American whiskey could face 50% EU tariffs from January

Distillers are calling for the permanent removal of EU imposed “debilitating tariffs” on American whiskey, which are scheduled to be reimposed and doubled to 50% on 1 January 2024.

Prosecco DOC gains trademark protection In New Zealand

The European Union has reached a bi-lateral agreement with New Zealand which recognises the Prosecco DOC trademark.

Building Whiskey Bridges

Trade disputes resulting in crippling tariffs have been lifted after four years, but will America and its export countries find a permanent peace?

Tackling the modern challenges of bulk wine distribution

Logistics companies within the global drinks industry have been battered by an unprecedented confluence of headwinds during the past 18 months.

Trade reacts as US/EU whiskey tariffs dropped

Both parties have expressed their delight by Saturday’s announcement that the US and EU have agreed to lift retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey.

European spirits exports declined 19% in 2020

The European spirits industry has urged governments to rebuild transatlantic ties and fight protectionist measures following a 19% export decline in 2020.

Californian wine: Trouble in paradise

California is the latest major wine-producing region to struggle with Mother Nature after a drought emergency gripped the Golden State.

European Union suspends tariffs on American whiskey

The European Union has announced that it will temporarily suspend its tariff increase on American whiskey in an effort to reboot transatlantic relations.

Armagnac: How US tariff relief poses long-term questions

A synchronised sigh of relief was heard right across the Armagnac region last year as the news broke of Donald Trump’s defeat in the US election.

Tequila regulatory body stresses the importance of respecting Geographical Indications of origin

Picture this scenario: a world-famous alcoholic drinks brand launches what it calls a “Tequila-flavoured” product, with the aim of persuading consumers that they are enjoying a drink with the purest expression of the country of Mexico.

Scotch whisky producers celebrate suspension of US single malt tariff

Scotch whisky producers are celebrating after the US government announced it would suspend tariffs on various UK goods for four months.

BBC Spirits imports several leading British brands

French distributor BBC Spirits has bolstered its portfolio with several UK spirits brands as it bids to drive growth in 2021.

Tariff war will cause drinks businesses to go bust, trade bodies warn

Drinks producers will be forced to close their doors and lay off staff after the U.S. ramped up its tariff war with the EU, trade associations have warned.

US spirits industry applauds UK for suspending retaliatory tariffs

The US spirits industry has applauded the UK’s decision to suspend retaliatory tariffs on American rum, brandy and vodka once it leaves the EU on January 1.

Naked Wines revenues increase 79.6%

Naked Wines enjoyed 79.6% revenue growth in the six months to September 28 after demand for online wine purchases soared during the lockdown.

C.Gars brings Key West First Legal Rum to the UK

UK-based cigar and whisky merchant C.Gars has become the exclusive importer and distributor for Key West First Legal Rum for the UK and EU.

Trade groups urge EU and US to end tariff war

Eighteen trade associations have joined forces to call for an immediate elimination of the retaliatory tariffs that the US and EU have imposed upon spirits, wine and beer.

Templeton Rye ramps up focus on innovation

Templeton Rye has released a limited-edition Caribbean Rum Cask Finish expression into the domestic and export markets.

US spirits industry reiterates pleas for tariff dispute de-escalation

The US government has announced that the existing 25% tariffs will remain on single malt Scotch for the foreseeable future.

South Africa urged to end "devastating" alcohol prohibition

The South African government has been urged to scrap its alcohol prohibition in order to avoid “devastating consequences” at home and abroad.

American whiskey exports to EU decrease 33% following retaliatory tariff

American whiskey exports to EU have decreased by a third since the bloc imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff in June 2018.

Tequila gets European GI approval

The European Commission has approved the addition of Tequila into the EU register of geographical indications.

Jack Daniel's price could rise 10% in EU

Brown-Foreman believes the price of Jack Daniel's whiskey will increase by around 10% in the EU due to import tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.

India comes in from the cold

Indian whisky producers are becoming increasingly confident as drinkers recognise the spirits for their quality. now, says Dominic Roskrow, they’re set to take the next step up.

Brexit: ‘UK wine trade needs support’

A UK politician believes that the British government must support ‘frictionless trade’ with the EU following Brexit to save 270,000 jobs in the UK wine industry.

VINEXPO to host Brexit plans in France

VINEXPO will address the key Brexit issues facing the wine and spirits industry at its 2017 wine show in France on June 20.

Menezes: UK could have free trade with India before EU

Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes has said the UK “could move ahead of the EU in terms of getting a Free Trade Agreement” post Brexit.

EU delays lifting LAG restrictions

The European Commission has postponed next year’s deadline to lift EU airport security restrictions on air passengers carrying liquids, aerosol and gels (LAGs) in their hand luggage.

Wild Geese land in UK cities

The Avalon Group has announced distributor Emporia Brands will roll out its Irish Whiskey brand The Wild Geese to the UK market.

Cuban rum to gain geographical denomination

Havana Club owners Cuba Ron and Pernod Ricard are lobbying for the creation of a geographical denomination for Cuban rum.

EFRD launches web campaign to promote responsible alcoholic drinks marketing

The European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD) has launched a web-campaign to promote responsible marketing practices for alcoholic beverages. The objective is to explain in plain language how EU-wide codes of advertising should be applied.

Scotland: Industry blasts minimum pricing

A minimum unit price for alcohol set out in today’s (November 1) Scottish government Bill is unlikely to reduce alcohol misuse, will threaten the £3.4 billion whisky industry and will punish moderate drinkers, according to the trade. 

Mack revamps and extends Arctic Beer series

Norwegian beverage company Mack has redesigned and extended its Arctic Beer series.

Somerset Cider Brandy gets EU protection

UK: Somerset Cider Brandy has been granted geographical protection.

South Korean boost for wine importers

The emerging South Korean market could boost the fortunes of wine importers, according to research by Wine Intelligence.

€5m global Vinho Verde campaign unveiled

The Vinho Verde Wine Commission (CVRVV), in Portugal, has invested €5m on a three-year global promotion.

EU spirits producers back responsible drinking

The European Spirits Organisation (CEPS) has launched a new five-year commitment to promote responsible drinking.

England/Wales: Wine receives geographical recognition

The United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) has unveiled new wine schemes for English and Welsh still wines, in line with the wine regime changes implemented by the EU.  A new wine scheme for sparkling wines will be introduced later this year.

Prosecco ban progress in Australia

Italy/Australia: The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Consorzio has welcomed a ban on Australian producers using the term prosecco, under new EU laws. The Consorzio has pledged to continue fighting to get the ban implemented in other countries that continue to make prosecco, like Brazil.

Europe gears up for responsible World Cup

Belgium: The European Spirits Organisation CEPS and The European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD) have teamed up with the Belgian Federation of Wine and Spirits to launch a responsible drinking campaign during the World Cup.

CEPS: EC alcohol survey misses bigger picture

The European Commission’s new Eurobarometer report on attitudes to alcohol misses the bigger picture, according to CEPSand EFRD,the representatives of the European spirits industry.

European Court rules minimum pricing illegal

Scottish Government plans to introduce alcohol minimum pricing have suffered a further setback, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).