India’s Can Shortage Hits Beer as Stock Reaches a ‘Supply Cliff’
India’s aluminium‑can shortage threatens up to $1.4 billion of beer and beverage sales as major suppliers Ball and Canpack operate at only 10‑20% of normal capacity. A 47‑50% year‑on‑year price surge to $3,600 per tonne has driven import costs sky‑high, while regulatory delays and import‑duty debates compound the squeeze. Retail shelves in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune already show gaps, and brewers such as United Breweries, Carlsberg and AB InBev are scrambling for limited 500 ml cans. The crisis could persist for a year, eroding margins that rely on packaging for roughly 35% of revenue.
Hong Kong Restaurants Raise a Glass for Swiss Wine
Swiss wines, long a niche in Hong Kong, are gaining visibility as sommeliers like Stanko Luksic introduce them across fine‑dining venues. At Té Bo, 20 Swiss references now sit on a 250‑item list, featuring Gialdi Vini’s Merlots and Petite Arvine,...
US On-Trade Sales Tick Upwards as Consumers Return to Bars
The CGA by NIQ US On‑Premise Impact Report shows on‑trade value velocity reaching $104,700 in the week to 18 April 2026, a 5% year‑over‑year rise, while ticket count climbed 7% and the average check slipped 2% to $56.84. Consumer engagement remains strong,...
Nyetimber Closes Lakes Distillery Visitor Centre
Nyetimber, the sparkling‑wine group that bought The Lakes Distillery in 2024, has shut the distillery’s visitor centre, bistro and shop, putting about 15 jobs at risk. The closure, driven by rising costs and weaker consumer spending, will not affect whisky...
Beer Drinkers Tricked by a ‘Magician’s Choice’ at the Bar
Independent brewers across Europe say they are being eclipsed by global giants that masquerade as local options, a phenomenon the IBE calls a “magician’s choice.” A new IBE report, based on data from over 3,000 breweries in 12 countries, shows...
Lucas Bols Launches North American Leg of Global ‘Cocktail Battle’
Lucas Bols has launched the North American edition of its global Bols Cocktail Battle, a bartender competition centered on a “Neon Nights” theme. Open to U.S. and Canadian mixologists, entries must showcase Bols liqueurs with striking visual appeal and are...
Liv-Ex: Buying en Primeur Must Become a Pleasure Again
Liv‑ex’s latest Bordeaux en primeur report warns that buyer confidence has eroded, leaving long‑time collectors feeling like “the butt of a joke.” The analysis highlights that price drops alone won’t restore trust, especially after years of pricing missteps and overlooked...
Queen Drummer Roger Taylor Breaks Into Wine Business with Rosé
Queen drummer Roger Taylor has entered the wine market with Cuvée Rock n’ Roll rosé, a Provençal blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Cinsault. The wine retails for £18 (about $23) and is positioned as an affordable, mainstream rosé rather than a luxury...
Tequila Centinela Expands US Reach
Tequila Centenela has signed a distribution agreement with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to bring its high‑land tequila to retailers, bars and restaurants across Florida and Texas. The move comes as the global tequila market, valued at about $6.5 billion in...
How Much Does One Hectare Cost to Buy Around the World?
Knight Frank’s latest Wealth Report shows vineyard values are climbing, not declining, with the most prized terroirs—Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy—commanding up to $1.9 million per hectare. Italy’s Piedmont Barolo tops the global price chart at $2.7 million per hectare, while Australia’s Barossa...
‘Show the Price of a Pint’: Transparency Push Gains Traction in Westminster
Early Day Motion 3002, tabled by MPs Peter Lamb and Jim Shannon, calls for pubs and bars to display drink prices clearly at the point of order. The motion highlights that a pint now costs between £6 and £8.50 (approximately...
Stonegate Completes 160 Pub Development Schemes
Stonegate Group’s Pub Partners division completed 160 development schemes in the first half of its financial year, part of a £40 million full‑year investment pipeline aimed at modernising interiors, exteriors and outdoor trading spaces. The upgrades have driven higher sales, with...
