Highlights of the April 2008 issue:

Servicemembers need clean laundry, whether they are traveling or in the field of combat.

Manufacturers of laundry equipment recently spoke with Military Club & Hospitality to find out how guest laundry could come out smelling fresh and clean.

• Lianne Brouillard, contracts administrator, Intirion Corp., said that equipment has to stand up to rigorous standards.

• Dean Fowler, government sales consultant, Excel Laundry Co., said ease of use and dependability are key factors when purchasing laundry equipment.

• Dick Casey, director of multi-housing sales, Speed Queen, noted that convenience and flexibility are what military buyers look for when shopping for laundry equipment.

Manufacturers of products designed for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) special events recently spoke with Military Club & Hospitality to gain insight on what MWR personnel should look for when purchasing equipment for their special events.

• Brandy Spainhoward, marketing manager, Anchor Industries, Inc., said what is new is the way tents are designed, and the multitude of unique ways to use them.

• Ian McIntosh, director of sales, KD Kanopy, noted that the military is breaking out into colored fabrics — including red, green and navy — when purchasing canopies.

• Dave Schwalbach, president, Allen Ventures, said recycled plastic is the best choice of material when looking for outdoor furniture.

Tents are used at various MWR special events, such as birthday parties.

The Hex Table by Allen Ventures can be used for picnics and other outdoor events.

Wine sales at AAFES stores increased by 8 percent in fiscal 2007. (AAFES PHOTOS)

AAFES ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES ON THE RISE

Sales of alcoholic beverages — wine, beer and spirits — in Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores reflected an across-the-board increase in fiscal 2007, compared to fiscal 2006 totals.

Debbie Ferreris, AAFES distilled spirits buyer, said fiscal 2007 sales of spirits were $241,830,158, compared to $234,564,797 in fiscal 2006, an increase of 3.1 percent. “Spirit sales have exceeded planned projections by 1 percent,” she added.

Top-selling spirits were Hennessy VS 80-proof 750ml; Crown Royal Whisky 750ml; Jim Beam Bourbon 80-proof 50ml; Bacardi Light Rum 80-proof 1.75L; and Smirnoff Vodka 80-proof 50ml.

Ferreris noted that consumers are continuing to trade up to premium and super premium brands of spirits. “Flavors are still hot and the ready-to-drink category is showing growth due to the convenience and innovation coming from that segment.”

Art Castillo, beer and wine buyer, said beer sales in AAFES stores for fiscal 2007 were $231,116,183, compared to $220,655,284, an increase of 4.74 percent. Fiscal 2007 wine sales were $106,278,237, compared to $98,397,258 in fiscal 2006, which reflected an 8 percent increase. He noted that beer and wine sales each exceeded planned projections by 1.5 percent.

The Class Six store at Fort Belvoir, Va.

Top-selling beer in fiscal 2007, based on unit sales, were Coors Light 48-pack, 8-oz. can; Corona Extra 12-pack, 12-oz. bottle; Heineken 12-pack, 12-oz. bottle; Corona Beer 6-pack, 33-cl. bottle; and Bud Light 12-pack, 12-oz. can. Top wine sellers in fiscal 2007, based on unit sales, were Franzia Chillable Red Wine 5L; Mogen David Concord Red Wine 750ml; Franzia Sunset Blush Wine 5L; Beringer White Zinfandel 750ml; and Franzia White Zinfandel 5L.

Castillo explained that “assortments are in direct relationship to each DSD (direct store delivery) distributor, and beer and wine assortments vary by country in OCONUS.” He added that the major trend in beer is the “growth of craft and micro brews,” and the major trend in wine sales is that “consumers are trading up in price point.”