Pernod Ricard sees sales drop -14% in Q1 FY26
French spirits group Pernod Ricard has reported a decline in sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
The state of champagne in the US
Despite tariff wars and rising prices, champagne remains important to US consumers, but producers are aware that they need to adapt to the changing market.
The World's 50 Best Bars 51-100 list drops for 2025
The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, has announced its 51-100 list in the build up to the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on October 8.
Spiribam France adds seven brands to distribution network
Spiribam has announced that its French subsidiary will handle the distribution of seven new partner brands across France.
Amaretto Adriatico Zero hits US market
Adriatico has launched its ‘Zero’ non-alcoholic amaretto in the US following the brand’s success at the Bar Convent Brooklyn Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition this summer.
Stoli Group invests $3.6m in The Pathfinder
The Pathfinder, the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic spirit, has closed a $3.6m funding round, led by global spirits leader Stoli Group.
Iichiko shochu lands in the UK
Japanese shochu brand Iichiko has signed an exclusive partnership with premium spirits distributor Speciality Brands as of 1 September.
Trade bodies react to US-EU spirit tariffs update
Distilled Spirits Council CEO Chris Swonger has urged the Trump administration to push for zero-for-zero tariffs following the release of a joint trade statement between the US and EU.
AB InBev volumes decline driven by Brazil and China
Budweiser owner AB InBev has announced its second-quarter sales volumes, which saw a drop due to weak demand in Brazil and China, resulting in a 1.9% decline in global volumes.
DC’s Silver Lyan introduces new menu
Washington DC’s Silver Lyan, currently ranked 48th in North America’s 50 Best Bars, has launched its latest cocktail menu titled ‘The Butterfly Effect’.
Canada sees US spirits sales drop
Canada has seen the sales of American spirits fall by 66% after stores began pulling US products in response to tariffs.
Bladnoch Distillery partners with Maison Villevert in French distribution deal
Bladnoch Scotch whisky distillery has partnered with premium spirits distributor Maison Villevert to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand in France.
Diageo India buys majority stake in Nao Spirits
Diageo India, also known as United Spirits Limited, has announced the purchase of a majority controlling stake in Goa-based gin producer Nao Spirits for INR 130 crores (US$15.2m).
Sparkling Rioja: The forgotten fizz
Cava is dominante in Spain, but Shay Waterworth looks at the potential for sparkling Rioja both domestically and overseas.
Age statement whiskey and the tariffs dilema
Age statement American whiskeys have finally caught up on demand, but is the timing unfortunate? Shay Waterworth find out.
Spiritseurope names new director general
Spiritseurope has appointment Mark Titterington as its new director general, effective 1 September 2025.
International Beverage launches Thailand's first single malt whisky
International Beverage has announced the global launch of Prakaan, Thailand’s first premium single malt whisky, following its entry into domestic and Asian markets last year.
Trump tariffs blocked by US trade court
The drinks industry has been left in suspense after a trade court in the US blocked Donald Trump from imposing global import tariffs.
Loch Lomond Group acquires The New York Distilling Company
Loch Lomond Group (LLG) has announced the acquisition of The New York Distilling Company (NYDC).
Montana: Inside Antinori x Caporale's new bar
As far as bar collaborations go, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. The founders of number two and number three in The World’s 50 Best Bars, Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale, have joined forces to launch Montana in Hong Kong.
Handshake Speakeasy named North America’s best bar for second year running
Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy took the top spot for the second year running in the live awards ceremony of North America’s 50 Best Bars, held at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Canada, last night.
Tales of the Cocktail names 2025 Catalyst honourees
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has announced this year’s Tales Catalyst honourees, recognising members of the cocktail community who are elevating the industry.
Diageo swaps US Cîroc rights in Lobos 1707 exchange
Diageo has exchanged majority ownership of the brand rights for Cîroc vodka in North America, for majority ownership of tequila brand Lobos 1707.
Trump unveils plans for reciprocal global tariffs
In what has been dubbed ‘Liberation Day’, US president Donald Trump has announced steep reciprocal tariffs.
