It’s been a difficult couple of years for the rum category. The sector has often been touted as the next big thing, but since the optimism of its 2022 peak and several high-profile acquisitions at the beginning of 2023, it’s struggled to make good on its promise. The 2025 edition of Drinks International’s The Millionaire’s Club highlights the extent to which rum’s major players are…
In its autumn budget, the government outlined its plans for the duty hikes, stating that the increase to RPI is to “maintain its current real-terms value”. Adding that, “the government heard representations from stakeholders ranging from a duty cut or freeze to above inflation increases. “This decision balances the important contribution of alcohol producers and the hospitality sector to the UK’s culture and economy, with…
In September, Ian Burrell publicly announced the end of his involvement with Equiano Rum. The separation came as a surprise to many. This was the first brand that the man known across the international spirits sector as the ‘global rum ambassador’ had put his name to as a co-founder. And the rum itself, a blend of African and Caribbean liquids named after a former slave…
Caroline Thompson-Hill is the first chair of the WSTA board from a multiple retailer. “It is a privilege to be appointed chair of the WSTA board and I look forward to working with the team to deliver the best service possible to our members,” said Thompson-Hill “I am eager to get to grips with the WSTA’s many workstreams to ensure that we prioritise effectively as…
Lewis, who served as group chief executive for Tesco between 2014 and 2020, will look to reverse the struggling giant’s fortunes amid declining sales across the spirits industry. “We are delighted to welcome Dave as Diageo’s new chief executive officer,” said Diageo chair, Sir John Manzoni. “Having conducted an extensive and thorough global search, the board unanimously felt that Dave has both the extensive chief…
Reported net sales declined by 2.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 26, with reported growth in Europe, and the Latin America and Caribbean regions unable to fully offset year-on-year declines in Africa, North America and Asia Pacific. The negative performance in Africa, however, was attributed to portfolio disposals, as reflected in the region’s organic growth of 8.9%. “Net sales were flat organically in Q1,…
The organisation has partnered with Queena Wong, founder of Curious Vines, and the WSET to support the non-profit’s beneficiaries with WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wine. Since its formation in 2020, Equal Measures has provided fully funded WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Spirits. This expansion marks the first time it will offer the equivalent wine qualifications. “It has always…
Lagfin owns more than 50% of the shares in Campari and has 80% of voting rights, the confiscation of shares has been ordered as part of a year-long investigation into how the company absorbed its Italian arm. On Saturday, Italian financial authorities said that the confiscation of shares had been a “precautionary seizure order”. In a statement, a spokesperson from Campari distanced the company from…
The acquisition adds to Zamora’s premium wine portfolio which includes Ramón Bilbao and Mar de Frades. “As a family business, we believe in building long-term value based on authentic brands with soul and roots. Godeval represents all of that: history, quality and a deep respect for its origins,” said José María de Santiago, president of Zamora Company. “This acquisition allows us to continue expanding our…
Commercial vermouth has existed since the late 1700s. As seemingly with all bitter things, it was originally a health tonic, produced by monks and sold out of apothecaries. Eventually, it spread beyond its humble roots of Turin pharmacies and became adopted by high society. The name reflected its climb in social rank. After the most significant medicinal ingredient in the recipe it was originally named…
