The Drinks Business
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The world's leading trade title in the alcohol industry. https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/
The inaugural Small Format Masters showed that great things can come in small packages, with quality unexpectedly high. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
All the medallists from The Global Small Format Masters 2025
The inaugural Small Format Masters showed that great things can come in small packages, with quality unexpectedly high. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:27 PM
The inaugural Small Format Masters showed that great things can come in small packages, with quality unexpectedly high. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
The supermarket is limiting the number of Champagne bottles that shoppers can buy in the run-up to Christmas to prevent shelves being emptied before the big day.
Aldi enforces Champagne sale restriction this Christmas
The supermarket is limiting the number of Champagne bottles that shoppers can buy in the run up to Christmas to prevent shelves being emptied before the big day.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The supermarket is limiting the number of Champagne bottles that shoppers can buy in the run-up to Christmas to prevent shelves being emptied before the big day.
From the UK’s HFSS ad ban to growing pressure on value and accessibility, Patrick Young, managing director of PRS IN VIVO, sets out what brands should expect in 2026 – and how they will need to respond.
Why packaging will matter more than ever in 2026
From the UK’s HFSS ad ban to growing pressure on value and accessibility, Patrick Young, sets out what brands should expect in 2026.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:23 PM
From the UK’s HFSS ad ban to growing pressure on value and accessibility, Patrick Young, managing director of PRS IN VIVO, sets out what brands should expect in 2026 – and how they will need to respond.
Alto Adige’s complex cultural history is precisely what makes this winemaking region so unique. But with both Italian and German grape names permitted on the label, is its bilingual identity a head-scratcher for consumers? Eloise Feilden finds out.
Behind the label: Alto Adige and the question of language
With both Italian and German grape names permitted on the label, is Alto Adige's bilingual identity a head-scratcher for wine consumers?
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Alto Adige’s complex cultural history is precisely what makes this winemaking region so unique. But with both Italian and German grape names permitted on the label, is its bilingual identity a head-scratcher for consumers? Eloise Feilden finds out.
The first Global Sweet Wine Masters did not disappoint, with judges marvelling over styles ranging from late harvest to vin santo. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
All the medallists from The Global Sweet Wine Masters 2025
The first Global Sweet Wine Masters did not disappoint, with judges marvelling over styles ranging from late harvest to vin santo. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The first Global Sweet Wine Masters did not disappoint, with judges marvelling over styles ranging from late harvest to vin santo. Patricia Stefanowicz MW reports.
The Australian wine giant is resetting expectations as demand weakens in its two largest export markets. New chief executive Sam Fischer is prioritising brand protection, cost cuts and balance sheet discipline over expansion.
Treasury Wine Estates plans leaner future amid US and China slowdown
The Australian wine giant is resetting expectations as demand weakens in its two largest export markets. New chief executive Sam Fischer is prioritising brand protection, cost cuts and balance sheet d...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:32 PM
The Australian wine giant is resetting expectations as demand weakens in its two largest export markets. New chief executive Sam Fischer is prioritising brand protection, cost cuts and balance sheet discipline over expansion.
As the wine industry wrestles with what sustainability really means, Dr Laura Catena is reframing the debate — not around carbon alone, but around moderation. Her science-led Domaine EdeM project positions low- and no-alcohol wines as a vital part of a more sustainable drinking culture.
When ‘green’ means drinking differently: Laura Catena on Domaine EdeM
As the wine industry wrestles with sustainability, Laura Catena is reframing the debate. Not around carbon alone, but also with moderation.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
As the wine industry wrestles with what sustainability really means, Dr Laura Catena is reframing the debate — not around carbon alone, but around moderation. Her science-led Domaine EdeM project positions low- and no-alcohol wines as a vital part of a more sustainable drinking culture.
The French drinks group Pernod Ricard is continuing to streamline its wine holdings by offloading its US sparkling wine arm.
Pernod Ricard sells Mumm Napa to Trinchero in portfolio shake-up
The French spirits group Pernod Ricard is continuing to streamline its wine holdings by offloading its US sparkling wine arm.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:29 PM
The French drinks group Pernod Ricard is continuing to streamline its wine holdings by offloading its US sparkling wine arm.
Diageo is exiting one of its last major African brewing assets as part of its drive to cut debt and sharpen its portfolio. The deal marks the largest-ever investment by a Japanese brewer in an African alcohol business.