Work Begins on Coleburn Speyside Bistro
Work has begun on The Kitchery, a new bistro housed in the former piggery at the historic Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. The venue, part of a multi‑million‑pound masterplan for a whisky and hospitality resort, is slated to open in late...
Map Reveals Cheapest Pints of Guinness in the UK
An AI‑powered bot called “Rachel” called 6,500 UK pubs over the Easter weekend to record the price of a pint of Guinness, producing the “Guinndex” map. Prices range from £2.50 at a Sittingbourne Wetherspoons to £10 in Maldon, with an...
Beer Hour: Mark Wingfield Digby
Mark Wingfield Digby, off‑trade director for Budweiser Brewing Group in the UK, has spent his entire career at AB InBev since 2005, shaping a culture of authenticity and rapid decision‑making. He highlights the sector’s resilience through the pandemic, cost‑inflation pressures,...
Tasmanian Whites Woo South Korea
Australian winery Josef Chromy Wines has teamed up with South Korean importer Choix Trading to introduce a six‑wine portfolio to the country’s on‑trade sector. The collection, featuring Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sparkling cuvée, sparkling rosé and Zdar Chardonnay, targets premium...
Altos Las Hormigas Brings Mendoza Malbec to Indonesia
Argentine winery Altos Las Hormigas has entered the Indonesian market, targeting Jakarta and Bali through a partnership with leading importer Primavine. The launch focuses on education, on‑trade activations, and a portfolio that includes organic and terroir‑driven Malbec expressions. Altos, a...
UK Alcohol Duty Stalls as Treasury Intake Plateaus
HM Revenue & Customs reports that UK alcohol duty receipts have steadied at £12.4 bn (about $15.8 bn) in fiscal year 2025‑26, marking a plateau after years of modest growth. Wine and spirits continue to supply roughly 70% of the total duty,...
Why Italian White Wine Has Enormous Untapped Potential
The Drinks Business hosted a masterclass at Vinitaly 2026 to highlight the untapped potential of Italian white wines in the UK market. Twelve wines—from Sicilian Grillo to Alto‑Adige Müller‑Thurgau—demonstrated diverse styles, aging capacity and premium quality. Speakers noted that UK...
Distillers One Of One Extends Partnership with Sotheby’s
The Distillers’ Charity has renewed its partnership with Sotheby’s, extending the biennial Distillers One Of One whisky auction through 2033. Since its 2021 debut, the auction has generated $4.1 million for the charity’s Youth Action Fund, which supports employment and education...
Master of Malt Reveals World Cup-Inspired Whisky Line-Up with Retro Kits
Master of Malt has unveiled a five‑bottle World Cup collection, each label styled after classic football kits from Italia ’90 and France ’98. The range includes two English expressions—a 12‑year single malt at £59.95 (≈$75) and a 9‑year rye at...
3 Top Trends From ProWine Tokyo 2026
ProWine Tokyo 2026 gathered 188 exhibitors from 23 countries, spotlighting three strategic trends: Japanese wine, rosé, and South American offerings. Japanese wines, which make up only 5.4% of domestic distribution, focused on quality storytelling to attract discerning buyers. The fair...
Domestic Chinese Wineries Raise Their Game
Longting Vineyard, a Shandong‑based biodynamic winery, has signed an exclusive omnichannel distribution agreement with Shanghai importer ASC Fine Wines. The deal, sealed on 20 April 2026 in Yantai, gives ASC sole rights to Longting’s core range and on‑trade exclusivity for its premium...
AI Hype or Reality? Wine Sector Weighs Its Next Move
The Weinheimer Group’s AI Marketing Readiness Report shows 93% of winery owners are experimenting with or researching artificial intelligence, yet only 7% deem it a low priority. Respondents cite online discoverability as the top AI-driven opportunity, while uncertainty and ROI...
Duvel Moorgat Buys Stone Brewing From Sapporo
Duvel Moortgat's U.S. arm is set to acquire California‑based Stone Brewing from Sapporo Holdings, marking the second ownership change for the craft label in four years. The transaction, whose financial terms remain private, is slated to close in the second...
