Diageo Reshuffle Gathers Pace Under Sir Dave Lewis
Diageo is launching a senior‑management reshuffle as CEO Sir Dave Lewis pushes a turnaround plan focused on debt reduction, sharper pricing and a push into ready‑to‑drink (RTD) beverages. The first wave will see three senior leaders exit, including North America’s chief marketing and innovation officer after a 30‑year tenure. Lewis is also merging the Africa division with the Europe‑Middle East unit and has already sold stakes in East African Breweries and the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, generating over $4 billion. These moves aim to restore growth in the company’s largest market, North America, where sales fell 6.8% year‑on‑year.
Why ‘Retailers Are Changing the Way They Think About Their Beer Line-Up’
Colorado’s Tivoli Brewing Co CEO Ari Opsahl says retailers are re‑allocating beer shelf space to volume‑driving brands, signaling the end of the traditional big‑beer pricing and premiumisation model. U.S. beer sales dropped 2.9% in 2025 and overall volumes sit at...
English Wine Goes Digital at Artelium
Sussex-based Artelium Wine Estate has unveiled a digital cellar door that lets customers worldwide purchase its wines and arrange international delivery. The platform combines shipping, wine‑club memberships and curated collections, extending the vineyard experience beyond a physical visit. By creating...
Ancient Cypriot Grape Offers Hope for Australia’s Wine Growers
Australian growers are trialling Xynisteri, an ancient Cypriot white grape, to combat severe water scarcity and heat stress. In South Australia’s Riverland, the variety uses roughly 75% less irrigation than traditional Shiraz and Chardonnay and tolerates temperatures above 45°C. Rising...
Low and No Cider a Leading Option for Non-Drinkers in the UK
A National Association of Cider Makers survey reveals low‑ and no‑alcohol cider is now the top choice for UK non‑drinkers, surpassing beer, wine and cocktails. Over half (58%) of respondents said they have reduced their alcohol intake in the past...
China Axes Tariffs for African Imports, but What Does This Mean for South African Wine?
From May 1, China eliminated tariffs on products from 53 African nations under the China‑Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, including South African wine. The first tariff‑free shipment saw 6,000 bottles cleared at Shenzhen Bay, removing a 14‑20% duty. The pact runs until...
Could Cheval Blanc 2025’s Nominal Increase Define the Campaign?
Cheval Blanc’s 2025 en primeur launched on May 11 at €336 (≈$370), a 21% jump from the €276 (≈$304) 2024 price. The vintage comes from the estate’s smallest harvest since 1961—just 15 hl/ha—but earned 98‑100 scores, with critics calling it harmonious and...
Producers Highlight 2024 Vintage Port with UK Masterclasses
Three leading Port houses – The Fladgate Partnership, Quinta do Noval, and Symington Family Estates – will host exclusive vintage Port tastings and masterclasses in London and Manchester next week. The events spotlight the newly declared 2024 vintage, the first...
Jebsen Wines & Spirits’ Road Map to Number One in Hong Kong
Scott Conchar, newly appointed general manager of Jebsen Wines & Spirits Hong Kong, aims to make the firm the city’s leading independent spirits distributor by the end of 2026. Leveraging his 14‑year Moët Hennessy background and bar‑owner experience, he is...
Drinks Trust Launches New Mental Health Support Campaign
The Drinks Trust has unveiled a new awareness campaign promoting its 24‑hour confidential Support Line as mental‑health pressures mount in the UK hospitality and drinks sectors. The initiative, timed with Mental Health Awareness Week, highlights financial hardship, redundancies, family stress...
Sunshine Lifts Beer and Cider Sales but April Trading Stays Flat
Britain’s managed pubs and bars saw a sharp, weather‑driven lift in late April, with beer sales up 7.1% and cider up 19.2% in the week to 25 April. The gains were offset by weaker weeks before and after, leaving overall drinks...
Matthew Clark and Bibendum Merge Into Single Business
C&C Group is merging its two UK drink‑distribution arms, Matthew Clark and Bibendum, into a single proposition called Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB). The integration will combine Matthew Clark’s extensive logistics network with Bibendum’s premium wine expertise, creating a unified portfolio...
