment to encourage a healthy scalp biome A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair and it’ll stop your hair from looking overly limp make sure you shampoo and condition with products made for your hair type “Laying the proper groundwork with the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type will help to retain moisture and reduce frizz as your hair dries naturally,” explains Lucy.  “People don’t realise that when it comes to air drying your hair You need to cleanse your hair properly in order to get the best results because [things like] day-to-day impurities and product build-up can then result in an uneven texture or less volume when you leave your hair to dry Use a purifying shampoo first to remove everything and give you a clean base then shampoo and condition according to your personal hair needs this is where you would use your hydrating shampoo and conditioner.” “Lightly squeeze out excess water and detangle your hair gently starting at the ends and working your way towards the scalp.” Remember that your hair is extra fragile at this point The same goes for drying with a towel—do not rub “Pat your hair with a microfibre towel  or wrap it up in an old t-shirt to absorb moisture and then apply a leave-in treatment to hydrate and protect,” finishes Lucy Smelling so good that they released a candle with the same scent this heavenly shampoo has a slightly-higher-than-usual pH of 8 to really open the cuticle and give a good lather—even without any sulphates Use this a couple of times per month to reset your hair by cleansing balancing the scalp and soothing any irritation A wide-tooth comb is ideal for gently detangling strands while they’re wet and vulnerable before you pat dry and add your leave-in treatments This one makes the list for being biodegradable.  Andrew Plester personally recommended this to me This cream works like a leave-in conditioner by providing deep hydration and protection—smoothing each strand in the process for a glossy An incredibly luxe way to end your routine this hair oil comes in the most decadent packaging and cocktails a non-greasy blend of natural oils to hydrate add shine and effortlessly do away with fly-aways As the pièce de résistance to your air-drying journey this will prevent split ends and breakage while giving a healthy shine thanks to the likes of fatty acids and antioxidants which is another fast-absorbing oil formula that’s perfect for all skin types and loved by yours truly.  She’s also worked as a copywriter and consultant across brands like Cult Beauty she's particularly obsessed with makeup – she simply cannot resist the allure of a new highlighter or green eyeshadow.  Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com 2014 -The Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) of the Organization of American States (OAS) today resolved to convene the Fourth Meeting of Ministers and High-level Authorities of Science and Technology of the region in Guatemala in March 2015 during a regular meeting held at the hemispheric institution’s headquarters in Washington participants heard a report from the OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development (SEDI) as well as a message from the Minister of Culture of Haiti The Chair of the Council and Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago announced the decision to accept the offer of the Government of Guatemala to hold the Fourth Meeting of Ministers and High-level Authorities of Science and Technology within the framework of CIDI and to convene such meeting in Guatemala City Email: Email Us Here Website: Visit Our Website Above: Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe has announce a major Cabinet reshuffle The reshuffle comes under a condition of the recently-signed El Rancho Agreement an accord between Haiti’s branches of government that sought to pave the way for long-delayed legislative elections Lamothe retained his additional portfolio of planning but a number of posts went to new Ministers The reshuffle also saw the return to the government of Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie who resigned as Finance Minister last year but was returned to that position this week Foreign Minister Pierre Richard Casimir was among those who lost their positions Haiti’s former Permanent Ambassador to the Organization of American States was named Minister for Haitians Living Abroad Tourism Minister Stephanie Villedrouin retained her role as Minister of Tourism Among those losing their positions was Josette Darguste who had risen rapidly in the last few years from within the Tourism Ministry to become Minister of Culture and had recently added the portfolio of Communications She was replaced by Monique Rocourt in the Culture Ministry the third major shake-up under the Martelly-Lamothe administration also included a new slate of Secretaries of State