Albertsons Companies’ Curtis Mann Becomes First Retail Executive to Win Coveted Taransaud Tonnellerie Wine Award

Mann Recognized by The Institute of Masters of Wine for Excellence in the Production and Handling of Wine

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced that Curtis Mann, the companies’ group vice president of alcohol, is the first-ever US based retail executive to be recognized as a winner of the prestigious Taransaud Tonnellerie Award. The award was presented to Mann at the 2021 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Awards Ceremony, hosted in London, and is given to the Master of Wine who exhibits a deep understanding of the production and handling of wine.

Upon being presented with the award, Mann shared, “I am thrilled to receive the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award. Being able to incorporate a long-time passion of mine into my role at Albertsons Cos. inspires me to use my knowledge to ensure we are providing the best wine selection possible for our customers.”

“For more than ten years, we have had the privilege to award a master of wine for their excellent knowledge in the production and handling of wine. Curtis is a tremendous asset to the wine industry, and incredibly deserving of the 2021 Taransaud Tonnellerie Award,” said Jacquelin de Pracomtal, Vice-President. “We are honored to have him as an award winner and look forward to hosting him at Taransaud soon.”

Mann is a 20-year veteran in the United States wine industry, the only expert to have won twice the Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Award for Retailer of the Year and was named one of the most influential people in the Wine Industry by Wine Business Monthly in 2020. Mann was inducted as a Master of Wine in 2021 based on his theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine.

The IMW is a membership organization that has promoted excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community and its members for nearly 70 years. Today, there are 418 Masters of Wine working in 30 countries who are at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine.

“Since Curtis joined Albertsons Cos. in 2020, he has made innumerable contributions to our wine and spirits department and has truly helped transform our stores into wine destinations,” shared Jennifer Saenz, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Albertsons Cos. “His mastery and passion for the craft are demonstrated daily in his role and underscore his team’s commitment to curating high-quality offerings for our customers.”

Mann has brought his decades of wine experience to Albertsons Cos., and has not only enhanced the product selection, but has also infused education. His wine and spirits team offers year-round programming to customers, including virtual tastings, online educational content and in-person events when the pandemic subsides. In order to offer the best in-aisle expertise and service, Mann partnered with the Napa Valley Wine Academy to offer a proprietary certification program to all of the company’s beverage stewards.

Visit Albertsons Cos.’ website to take a virtual Chardonnay tasting with Curtis, break down a complex varietal like Pinot Noir, and learn more about the wine portfolio and exclusive Own Brand labels.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer that operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with more than 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.