Young Drinks Talent Wants Change, Not Escape
A poll at Fero’s inaugural Young Leaders event in London revealed that 89% of young UK drinks‑trade professionals remain committed to long‑term careers, yet 60% have considered leaving the sector. Salary equity, unclear career pathways and perceived gatekeeping were flagged...
High-Profile Virginia Winery to Be Acquired by Start-Up
Veritas Legacy Partners LLC, a newly formed investment vehicle led by health‑tech architect Kurt Wassenaar and real‑estate investor Eric Trebour, will acquire Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Nelson County, Virginia, with closing expected in early summer 2026. The winery’s British...
Wuliangye Backed by State Shareholder as Baijiu Sector Stabilises
Wuliangye Yibin, China’s second‑largest baijiu maker, received a share‑buyback pledge from its state‑controlled majority owner, Yibin Development Holding, to purchase up to CY5 billion ($735 million) of stock within six months. The move follows a sharp earnings decline, with 2025 revenue restated...
Pernod Ricard Faces Indian Anti-Trust Investigation
Pernod Ricard’s Indian subsidiary is under a formal antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India after allegations it secured exclusive retail arrangements in Delhi to favor its brands. The commission alleges the group provided roughly €23 million (about $25 million) in...
Bordeaux Launches €20m Fund to Tackle Vineyard Crisis
French authorities have launched a €20 million (≈$22 million) public‑private land fund to purchase abandoned or uprooted vineyards in Bordeaux. Backed by regional banks (€14 million), the national government (€3.5 million) and a matching regional contribution, the scheme invites up to 5,400 growers to...
Wild Idol Welcomes Spring with Sophisticated Serves
Wild Idol, a naturally alcohol‑free sparkling wine, has secured spring placements at three upscale venues: The Landmark’s Winter Garden and Champagne Bar in London, the design‑focused Greek restaurant Fenix in Mayfair and Manchester, and the Marbella Club resort in Spain....
Willem Dafoe Joins Laphroaig for Limited-Edition Whisky
Actor Willem Dafoe has partnered with Islay distillery Laphroaig to launch a limited‑edition 14‑year‑old single malt called “Willem by Willem.” The whisky is Oloroso cask‑finished, bottled at 53.7% ABV, and retails for £139 in the UK (approximately $156 in the...
How the Islands Are Driving Rosé’s Rise in Southeast Asia
Island destinations in Southeast Asia are accelerating the rise of rosé as tourists seek lighter, lower‑alcohol wines. In Thailand’s southern resorts, premium Provence labels dominate, while Bali’s beach bars favor more affordable, entry‑level rosés alongside local producers. Rosé currently holds...
WSET’s Michelle Brampton on the Future of Drinks Education
Michelle Brampton, CEO of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), outlined a sweeping modernization plan that includes a new global brand, hybrid learning, and digital certification. The rebrand to the simple "WSET" and the strapline "Global Drinks Education" reflects...
Jubel Rolls Out Lime Lager with Young’s
Jubel has introduced its Lime fruit lager on draught in a select group of Young’s pubs, extending the brand’s on‑trade presence after a Tesco exclusive that began on 20 April. The lime‑flavored brew is the sixth fruit‑lager offering, joining Peach, Grapefruit,...
Bordeaux 2025 en Primeur: ‘Strikingly Brilliant’ Wines From Pauillac
The 2025 en primeur tasting shows Pauillac delivering a strikingly brilliant vintage, with yields around 30 hl/ha—about 25% below the ten‑year average—yet producing some of the highest scores in recent memory. Château Lafite‑Rothschild earned a perfect 100, while Mouton Rothschild, Latour...
Pakistan’s Oldest Brewery Resumes Alcohol Exports
Murree Brewery, Pakistan’s oldest privately‑owned brewer, has finally obtained a government licence to export alcoholic beverages after a multi‑year lobbying effort. In its first shipment, the company sent beer and spirits to the United Kingdom, Japan, Thailand and Portugal, marking...