Diageo sells East African Breweries stake to Asahi for US$3.2bn
Diageo is exiting one of its last major African brewing assets as part of its drive to cut debt and sharpen its portfolio. The deal marks the largest-ever investment by a Japanese brewer in an African...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Diageo is exiting one of its last major African brewing assets as part of its drive to cut debt and sharpen its portfolio. The deal marks the largest-ever investment by a Japanese brewer in an African alcohol business.
Sustainability-focused consumers and expanding English wine production are driving steady growth in the UK wine market, according to new data.
Domestic growth and premium demand drive UK wine market
Sustainability-focused consumers and expanding English wine production are driving steady growth in the UK wine market.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Sustainability-focused consumers and expanding English wine production are driving steady growth in the UK wine market, according to new data.
Despite the subdued nature of the fine wine market, 2025 has seen plenty of white-glove sales and some eye-watering prices. We’ve rounded up the biggest sales that went under the hammer this year.
The biggest fine wine auctions of 2025
Despite the subdued nature of the fine wine market, 2025 has seen plenty of white-glove sales and some eye-watering prices. We’ve rounded up the biggest sales that went under the hammer this year of t...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Despite the subdued nature of the fine wine market, 2025 has seen plenty of white-glove sales and some eye-watering prices. We’ve rounded up the biggest sales that went under the hammer this year.
Sales of Murphy’s Irish Stout have skyrocketed with volume up 607% and value up 666% in the last year, according to the brand owner Heineken.
Murphy’s sales surge by 666%
Sales of Murphy’s Irish Stout have skyrocketed with volume up 607% and value up 666% in the last year, according to the brand owner Heineken.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Sales of Murphy’s Irish Stout have skyrocketed with volume up 607% and value up 666% in the last year, according to the brand owner Heineken.
Portuguese police have arrested eight people and raided 21 properties in the Vinho Verde wine region following reports of “collusion between viticulture commission officials and businesspeople in the wine sector”.
Vinho Verde appellation officials arrested in wine fraud case
Portuguese police have arrested eight people and raided 21 properties in the Vinho Verde wine region following reports of "collusion between viticulture commission officials and businesspeople in the ...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Portuguese police have arrested eight people and raided 21 properties in the Vinho Verde wine region following reports of “collusion between viticulture commission officials and businesspeople in the wine sector”.
South Korea and the UK are in the final stages of signing an upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) which would strengthen trading ties. So what could this mean for booze from both nations? Eloise Feilden investigates.
Are we about to see more Korean soju in the UK?
South Korea and the UK are in the final stages of signing a new FTA which would strengthen trading ties. What could this mean for booze?
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:31 PM
South Korea and the UK are in the final stages of signing an upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) which would strengthen trading ties. So what could this mean for booze from both nations? Eloise Feilden investigates.
LVMH-backed brands lead Champagne’s popularity rankings, but family-owned houses offer higher average quality at lower prices, according to a new industry study.
Champagne’s split market revealed
LVMH-backed brands lead Champagne’s popularity rankings, but family-owned houses offer higher average quality at lower prices.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:23 PM
LVMH-backed brands lead Champagne’s popularity rankings, but family-owned houses offer higher average quality at lower prices, according to a new industry study.
The UK’s oldest fine wine merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd saw its revenues dip by 8.2% in the last financial year, due to the “ongoing stagnation” in the fine wine and spirits market, according to documents filed at Companies House.
BBR's revenues slip as impact on fine wine market continues
The UK’s oldest fine wine merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd saw its revenues dip by 8.2% due to the “ongoing stagnation” in the fine wine and spirits market, according to documents filed at Companies House.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The UK’s oldest fine wine merchant, Berry Bros & Rudd saw its revenues dip by 8.2% in the last financial year, due to the “ongoing stagnation” in the fine wine and spirits market, according to documents filed at Companies House.
A trade dispute triggered by US tariffs has left most Canadian provinces with warehouses full of American spirits pulled from shelves. With little sign of reconciliation, governments are scrambling to decide what to do with stock bought at taxpayers’ expense.
Canada stuck with millions in unsold US alcohol
A trade dispute triggered by US tariffs has left most Canadian provinces with warehouses full of American spirits pulled from shelves. With little sign of reconciliation, governments are scrambling to...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
A trade dispute triggered by US tariffs has left most Canadian provinces with warehouses full of American spirits pulled from shelves. With little sign of reconciliation, governments are scrambling to decide what to do with stock bought at taxpayers’ expense.
Last week we rounded up the biggest celebrity drinks launches of the year. Here we dive into the A-list brand collaborations that have got the trade talking in 2025. Sarah Neish reports.