Doors Open at Diageo’s US$415m Alabama Site
Diageo has opened a $415 million, 360,000‑square‑foot manufacturing and warehousing complex in Montgomery, Alabama, adding roughly 100 full‑time positions and supporting 750 construction jobs during build‑out. The plant, dubbed Diageo Montgomery, features high‑speed bottling lines, automated guided vehicles and electric boilers...
Nyetimber Appoints Steven Edwards as Executive Chef
English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber has named MasterChef: The Professionals champion Steven Edwards as its executive chef, coinciding with the launch of a series of paired dining experiences at the estate. The four‑course events, featuring Nyetimber’s flagship 1086 cuvée, are...
AI Will Help Wine Sales in Hospitality but Won’t Replace Humans
Artificial intelligence is reshaping wine service in hospitality by delivering real‑time, personalized recommendations that match guests with the right glass. At a Preferabli‑hosted webinar, Napa Valley Marriott GM Rachel Wilson explained how AI tools boost revenue, extend dwell time, and...
Concha Y Toro Launches New Subsidiary Focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot From Limarí
Viña Concha y Toro has spun off its Viña Amelia label into a new subsidiary dedicated exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Limarí Valley. The Quebrada Seca vineyard, located near the Pacific and influenced by the Humboldt Current,...
Hospitality Faces Steepest Cost Surge as UK ‘Inflation Gap’ Widens
New research from payments provider Dojo shows UK small‑and‑medium enterprises are paying 11.75% more than consumer inflation, with hospitality bearing the steepest cost surge. Over the past decade, catering firms saw operating expenses rise 62% and material costs more than...
Chef Dave Pynt to Sit at the Helm of People People Brewing Co
Chef Dave Pynt, founder of Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, will head the newly announced People People Brewing Co in Singapore. The 9,000‑square‑foot venue, located at Resorts World Sentosa, brings together culinary, hospitality, brand‑building and consumer‑strategy expertise from co‑founders Loh Lik...
Tiny Scottish Island Gets Go-Ahead for New Brewery
Local authorities have granted permission for a new brewery on Scotland’s Isle of Gigha after the Lannigan couple submitted revised plans last year. The approval covers conversion of an existing stone building and installation of brewing equipment, but excludes the...
Tropical Terroir: Inside Bali’s Budding Wine Scene
Bali’s wine sector is transitioning from a niche curiosity to a budding industry, with the number of wineries rising from ten in 2010 to sixteen today. Local producers such as Hatten, Isola, and Sababy are leveraging the island’s high‑elevation volcanic...
Spain’s Most Overlooked Wines, According to the Experts
During a Taste Spain podcast, former El Bulli sommelier Ferran Centelles and ICEX director Maria Naranjo highlighted Spain’s under‑the‑radar wine gems. They praised Galicia’s Ribeiro whites, the young La Manchuela denomination’s high‑altitude Bobal reds, and a resurgence of historic clarete rosé from Cigales. The...
Kentucky Distiller Charged with Criminal Loan Deception
Darron Dillow, co‑owner of Limestone Farms Distillery, was indicted on theft‑by‑deception charges after allegedly using a neighbor’s farm as collateral to secure a $100,000 loan. The distillery, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is already under a court‑ordered foreclosure...
‘There’s No One Silver Bullet’ for Brewery Survival Except Being ‘Hyper-Focused’ on Consumer Needs
Independent craft brewers face a contracting beer market but remain resilient in the U.S. and U.K. Brewers Association economist Matt Gacioch warns there is no single growth formula; each brewery must craft a strategy that matches its local consumer base....
Converted Toilet Bar Listed for £45,000 in Essex
A former public toilet in Rayleigh has been converted into a craft‑beer bar and is now on the market for £45,000 (about $57,000). The 402‑square‑foot venue seats roughly 18 patrons inside, offers a decked forecourt, and comes fully fitted with...
HT Drinks Buys GTR Firm Compass Supply Solutions, Placing Former Majestic COO at the Helm
HT Drinks has completed the acquisition of Compass Supply Solutions, a global travel‑retail specialist, and installed former Majestic COO Rob Cooke as CSS managing director. The purchase is designed to broaden HT Drinks’ international presence and create a multichannel, closed‑loop...