Bordeaux Unveils Modernisation Drive
Bordeaux's trade body CIVB unveiled a modernization plan emphasizing new wine styles, sustainability, and a stronger UK presence as the region marks 90 years as an AOC. The initiative highlights the launch of red wines in Entre‑deux‑Mers, a revival of...
Mastiha: What Is It and Why Is It Gaining in Popularity?
Mastiha, a resin‑flavoured Greek spirit made exclusively from trees on Chios, is experiencing a renaissance beyond its Mediterranean roots. The traditional liqueur, historically sweet and low‑proof, is being reimagined by brands like Axia, which offers a 40% ABV, extra‑dry version...
Hendrick’s Opens Immersive Selfridges Experience
Hendrick’s Gin is debuting its first permanent line extension in almost ten years with Another Hendrick’s, an expression infused with orange blossom, cacao beans, rose and cucumber. To launch the 41.4% ABV spirit, the brand has created an immersive "Anotherland"...
Beer Hour: Luke White
Luke White, managing director of Damm UK, reflects on his 22‑year journey from nightclub glass collector to senior beer‑industry leader. He credits hands‑on pub experience and diverse marketing roles for shaping his people‑first approach. White warns that rising taxes, legislation...
Chef Q&A: Sarah Hayward
Sarah Hayward, who started at The Hand and Flowers in 2015, was promoted to head chef in 2023 and recently earned Michelin’s Young Chef award. She credits mentor Tom Kerridge for pushing her beyond comfort zones, especially in the push...
Campari Maintains Growth Outlook Despite Weaker-than-Expected Sales
Campari posted 2.9% organic revenue growth in Q1, reaching €643 million (about $701 million), slightly below analyst forecasts. Strong performance from its flagship Aperol and solid gains in 18 countries helped the group reaffirm its 2026 guidance of 3% underlying growth. While...
Auction Update: Bordeaux Means Business
iDealwine’s 2025 auction data shows Bordeaux rebounding, with total sales hitting €42.4 million (about $46.6 million), a 9% year‑on‑year increase and volumes up 19%. Blue‑chip estates such as Petrus, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild remain dominant, with Petrus averaging €2,480...
Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill Taps Into Mid-Strength Wine Boom with 7% Rosé
Olympic champion Jessica Ennis‑Hill has launched Seven Summers, a premium 7% alcohol rosé from Provence, aimed at the fast‑growing mid‑strength wine segment. She teamed with former Majestic MD Josh Lincoln and Master of Wine Ray O'Connor to create a de‑alcoholised rosé...
Exclusive: Berry Bros. Chief Executive Emma Fox to Step Down
Berry Bros. & Rudd chief executive Emma Fox will step down after six years, with chief financial officer Emily Rae and UK managing director Rob Symington appointed as co‑CEOs. Fox oversaw international expansion, notably a flagship store in Washington, D.C.,...
Saudi Arabia’s only Alcohol Store Runs Short of Booze Amid Iran War
Saudi Arabia’s only licensed liquor store in Riyadh, opened in 2024 to serve diplomats and wealthy non‑Muslim residents, is facing severe shortages of wine, tequila and beer. The shortfall stems from delayed shipments from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates,...
Former Treasury Wine Estates Executive Calls for Broader Overhaul
Former Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) global COO Robert Foye, now a shareholder, says the company’s recent shift to a four‑region operating model falls short of fixing deep‑seated execution and governance flaws. He is pushing for a broader turnaround that includes...
Teremana Launches Social Connection Campaign
Dwayne Johnson’s Teremana Tequila has teamed with social‑meetup app Timeleft to launch the "Share the Table, Share the Mana" campaign. The initiative debuted with interactive billboards in Los Angeles and will run Thursday‑night events from April through August in 13 U.S....
Diageo Beats Expectations as Early Signs of Turnaround Emerge
Diageo posted a modest 0.3% rise in organic net sales to $4.5 bn for the quarter, defying analysts who had forecast a 2.3% decline. Strong demand in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, plus a timely Chinese New Year boost,...
