Emperador Group and González Byass have formed a joint venture called Casa Pedro Domecq which has injected capital into Los Danzantes mezcal.

Pernod Ricard has recorded a 4% sales decline for H1 FY2025 as the premium spirits market continues to show a downward trend globally.

US president Donald Trump has agreed to halt the introduction of the 25% tariffs on Canadian imports to the States until 4 March.

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.

In a move reflecting the challenging economic climate, the CEO of wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has said the company is entering a consultation process with employees across 30 roles.

Brands Report 2025: Mezcal

28 January, 2025

In an increasingly popular category the bestsellers have remained unchanged for the past three years

Angelos Bafas, also known as Mr Ungarnished, is set to release his debut book, Hyper Drinks, next week.

Brands Report 2025: Cognac

27 January, 2025

It may be suffering something of a slump when it comes to cocktail menus, but cognac still has presence in the world’s best bars.

The OurWhisky Foundation, the global non-profit supporting women in the whisky industry, has appointed its first executive director ahead of a restructure this year.

While Japanese brands have further made their stamp in the top three, there’s plenty of diversity to be seen elsewhere

Brands Report 2025: Vodka

20 January, 2025

There’s no change in the top three, but the lower echelons see some shifts and a new entry.

James McDermott, co-founder of Proof Drinks has died at the age of 47.

Brands Report 2025: Rum

14 January, 2025

Bacardi has completed a run of seven consecutive years of being at the top of the rum chart.

Brands Report 2025: Tequila

13 January, 2025

There are definite signs of change being afoot in brands’ popularity stakes in this always exciting category.

Brands Report 2025: Gin

08 January, 2025

Despite tales of its demise, gin is very much alive and kicking when it comes to the top bars.

There’s been quite a shake-up in this list as agave spirits and gin have ousted six of last year’s residents.

The Drinks International Brands Report provides insights into the buying habits and drinking trends within the world’s best bars.

Savoia’s latest expression, Savoia Orancio, is launching in the US, following a successful UK debut in 2023.

International drinks writer Forest Collins unexpectedly passed away in Dubai last week, Drinks International can confirm. 

Created at Japan’s Aumont Brewery, overseen by master brewer Tanaka-Toji, Kay Sake has launched in the UK with the aim to offer consumers an alternative to traditional cocktails.

Michael Vachon is to leave Maverick Drinks – the craft spirits distributor he co-founded in 2013 - at the end of this year.

Crossip launches in Malaysia

12 November, 2024

Non-alcoholic drinks brand Crossip has partnered with Tea and Toast Asia and Spirits Syndicate to launch in Malaysia.

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.

Ten global beverage companies have joined forces under a new industry-wide consortium designed to help accelerate renewable energy adoption across the industry’s supply chain.

Michter’s has retained its title as The World’s Most Admired Whiskey brand in the fourth edition of the annual top 50 list released by Drinks International.

Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City has taken top spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, the list of which was unveiled this evening as part of a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain. 

Drinks International's Global Bar Edition featuring the official guide to The World's 50 Best Bars has launched in digital form. 

Beverage brand Three Cents has added a Fig Leaf Soda to its range of carbonated premium mixers.

Sales for Q1 FY25 totalled €2,783m with an organic decline of -5.9% largely driven by a steep drop in China.

The World’s 50 Best Bars has revealed the extended 51-100 list ahead of the main ceremony taking place in Madrid on 22 October.

Campari Academy has announced its 2024 lineup for the Campari Academy Suite at Bar Convent Berlin (BCB), featuring a series of workshops and events curated by creative director Monica Berg.

The Drinks Trust has announced the resignation of Ross Carter, who served as chief executive officer for the organisation since July 2019. 

Suntory Spirits has won the International Spirits Challenge 2024 Supreme Champion award with The Yamazaki 12.

Ben Branson, founder of Diageo non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip, has launched Sylva, a non-alcoholic distillery and maturation lab at his home in Essex.

Diageo has announced three new partnerships to help build resilience within smallholder communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, as part of its innovation accelerator, Diageo Sustainable Solutions (DSS).

Pernod Ricard has reported organic sales decline of -1% for the fiscal year ending June 2024.

RTD brand Whitebox Cocktails has collaborated with Irish airline Aer Lingus to offer three varieties to business class passengers.

The Sydney Morning Herald has published an investigation into high profile Australian bar and restaurant group Swillhouse, which alleges multiple incidents of sexual harassment and assault, including rape, as well as drug abuse by Swillhouse employees.

Partnering with Bar Convent Berlin (BCB), OurWhisky, the non-profit organisation founded by Becky Paskin, will curate the education programme at this year’s Whisk(e)y Embassy.

Independent cognac house Hine has appointed SipWell to drive its travel retail presence across the UK, US and Asia.

Skrewball peanut butter whiskey liqueur has entered Australia and New Zealand in partnership with Pernod Ricard.

Diageo reported a net sales decline of 1.4% to $20.3 billion for the year end 30 June 2024 which the company pinned on unfavourable foreign exchange and inflation.

Launched in 2023 in Milan, red berry aperitif Cordusio has achieved B Corp status for its social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

The Drinks Trust charity has added five new members to its board of trustees – Jennie Baernreuther, Ian Bray, Tim Clay, Paul Haslam and Tony Watson.

Hanna Lee Communications has launched a trade-consumer event called New York Bartender Week which will make its debut on 18-24 November 2024.

BrewDog has opened its first bar in Thailand as part of its international expansion drive having already opened venues in Perth, Rotterdam and Denver this year.

Bar Leone from Hong Kong has been named the best bar in Asia at the ninth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in a live ceremony held in Hong Kong.

Toku Saké has appointed Stuart Hudson as head of sales and advocacy, effective as of this month.

Monica Berg has been named the most influential figure in the global bar industry, according to Bar World 100 2024 in association with Perrier.

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Ben Branson

Ben Branson: How to brand non-alc spirits

There are many different elements to consider when launching a non-alcoholic spirits brand. Aside from creating the liquid, the bottle design and communication are also crucial touchpoints.

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