Global Pressures Reshape UK Drinking Habits on the High Street
Geopolitical instability and volatile energy prices are tightening UK consumers' wallets, prompting a modest 0.4% drop in retail sales in February and a dip in consumer confidence. Hospitality venues are seeing a "steady recalibration" rather than a sharp decline, with...
Discover the Newcomer Seeking to Redefine the Wine Fair Experience
Real Italian Wine & Food Experience, branded as Wines Experience London, launches its inaugural UK fair on 26‑27 April at ExCel Centre. Organisers reshaped the format after trade‑led roundtables, swapping traditional booths for producer lounges, a matchmaking app, and blind‑tasting...
Wine Society Rolls Out ‘High Intention’ Wine Collection
The Wine Society is launching a curated range of 60 wines under the "Society's Pioneers" banner, debuting on 20 April. Each wine must hold a recognized third‑party sustainability certification, offer full grape traceability, use bottles under 420 g, and score highly on...
Maharaja Drinks Launches Indian Heritage Spirits Collection
Maharaja Drinks, the UK‑based specialist in Indian alcoholic beverages, has launched an Indian Heritage Spirits line featuring four products – cashew Feni, coconut Feni, spiced Ouro Feni and Desmondji Mahua. The spirits are produced by family‑run distilleries in Goa and...
Why Wine Lovers Should Note Malbec’s Location and Altitude
Terrazas de Los Andes, one of Argentina’s oldest Malbec producers, has been elevating its vineyards to higher altitudes in the Uco Valley to enhance freshness and minerality. By pioneering drip‑irrigation and planting at up to 1,720 m, the winery forces vines...
Field Blends Make a Comeback, but This Time as the Protagonist
Chilean winemaker Teresita Ovalle says field blends are shifting from a historic survival tactic to a deliberate stylistic choice, offering complexity and balance that single‑varietal wines often lack. Producers are planting new inter‑varietal vineyards, not just using legacy plots, to...
WineGB Appoints Head of Partnerships to Drive Growth
WineGB has created a new Head of Partnerships role, appointing Neil Walker to drive commercial growth for its members. The English and Welsh wine sector is expanding rapidly, with production reaching 16.5 million bottles in 2025—a 39% increase over 2024—and export...
Bordeaux’s Price Performance and the Scale of the Task Ahead
Wine Lister’s 2026 Bordeaux study, its tenth edition, surveyed 74 senior wine‑trade executives representing over a third of global fine‑wine revenue. Trade confidence improved to an average 6.4, up from 5.9 last year, while confidence rose for 117 of 134...
Rosé in Focus: Maison Mirabeau Collabs with Hong Kong Deli Chain
Maison Mirabeau has teamed with Hong Kong’s leading grocer and restaurant group Feather & Bone to roll out a multi‑channel activation of its Provence rosé portfolio. The partnership spans brick‑and‑mortar stores, online platforms, and on‑trade dining venues, featuring large‑format bottles, bespoke...
Veeno Bars Go Into Administration
Veeno, the Italian‑style aperitivo wine bar chain, entered administration for a second time on April 8, 2024, after a pre‑pack sale failed to revive the business. The company originally raised more than £200,000 (about $256,000) via Crowdcube and secured a £150,000...
Cult Wine Stabilisation ‘Genuinely Encouraging’ Following Pre-Tax Losses of £5 Million
Cult Wine reported a pre‑tax loss of £5 million (≈$6.3 million) for the year to December 2024, with turnover down 43% and net liabilities rising to £21.6 million (≈$27 million). The company says the first quarter of 2026 delivered its strongest performance yet – revenue...
‘Worth the Wait’: Douro Winemakers Declare 2024 Vintage Ports
Port producers Symington Family Estates and Kopke Group have both declared the 2024 vintage as a classic year, citing ideal weather that restored the region’s traditional warm‑day, cool‑night cycle. After a string of challenging harvests from 2018‑2023, the 2024 growing...