12 Observations About Champagne Style and Quality Today
Patrick Schmitt MW, longtime chair of the Champagne Masters blind tasting, outlines twelve trends shaping today’s Champagne. Low‑dosage wines are now more balanced, while riper fruit profiles, longer lees aging, and increased reserve blending add richness and depth. Winemakers are...
Bunta Beer Wants to Bridge the Gap Between Indian Cuisine and Beer
Bunta Beer, founded in October 2025 by New Delhi‑native Gunikka Ahuja, has secured its first draught listing at The Latimer pub in London. The brand offers the UK’s first non‑alcoholic, gluten‑free Indian craft beer—a citrus lager designed to complement spicy...
Fells Adds Two South African Family Estates to Its Portfolio
UK importer Fells has added two family‑owned South African wineries, Kaapzicht of Stellenbosch and Paul Clüver of Elgin, to its portfolio. The wines will reach UK retailers in May, extending Fells’ deliberate push to deepen its South African offering. Both...
Asahi Becomes Official Beer Partner and Supplier at Lord’s
Japanese beverage group Asahi UK has secured a multi‑year exclusive agreement to become the official beer partner and supplier at Lord’s Cricket Ground, displacing former partner Brewdog. The deal will see Asahi’s portfolio—including Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, Meantime Craft Beer,...
American Distillers Bet on Singapore in Wake of Canada Ban
American distillers are pivoting to Singapore after a retaliatory ban in Canada slashed exports by more than 70% and a pending 20% EU tariff created uncertainty. Singapore’s zero‑tariff status under a free‑trade pact and its role as a regional re‑export...
Heineken Reveals New Beavertown Boss
Heineken has appointed Will Rice, currently its UK on‑trade sales director, as managing director of Beavertown effective June 1, replacing Jochen Van Esch who returns to the group. The move is part of a broader reshuffle that sees Mick Howard take over...
High ABV Fruit-Flavoured Modelo Launches in the US
Constellation Brands has rolled out Modelo Chelada Suprema, an 8% ABV, fruit‑flavored ready‑to‑drink beer in 24‑ounce cans. The line debuts two variants—Mangonada, blending mango and chamoy, and Tropical, mixing guava and pineapple—to capture Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The launch follows...
Uruguay Declares Wine a Living Culture in Landmark Policy Move
Uruguay has officially declared wine a ‘living culture’ through a cross‑government declaration signed at Palacio Santos, uniting the Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture ministries with the national wine institute (INAVI). The Vitivinicultura como Cultura Viva del Uruguay programme reframes the...
Why Daura 0.0% Has ‘Scarce’ Competition in the UK
Barcelona‑based brewer Damm is introducing Daura 0.0%, a certified gluten‑free, non‑alcoholic lager, to the UK market. The beer employs a proprietary enzymatic process that breaks down gluten while preserving flavor, and it meets the <20 ppm threshold verified by CSIC. With...
Radlers Set to Score with Younger Consumers This Summer
Asahi UK says radlers—low‑alcohol, fruit‑flavoured beers—have significant growth potential, anchored in the booming alcohol‑free and fruit‑flavoured beer trends. The UK alcohol‑free beer market is now worth £519 million (≈$650 million), while the fruit‑flavoured segment sits at £119 million (≈$149 million) after a 74% value...
Majestic Takes Top Spot in Brand Performance and Visibility
Majestic Wine has reclaimed the top spot in the UK Online Alcohol 2025 Salience Index, posting an estimated organic traffic score of 509,538. The index, which measures visibility, search volume and brand awareness using Ahrefs data, placed Fortnum & Mason...
Taittinger Extends FIFA Partnership
Champagne Taittinger has renewed its role as the Official Champagne of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will also serve the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, extending a partnership that began over a decade ago. To celebrate, the house is...
Fred Bakery Team to Launch Turkish Restaurant in Fitzrovia
Lokal, the latest venture from the Fred Bakery and Faros team, opens on 1 May in Fitzrovia, offering a contemporary take on Turkish cuisine. Head chefs Salih Serden and Akacan Agir present a small‑plates menu built on locally sourced ingredients, featuring...