The Ada Coleman Project expands global directory
The Ada Coleman Project, a platform dedicated to amplifying the visibility of women and non-binary professionals in the drinks industry, has announced the expansion of its global directory.
The Boatyard Distillery has announced a new partnership with Banfi Vintners to become the exclusive sales agent in the US for its Boatyard Double Gin.
EU to reinstate bourbon whiskey tariff
The European Union has announced retaliatory tariffs on €26bn (£22bn) worth of US goods, including bourbon whiskey, as “countermeasures” to Washington’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
Ladydragón: Female-owned tequila hits UK market
In line with International Women's Day, Drinks International caught up with the co-founders of Ladydragón Craft Tequila JC Cortez and Heather Ann.
Canada begins to pull US-made liquor from shelves
Several Canadian provinces have removed American-made liquor from store shelves in retaliation against Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports.
Martini undergoes bottle redesign
Bacardi has launched a new bottle design for its Martini vermouth range as it continues to target the ‘aperitivo moment’ globally.
The Gulf Bar show announces lineup for inaugural edition
The Gulf Bar Show has announced its lineup of bartenders and industry leaders for its first edition on 7-8 April.
India cuts Bourbon tariff after Trump criticism
India has slashed its tariffs on Bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100% after US president Donald Trump criticised levies in the South Asian market.
US alcohol sales decrease as non-alc thrives
Alcohol sales across the US are shrinking, according to NielsenIQ, with off-premise beer, wine and spirits (excluding RTDs) all losing ground.
Diageo chief addresses tariffs amid sales decline for HY24
Diageo chief executive Debra Crew addressed the implementation of US tariffs as part of the company’s six month interim results to 31 December 2024.
How Trump tariffs are changing Irish whiskey landscape
As president Trump wields his warnings of high tariff s on imports, Irish whiskey’s smaller producers are reassessing their position with the US. Shay Waterworth reports.
Mentzendorff adds Napa Valley's Spottswoode Estate to portfolio
UK wine importer, Mentzendorff, has announced the addition of Napa Valley’s Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery to its portfolio.
There’s no change in the top three, but the lower echelons see some shifts and a new entry.
Renais Gin secures £4.95m investment
Gin brand Renais has secured a £4.95m investment to accelerate international expansion and increase production capacity.
Familia Torres declares 7% sales increase for 2024
Familia Torres has declared an expected sales increase of 7% for its wine and brandy business for 2024 on the previous year.
American single malt whiskey gains official category recognition
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has issued its final rule establishing a new American single malt whiskey category.
Savoia Orancio launches in the US
Savoia’s latest expression, Savoia Orancio, is launching in the US, following a successful UK debut in 2023.
Stoli Group USA files for bankruptcy
Stoli Group has filed for bankruptcy in the US largely due to a two-month-long cyber attack that impacted operations in the States.
Waterford enters administration
Irish whiskey brand Waterford entered administration earlier this week after failing to raise fresh funding.
Anheuser-Busch invests $14m in Houston site
US manufacturer and brewer of Busch Light, Budweiser and Bud Light, Anheuser-Busch, has invested $14m in its Houston, Texas brewery.
Diageo invests in China with new single malt distillery
Diageo has unveiled the YunTuo Single Malt Whisky Distillery, the first of its kind for the company in China.
Trump return fears for global premium spirits
News of Donald Trump’s re-election as US president earlier this week has sparked fear over the possibility of further tariffs being implemented on the spirits industry.
DISCUS warns of renewed spirits tariffs
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has sounded an alarm over the potential return and doubling of the EU’s retaliatory tariff on American whiskey in a new report.
Pernod reports sharp -26% sales drop in China
Sales for Q1 FY25 totalled €2,783m with an organic decline of -5.9% largely driven by a steep drop in China.
US spirits volumes see further decline
New data from the IWSR, the global authority on beverage alcohol data and intelligence, has revealed the US beverage alcohol market continued to shrink in the first seven months of 2024, with volumes declining more than expected.
Saga Spirits Group invests $92m in new Kentucky distillery
US-based Bourbon distiller, Saga Spirits Group, has reportedly announced plans to develop a $92.5 million distillery and tourism centre on 150 acres in Kentucky.