The Drinks Business
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The world's leading trade title in the alcohol industry. https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/
THC-infused beverages are becoming a growing revenue stream for struggling US craft brewers. But with shifting regulations and unclear federal policy, many producers fear the category could be curtailed just as it begins to transform the market. Kathleen Willcox reports.
Craft brewers turn to THC drinks for growth as legal uncertainty looms
THC-infused beverages are becoming a growing revenue stream for struggling US craft brewers. But with shifting regulations and unclear federal policy, many producers fear the category could be curtail...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:44 PM
THC-infused beverages are becoming a growing revenue stream for struggling US craft brewers. But with shifting regulations and unclear federal policy, many producers fear the category could be curtailed just as it begins to transform the market. Kathleen Willcox reports.
Freedom of information documents show that alcohol marketing restrictions were removed from the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan shortly before publication. Letters from major drinks companies and trade bodies warned ministers that tighter advertising rules would harm growth and investment.
Alcohol ad restrictions dropped after industry lobbying, FOI reveals
Freedom of information documents show that alcohol marketing restrictions were removed from the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan shortly before publication. Letters from major drinks companies and ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Freedom of information documents show that alcohol marketing restrictions were removed from the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan shortly before publication. Letters from major drinks companies and trade bodies warned ministers that tighter advertising rules would harm growth and investment.
Favouring some beers, wines and spirits single you out as “nouveau riche”, according to one prominent etiquette expert. Is your favourite drink on the list?
The alcoholic drinks that expose you as 'new money'
Favouring some beers, wines and spirits single you out as "nouveau riche", according to one prominent etiquette expert. Is your favourite drink on the list?
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Favouring some beers, wines and spirits single you out as “nouveau riche”, according to one prominent etiquette expert. Is your favourite drink on the list?
Some of the world’s biggest alcohol suppliers have lost a legal challenge against Ontario’s liquor monopoly over pricing rules. The decision leaves producers facing millions of dollars in chargebacks linked to Canada-wide lowest-price clauses.
Major spirits groups including Diageo and Campari face millions in refunds
Some of the world’s biggest alcohol suppliers have lost a legal challenge against Ontario’s liquor monopoly over pricing rules. The decision leaves producers facing millions of dollars in chargebacks ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Some of the world’s biggest alcohol suppliers have lost a legal challenge against Ontario’s liquor monopoly over pricing rules. The decision leaves producers facing millions of dollars in chargebacks linked to Canada-wide lowest-price clauses.
In 2023, most of Bodega Piedra Fluida’s grapes were destroyed in Tenerife’s worst wildfires in 40 years. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the winery was forced to adapt, creating what is now one of its top-selling wines. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.
How Tenerife’s worst wildfires in 40 years led to one winery’s best-selling bottle
In 2023, most of Bodega Piedra Fluida's grapes were destroyed in Tenerife's worst wildfires in 40 years. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the winery was forced to adapt, creating what is now one of ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 17, 2026 at 12:16 PM
In 2023, most of Bodega Piedra Fluida’s grapes were destroyed in Tenerife’s worst wildfires in 40 years. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the winery was forced to adapt, creating what is now one of its top-selling wines. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.
Treasury Wine Estates has reported a sharp interim loss and a deeper-than-expected goodwill writedown in the United States, sending shares lower again. The group has also cancelled its dividend as it focuses on cutting debt and rebuilding earnings momentum.
Treasury Wine Estates posts heavy loss and scraps dividend
Treasury Wine Estates has reported a sharp interim loss and a deeper-than-expected goodwill writedown in the United States, sending shares lower again. The group has also cancelled its dividend as it ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Treasury Wine Estates has reported a sharp interim loss and a deeper-than-expected goodwill writedown in the United States, sending shares lower again. The group has also cancelled its dividend as it focuses on cutting debt and rebuilding earnings momentum.
Scottish beer and bar giant Brewdog has called in restructuring consultants AlixPartners in a move that could see the business being broken up and sold off in parts.
Brewdog put up for sale
Scottish beer and bar giant Brewdog has called in restructuring consultants AlixPartners in a move that could see the business being broken up and sold off in parts.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Scottish beer and bar giant Brewdog has called in restructuring consultants AlixPartners in a move that could see the business being broken up and sold off in parts.
