Albertsons Companies has unveiled Bee Lightly, the latest addition to its Own Brands wine portfolio. This exciting new offering is characterized by a distinctive flat bottle design made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This pioneering packaging solution is a first in the U.S. market, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices while maintaining the high-quality wine experience that customers expect. Both the 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé have received impressive 91-point ratings from The Tasting Panel, showcasing acclaimed French wines that are not only affordable but also deliver a delightful drinking experience.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously striving to differentiate ourselves in the wine sector and to broaden our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” said Curtis Mann, Master of Wines at Albertsons Cos. “With the launch of Bee Lightly, we’re providing shoppers with quality, affordable French wines while redefining packaging standards in the industry.”
Bee Lightly wines are available at select Albertsons Cos. locations, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, and ACME, with delivery options coming soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The wines feature carefully curated Chardonnay and Rosé varietals sourced from the emerging Hérault and Limoux regions.
Bee Lightly Chardonnay: Harvested at night from a collective of vineyards and fermented in thermoregulated tanks to create an optimal environment, this Chardonnay boasts a unique palate with bright aromas of melons and pears, complemented by hints of fresh butter, subtle honey, and oak.
Bee Lightly Rosé: This wine captures the essence of Southern France with its pale salmon hue, making it a perfect companion for light meals. It offers a compelling flavor profile featuring fresh red fruit, hibiscus, and dried rose petals.
The development of Bee Lightly was a collaborative effort focused on enhancing the customer experience. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, alongside Mann, partnered with WX Brands, recognized for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama, a climate-tech packaging company dedicated to fostering a lower carbon footprint in the beverage industry.
Bee Lightly’s distinctive packaging features Packamama’s innovative flat bottle design, which is made from recycled PET—87% lighter than traditional glass bottles and fully recyclable. This new packaging significantly reduces transportation-related emissions and enhances logistical efficiency, allowing for nearly double the number of products to be transported on a single pallet. As a result, Bee Lightly wines require 44% fewer pallets for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.
“The launch of Bee Lightly within our Own Brands portfolio signifies a groundbreaking partnership and an innovative approach to wine packaging, emphasizing our commitment to product quality and environmental responsibility,” said Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos. “Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the quality and value that private label products offer, and we are thrilled to present Bee Lightly’s premium varietals that meet these expectations while remaining affordable.”
