Lana Shemonaeva moved to Dubai in 2012 and over the last 14 years the futuristic skyscraper-laden metropolis has become “home for me”, says the Russian-born partner in laid-back hangout Lady Bird. Lady Bird, part of the 7 Management hospitality portfolio, opened late 2025 at 25 Jump Street, the newly spawned nightlife destination within the One Central development at Dubai World Trade Centre. Led by an…

Only three months ago, Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world’s largest single airport travel retailer, announced record 2025 sales of $2.378bn. It was truly a spectacular year-on-year performance that outshone passenger traffic growth at Dubai Airport (DXB) by 5%. With sales of over $290m, liquor played a huge part in the UAE-based operator’s success story, accounting for more than 12% of its overall turnover. After…

The brand has quickly gained the attention of sommeliers, finding itself on the list in 120 Michelin-starred restaurants globally, and now the pair are looking to increase its presence in the world’s best bars. Drinks International caught up with the founders to hear about how the duo turned…

Irish whiskey brand Waterford has been sold to Tennessee Distilling Group for a sum of around €6m. The brand was founded by industry veteran Mark Reynier and launched its first whiskey in 2020, but late last year, receivers were appointed following a period of financial strain. According to a report by the Irish Times, Tennessee Distilling Group, a major contract distiller in the US, plans to…

Nationally and regionally consumed spirits are among the most culturally important and precariously positioned categories on the planet. A narrower market means that the attitudes towards alcohol and the pressures of taxation and economic conditions hit without spreading their impact. Take Turkish raki as an example. In the 21st century, Turkey has placed stricter regulations and higher duties on the production and sale of alcohol…

If the Year of the Snake didn’t exactly hiss for travel retail in 2025, the Year of the Horse is certainly cantering along nicely within China. As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, the mood music around the pivotal Chinese duty free market is brightening rapidly after years of stuttering underperformance, driven by a deliberate and aggressive strategy from Beijing to repatriate…

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s top regions when it comes to quality. It’s around a third of the size of Rioja by volume sales but recognised globally for its rich, full-bodied character. However, that’s not what the world is drinking. These styles have lost favour to fresher, fruit-forward whites and rosés, leaving Ribera with a difficult decision – stick with its recognised style,…