Initial forecasts by Vinpro indicated that 10% of all wine-related jobs would be lost, and 80 producers and 350 wine- growers were expected to close their doors. A July survey of wine grape producers, wineries and other wine-related businesses conducted by Vinpro found that 58% would have to make “drastic” changes over the next year to overcome the challenges brought on by Covid-19…

The Pernod Ricard subsidiary swept the board at the International Spirits Challenge 2021, securing two trophies, three double-gold medals and 47 golds. Its brands include The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and Aberlour.  Gourgues was already well-versed in the portfolio, as he has spent the past seven years heading up Pernod Ricard’s operations in China. He has been with…

Volume sales increased by 26.4% in 2020, according to IWSR, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. IWSR analysts expect the category to grow by 26.6% this year, as producers continue to innovate and consumers are le with a greater selection of high-quality options. It is tipped to enjoy a 10.2% compound annual growth rate between now and…

The concept feels like a modern one, a convenience welcomed in the era of hard seltzers and RTDs, but the format has history. Wineries in the US began attempting to can wine in 1936, just a year a¢er beer had been successfully canned. The practice wouldn’t be nearly as successful – unstable liquid, low-quality and diseased wine – and primitive canning techniques meant…

In the first quarter of 2021, AB InBev’s sales through owned ecommerce channels quadrupled in size. The world’s largest brewer reported that its courier platforms are now available in nine markets and 220 cities. Heineken, the world’s second largest brewer, reported that revenue doubled at its DTC platform in Europe, Beerwulf. In the United States, producers sold $223 million…

It’s the third most consumed spirits category on the planet, but according to IWSR, more than 99% of all cachaça is consumed in Brazil. The next largest market, Germany, accounts for a mere 0.2% of global consumption. There are 5,000 registered brands, many more unregistered, and 40,000 distilleries, according to The Brazil Business. “Cachaça consumption in Brazil…

Kendra Kuppin, director of incubation for Europe at the company’s ZX Ventures, is tasked with analysing a brand’s potential at the earliest stage of the development process. She wanted to understand whether Mike’s Hard Seltzer – a popular brand in the US – would resonate with UK drinkers. Under normal circumstances, her team would head out into stores, engage in sampling…