Mezcal has become a spirits category for the cool kids. But so much sudden attention on the agave spirit leaves its producers, which are often small-scale operations, and the slow-growing agave crop, open to exploitation.

A recent report by Allied Market Research has shown that the global tequila market garnered $12.89 billion in 2021, and is estimated to generate $24.19 billion by 2031.

In 2020, craft spirits in the US volume gains of almost 8%, growing to a 5% volume share and 7% value share of the total US spirits market, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Boston Beer Company saw its share price plummet by almost 10% yesterday after weak demand for hard seltzer forced it to pull its earnings guidance.

Pernod Ricard’s share price increased 2% this morning after the firm raised its profit growth estimate following “greater than expected business dynamism”.

Diageo shareholders were toasting chief executive Ivan Menezes after he said they can expect to receive billions of pounds in share buybacks or special dividends. The Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and Guinness producer announced that organic profit should grow by at least 14% in the year to 30 June.

Alcohol free wine brand Eisberg is set to be acquired by Schloss Wachenheim AG (SWA) from Halewood Artisanal Spirits.

Diageo managed to grow organic sales by 1% in the six months to December 31 despite suffering from restrictions on the on-trade and travel retail.

Asahi aims to raise up to $1.5 billion in a share offering to repay loans taken out to buy Carlton & United Breweries from AB InBev.

Danish brewer Carlsberg expects to report an organic operating decline of 10% to 15% this year as a result of on-trade closures.