Pairing World-Class Wine Authority with Bridget Albert’s Renowned Spirits Leadership at a Transformative Moment for the Beverage Alcohol Industry

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s) – the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol – today announced that Served Up, its acclaimed beverage and hospitality podcast, enters a new chapter in its evolution with the addition of Eric Hemer, Senior Vice President of Product Education, as co-host alongside longtime host Bridget Albert, Sr. Director of External Communications. The announcement marks a significant milestone for a podcast that has become a trusted voice across the global beverage alcohol industry.

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The addition of Hemer – one of only five persons in the world to hold both of the industry’s most elite credentials: Master Sommelier and Master of Wine – significantly strengthens the podcast’s authority and breadth. Hemer’s global wine expertise, academic credentials, and deep industry relationships complement Albert’s widely recognized leadership in spirits education, mixology, and trade engagement.

Hemer has been with Southern Glazer’s for 37 years and currently oversees wine, spirits and related product education and certification for the enterprise. He is actively involved in education with numerous affiliated organizations as well, including The Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University in Miami, the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Institute of Masters of Wine, the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.

Since launching in 2020, Served Up has established itself as a leading industry platform, with more than 275 episodes featuring top executives, innovators, and cultural influencers from across wine, spirits, and hospitality. The podcast has been nominated for a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award, recognized among the top 5% of all podcasts globally, and widely respected for its thoughtful, credible perspective on the forces shaping the beverage alcohol industry.

“Served Up has always been about elevating the conversation and bringing together the voices shaping our industry,” said Albert. “As the beverage alcohol landscape continues to evolve, adding Eric allows us to reflect the full spectrum of wine and spirits in a more integrated, informed, and forward-looking way.”

Albert has been with Southern Glazer’s for 20 years and is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in spirits education and mixology, known for her ability to translate complex industry trends into accessible insights and for her deep connections across the trade. She is a trusted and frequently quoted voice in the media on spirits, mixology, and the evolving beverage alcohol landscape. Albert is also a Beverage Expert Contributor to the White House Historical Association, celebrated author of two top cocktail books, a James Beard Awards Top Mixologist in the Nation Honoree, Tales of the Cocktail Worldwide Mentor of the Year Top Contender, and winner of the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) Lifetime Achievement Award. Under her leadership, Served Up has become a platform that balances expertise with authenticity, curiosity, and real-world relevance.

Hemer’s addition comes at a pivotal moment for the beverage alcohol industry, as it navigates shifting consumer expectations, premiumization, globalization, and rapid cultural and economic change.

“This is a defining time for beverage alcohol,” said Hemer. “Served Up has built a reputation for thoughtful, credible dialogue, and I’m excited to join Bridget in expanding that conversation—bringing together wine and spirits perspectives to explore where the industry is headed and what that means for the people who lead it.”

Together, Albert and Hemer will guide Served Up into its next era—deepening its role as a convening platform for industry leaders, amplifying diverse perspectives, and reinforcing Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits’ commitment to thought leadership, education, and industry advancement.

Episodes of Served Up are dropped weekly on Wednesdays and are available on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. Listen to Eric Hemer’s debut as co-host in Served Up’s latest episode here.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2025, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

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Southern Glazer’s today announced that Served Up, its acclaimed beverage and hospitality podcast, enters a new chapter in its evolution with the addition of Eric Hemer, Senior Vice President of Product Education, as co-host.