The biggest celebrity collaborations of 2025
Last week we rounded up the biggest celebrity drinks launches of the year. Here we dive into the A-list brand collaborations that have got the trade talking in 2025. Sarah Neish reports.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Last week we rounded up the biggest celebrity drinks launches of the year. Here we dive into the A-list brand collaborations that have got the trade talking in 2025. Sarah Neish reports.
Weight loss medications are quietly reshaping how and why people drink, pushing alcohol towards a more selective and health-aware future. James Bayley asks whether health can be pursued without losing autonomy.
‘The role of Ozempic isn’t just about reduced consumption, it’s about a shift in values’
Weight loss medications are quietly reshaping how and why people drink, pushing alcohol towards a more selective and health-aware future. James Bayley asks whether health can be pursued without losing...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Weight loss medications are quietly reshaping how and why people drink, pushing alcohol towards a more selective and health-aware future. James Bayley asks whether health can be pursued without losing autonomy.
MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail Group CEO Tyrone Reid tells Sarah Neish how technology is transforming drinks retail in the Middle East, and why this über-wealthy market isn’t a guaranteed meal ticket for brands.
The big interview: Tyrone Reid
MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail Group CEO Tyrone Reid tells Sarah Neish how technology is transforming drinks retail in the Middle East, and why this über-wealthy market isn’t a guaranteed meal ticket f...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail Group CEO Tyrone Reid tells Sarah Neish how technology is transforming drinks retail in the Middle East, and why this über-wealthy market isn’t a guaranteed meal ticket for brands.
Australian native Ian Sypkes has taken on the challenge of producing baijiu, China’s national spirit, in Tasmania. But can he win over Chinese consumers? Joyce Yip reports.
Tasmanian baijiu: 'Even if it sucks, it's something to laugh about'
Australian native Ian Sypkes has taken on the challenge of producing baijiu in Tasmania. But can he win over Chinese consumers?
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Australian native Ian Sypkes has taken on the challenge of producing baijiu, China’s national spirit, in Tasmania. But can he win over Chinese consumers? Joyce Yip reports.
The US may remain Champagne’s most lucrative export destination, but the UK has proved to be a reliable market in terms of volume this year, reports Giles Fallowfield.
Brits thirsty for Champagne but at what price?
The US may remain Champagne’s most lucrative export destination, but the UK has proved to be a reliable market in terms of volume this year, reports Giles Fallowfield.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The US may remain Champagne’s most lucrative export destination, but the UK has proved to be a reliable market in terms of volume this year, reports Giles Fallowfield.
Fine wine tiptoed out of its longest downturn in more than a decade in 2025, helped by returning US demand and a quiet resurgence in Champagne and Tuscany. Following the release of the company’s annual report, WineCap CEO Alexander Westgarth spoke to db about tariff clarity and projections for 2026.
WineCap charts 2025: 'The speed of the rebound astonished us'
Fine wine tiptoed out of its longest downturn in more than a decade in 2025, helped by returning US demand and a quiet resurgence in Champagne and Tuscany. Following the release of the company's annua...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Fine wine tiptoed out of its longest downturn in more than a decade in 2025, helped by returning US demand and a quiet resurgence in Champagne and Tuscany. Following the release of the company’s annual report, WineCap CEO Alexander Westgarth spoke to db about tariff clarity and projections for 2026.
La Place de Bordeaux rose to success trading wines from the French region, but at ProWine Shanghai this year, the drinks business editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW revealed why expressions from around the world have secured a place on the platform.
hors Bordeaux: a tasting tour through the platform's top international expressions
La Place de Bordeaux rose to success trading wines from the French region, but at ProWine Shanghai this year, the drinks business editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW revealed why expressions from aroun...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
La Place de Bordeaux rose to success trading wines from the French region, but at ProWine Shanghai this year, the drinks business editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW revealed why expressions from around the world have secured a place on the platform.
Drinks giant Diageo is facing fresh disruption at its Belfast Guinness Zero plant after workers voted again to reject a revised pay offer, putting strike action back on the cards just days before Christmas.
Diageo says ‘business as usual’ as Belfast Guinness workers reject pay offer
Drinks giant Diageo is facing fresh disruption at its Belfast Guinness Zero plant after workers voted again to reject a revised pay offer, putting strike action back on the cards just days before Chri...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Drinks giant Diageo is facing fresh disruption at its Belfast Guinness Zero plant after workers voted again to reject a revised pay offer, putting strike action back on the cards just days before Christmas.