Michele Sponagle

Ontario

Content Manager, Editor and Writer at Freelance

Editor; co-owner, https://t.co/1lnSKxVzwm; contributor, LCBO Food & Drink and content creator. Portfolio: https://t.co/UsIfAKdV1f #binder

Articles

Behind closed doors: How hotels respond to weird guest requests

1 month ago | hotel-addict.com | Michele Sponagle

Behind a hotel’s perfectly made beds, crisp linens and warm welcomes lie countless surprising stories. Every year, Hotels.com unveils its Hotel Room Innsights Report, revealing the most astonishing lost-and-found discoveries, strange room service orders and hidden perks that many travelers never knew existed. The latest report is packed with tales that provide a peek at what really goes on behind closed doors.
Functional beverages fuel hydration revolution

1 month ago | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

A desire to solidify its positioning as an experiential lifestyle brand, Collective Arts has also entered the functional beverage space. Just as it disrupted the craft beer market when it began, the company is focusing on doing the same for better-for-you drinks. It will stay true to its mission to be a brand that supports artists and causes as it evolves, says Toni Shelton, head of innovation. “With the decline in craft beer sales, we’re looking to diversify as our consumers grow,” she explains.
Water works: In conversation with Flow CEO Nicholas Reichenbach

2 months ago | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

These are challenging times for many Canadian businesses. They’re facing uncertain economic and political times, tariffs and inflationary pressures. In a wide-ranging conversation, Flow CEO Nicholas Reichenbach talks about how his co navigating choppy waters and sailing boldly into the future with new products, strategic partnerships and a laser focus on sustainability. CSNC: We’ve got to start by talking about tariffs. How might they affect Flow? NR: This is a real issue.
Canada strikes back

2 months ago | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

Combatting misinformation is also a priority for brands. On social media, many posts push for boycotts of U.S. products unaware that some are made in Canada. But as Catherine O’Brien, senior vice president, corporate affairs, regularity, government relations and sustainability, Nestlé Canada, points out: “Many of the lists circulating, while well-intended, contain inaccurate information.
Booze control: How convenience stores can tap into the dry January and February movement

Jan 6, 2025 | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

Premier Brands president Jeff Dafoe is feeling bullish on the potential of NoLo products in c-stores, too. “Convenience is the channel with the most opportunity to develop,” he says.
Signed, sealed and delivered

Jan 4, 2025 | hotel-addict.com | Michele Sponagle

It’s wonderful to see the revitalization of downtowns across North America. In Newmarket, Ontario, the central core got a boost from the opening of a brand new boutique hotel, The Postmark. It’s aptly named it is housed in a historic building from 1914 that once served as the area’s main post office. The gorgeous structure has benefited from careful repurposing at the hands of Archive Hospitality, which was also responsible for the creation of Toronto’s Gladstone House and The Broadview Hotel.
I travelled to southern England and found — surprise — a rising wine region, including bubbly trying to compete with Champagne

Dec 19, 2024 | northbaynipissing.com | Michele Sponagle

It’s a crisp fall afternoon, and the vineyards are humming with activity. The ripe grapes in overflowing bins move from the army of pickers to small trucks to larger bins, ready to be pressed. This scene could be unfolding in any wine-producing region, but here’s the twist: I’m in the south of England in the county of Sussex. Along with Kent to the east, this area along the coast is becoming an unexpected, new player in the world of wine.
Ask the spa director: Jennifer Loyola, director of the award-winning Guerlain Spa Toronto

Dec 15, 2024 | hotel-addict.com | Michele Sponagle

Congratulations to the Guerlain Spa, located within Hotel X Toronto. In October 2024, it was named Canada’s Best Hotel Spa. It was a huge win for the property, given the vast number of hotel spas across the country. Standing out in the crowd isn’t easy, but the Guerlain Spa has managed, thanks to its pampering Parisian treatments, luxurious facilities and innovative wellness approach. It has 10 treatment rooms, including two for couples.
The Wine Report: Cheers to holiday sales at convenience

Nov 22, 2024 | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

Daniel SpeckCo-owner, senior vice-president salesHenry of Pelham Family Estate Winery“Local is a hot trend. At least 40% of a convenience store’s shelves should have Ontario grown wine. The only way to be sure is to look for the VQA logo, or terms like ‘Ontario’ or ‘Niagara Peninsula’ on the label. Sustainability is also trending.
Insights to drive sweet success with chocolate sales

Nov 17, 2024 | ccentral.ca | Michele Sponagle

Economic factors influence chocolate-buying behaviours, so many consumers are looking for larger formats that offer value. For example, in November 2023, Reese’s Milk Chocolate King Size Peanut Butter Cups added a version with caramel to its roster. Ernesto Rivera, associate manager corporate communications, Hershey Canada, says the Reese’s Caramel Big Cup has been a huge success in c-stores: It’s ranked as the number one innovation item, demonstrating strong consumer acceptance.