A lack of consumer awareness colliding with small-production wineries means many New York City restaurants are missing out on world-class local wines. Sarah Neish finds out more.
Why aren't more NYC restaurants pouring New York wines?
A lack of consumer awareness colliding with small-production wineries means many New York City restaurants are missing out on world-class local wines. Sarah Neish finds out more.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:22 PM
A lack of consumer awareness colliding with small-production wineries means many New York City restaurants are missing out on world-class local wines. Sarah Neish finds out more.
The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.
Why Champagne performed better in 2025 than the figures suggest
The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 16, 2026 at 12:20 PM
The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.
Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.
English wine’s golden age faces a tiny villain
Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 16, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.
While mainstream wine sales remain under pressure, demand for highly allocated and ultra-premium bottles continues to hold firm. Data suggests the top end of the market is proving far more resilient, even as consumers trade down elsewhere. Kathleen Willcox reports.
Fine wine defies downturn as US$250-plus bottles keep selling
While mainstream wine sales remain under pressure, demand for highly allocated and ultra-premium bottles continues to hold firm. Data suggests the top end of the market is proving far more resilient, ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:21 PM
While mainstream wine sales remain under pressure, demand for highly allocated and ultra-premium bottles continues to hold firm. Data suggests the top end of the market is proving far more resilient, even as consumers trade down elsewhere. Kathleen Willcox reports.
The authorisation of Cabernet Franc as the “flagship wine grape of New York” is “very close”, with one Finger Lakes producer telling db it could happen “within the year”. Sarah Neish reports.
Cabernet Franc on track to become the official grape variety of New York State
The authorisation of Cabernet Franc as the "flagship wine grape of New York" is "very close", with one Finger Lakes producer telling db it could happen "within the year". Sarah Neish reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:20 PM
The authorisation of Cabernet Franc as the “flagship wine grape of New York” is “very close”, with one Finger Lakes producer telling db it could happen “within the year”. Sarah Neish reports.
New figures from the Scotch Whisky Association show US shipments sliding sharply after tariffs returned, with producers warning that rising domestic costs and global trade pressures are pushing the industry to breaking point.
US tariffs hit Scotch whisky as exports fall 15% by volume
New figures from the Scotch Whisky Association show US shipments sliding sharply after tariffs returned, with producers warning.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:19 PM
New figures from the Scotch Whisky Association show US shipments sliding sharply after tariffs returned, with producers warning that rising domestic costs and global trade pressures are pushing the industry to breaking point.
After entering administration in September, one of England’s best-known sparkling wine estates has been acquired by an investor group. The sale secures the future of the Sussex producer and marks a significant leadership change.
Ridgeview Wine Estate finds new owner after administration
After entering administration in September, one of England's best-known sparkling wine estates has been acquired by an investor group. The sale secures the future of the Sussex producer and marks a si...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:18 PM
After entering administration in September, one of England’s best-known sparkling wine estates has been acquired by an investor group. The sale secures the future of the Sussex producer and marks a significant leadership change.
Independent professionals will run vodka maker Stoli’s US entities following a settlement with Fifth Third Bank. The move keeps the door open for restructuring rather than asset sales.
Stoli appoints trustees and averts liquidation
Independent professionals will run vodka maker Stoli's US entities following a settlement with Fifth Third Bank. The move keeps the door open for restructuring rather than asset sales.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Independent professionals will run vodka maker Stoli’s US entities following a settlement with Fifth Third Bank. The move keeps the door open for restructuring rather than asset sales.
China has issued a threat that it could launch “investigations” into French wines and spirits or impose “reciprocal tariffs” on EU products if France urges the European Union to slap import duties on Chinese goods.
China threatens France with wine and spirits tariffs
China has issued a threat that it could launch "investigations" into French wines or impose "reciprocal tariffs" on EU products if France urges the European Union to slap import duties on Chinese good...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:16 PM
China has issued a threat that it could launch “investigations” into French wines and spirits or impose “reciprocal tariffs” on EU products if France urges the European Union to slap import duties on Chinese goods.
The 2026 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland was unveiled in Dublin on 9 February, with Bonheur by Matt Abé and Row on 5 both elevated to two stars. The guide now features 1,210 restaurants, including 230 with stars.
