Losses from discontinued wine brand hurt Truett-Hurst

Despite an increase in sales, Healdsburg-based Truett-Hurst Inc. reported its losses grew during the third quarter in the aftermath of massive losses from its discontinued Paper Boy brand.

The company posted $6.2 million in sales in the quarter, up 19 percent over the same period in 2014. It posted a net loss of $260,000, or 7 cents a share, up from a loss of $184,000, or 6 cents a share, a year ago.

Last quarter, Truett-Hurst took an $800,000 one-time charge for losses stemming from its Paper Boy brand. Production problems plagued the project, a unique bottle composed of cardboard with an internal plastic liner, and ultimately forced the company to scrap the idea.

Its stock closed at $3.22 per share Wednesday, a 22 cent increase from Tuesday’s closing.