All the new Michelin-starred restaurants in Britain and Ireland for 2026
The 2026 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland was unveiled in Dublin on 9 February, with Bonheur by Matt Abé and Row on 5 both elevated to two stars. The guide now features 1,210 restaurants, includ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The 2026 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland was unveiled in Dublin on 9 February, with Bonheur by Matt Abé and Row on 5 both elevated to two stars. The guide now features 1,210 restaurants, including 230 with stars.
The Penfolds owner has resolved a damaging commercial dispute in its largest export market, driving the company’s share price to its best performance in more than four months.
Treasury Wine settles US dispute as shares surge
The Penfolds owner has resolved a damaging commercial dispute in its largest export market, driving the company's share price to its best performance in more than four months.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:28 PM
The Penfolds owner has resolved a damaging commercial dispute in its largest export market, driving the company’s share price to its best performance in more than four months.
Heineken has plans to begin “reducing 5,000 to 6,000 roles over the next two years” in a bid “to unlock significant savings”.
Heineken to cut up to 6,000 jobs over next two years
Heineken has plans to begin “reducing 5,000 to 6,000 roles over the next two years” in a bid “to unlock significant savings”.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Heineken has plans to begin “reducing 5,000 to 6,000 roles over the next two years” in a bid “to unlock significant savings”.
Last year, French wine and spirits exports plunged to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, with demand injured by trade tensions with China and the US.
French wine and spirits exports drop to 25-year low
Last year, French wine and spirits exports plunged to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, with demand injured by trade tensions with China and the US.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Last year, French wine and spirits exports plunged to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, with demand injured by trade tensions with China and the US.
Drinks wholesaler LWC has partnered with Full Circle Brew Co. to launch a limited-edition cask ale to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) next month. db finds out more.
LWC and Full Circle launch International Women’s Day beer
Drinks wholesaler LWC has partnered with Full Circle Brew Co. to launch a limited-edition cask ale to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) next month. db finds out more.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Drinks wholesaler LWC has partnered with Full Circle Brew Co. to launch a limited-edition cask ale to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) next month. db finds out more.
Carlsberg Hong Kong managing director Nathaniel Moxom explains the rationale behind the beer giant’s no and low and alcohol beverage expansion. Rebecca Lo reports.
‘Just getting started’: How Carlsberg Hong Kong is leading Asia's alcohol-free market
Carlsberg Hong Kong managing director Nathaniel Moxom explains the rationale behind the beer giant’s low and alcohol-free beverage expansion. Rebecca Lo reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Carlsberg Hong Kong managing director Nathaniel Moxom explains the rationale behind the beer giant’s no and low and alcohol beverage expansion. Rebecca Lo reports.
The Aquaman actor, currently on a promotional tour for his Meili Vodka brand, let slip that he was brought up on better beers than Bud due to his mother’s job at a brewery.
Jason Momoa throws shade on Bud Light
The Aquaman actor, currently on a promotional tour for his Meili Vodka brand, let slip that he was brought up on better beers than Bud due to his mother's job at a brewery.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:12 PM
The Aquaman actor, currently on a promotional tour for his Meili Vodka brand, let slip that he was brought up on better beers than Bud due to his mother’s job at a brewery.
It’s not true that China’s wine market is disappearing, writes ASC Fine Wines executive chairman and CEO, Don St. Pierre Jr. It’s simply shedding its old structure.
When old demand disappears: rethinking wine in China
It's not true that China's wine market is disappearing, writes ASC Fine Wines executive chairman and CEO, Don St. Pierre Jr. It's simply shedding its old structure.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:11 PM
It’s not true that China’s wine market is disappearing, writes ASC Fine Wines executive chairman and CEO, Don St. Pierre Jr. It’s simply shedding its old structure.
Pernod Ricard has launched an internal investigation in India after authorities raided one of its warehouses and arrested an employee. Officials in Rajasthan allege Ballantine’s labels were found being used on bottles of cheap local alcohol.
Pernod Ricard probes alleged fake Ballantine’s labels in India warehouse raid
Pernod Ricard has launched an internal investigation in India after authorities raided one of its warehouses and arrested an employee. Officials in Rajasthan allege Ballantine’s labels were found bein...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Pernod Ricard has launched an internal investigation in India after authorities raided one of its warehouses and arrested an employee. Officials in Rajasthan allege Ballantine’s labels were found being used on bottles of cheap local alcohol.