The Drinks Business
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With two new co-CEOs in charge, and responding to the challenges facing the fine wine market, Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, has launched a service-led, tiered membership community called House of 1698, db can exclusively reveal.
How Berry Bros. & Rudd is transforming the traditional wine merchant model
Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, has launched a service-led, tiered membership community called House of 1698.
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The UK supermarket giant, reportedly in the running to buy Majestic, said that its new partnership with Uber Eats has “not cannibalised” sales. db looks at why this matters for the retailer’s Majestic bid.
Uber Eats hook-up has not 'cannibalised sales', says Tesco CEO
The UK supermarket giant, reportedly in the running to buy Majestic, said that it's new partnership with Uber Eats has "not cannibalised" sales. db looks at why this matters for the retailer's Majesti...
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Gusbourne says it cannot make enough still Pinot Noir to meet demand without taking fruit away from its sparkling wines, presenting the Kent producer with an increasingly welcome dilemma.
English wine faces a Pinot problem: sparkling or still?
Gusbourne says it cannot make enough still Pinot Noir to meet demand without taking fruit away from its sparkling wines, presenting the Kent producer with an increasingly welcome dilemma. An unusually...
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Two things are true: (i) the fine wine sector is seriously struggling, and (ii) AI has triggered a seismic operational shift, panellists agreed at The Drinks Business Conference last week.
'The biggest disruption of our time': can AI save fine wine?
Two things are true: (i) the fine wine sector is seriously struggling, and (ii) AI has triggered a seismic operational shift, panellists agreed at The Drinks Business Conference last week. But can art...
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UK supermarket Tesco is reportedly among the bidders making a play for Majestic as the wine retailer is put up for sale by owner Fortress Investment Group.
Tesco in the running to buy Majestic
UK supermarket Tesco is reportedly among the bidders making a play for Majestic as the wine retailer is put up for sale by owner Fortress Investment Group.
thedrinksbusiness.com
Diageo has secured a significant court victory over allegations that its Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas were falsely marketed as “100% agave”. A New York federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding that the plaintiffs had failed to provide sufficient evidence of widespread adulteration.
Diageo wins ‘100% agave’ Tequila lawsuit
Diageo has secured a significant court victory over allegations that its Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas were falsely marketed as “100% agave”. A New York federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after fi...
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The UK Government looks set to bottle Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plan for beer in football stands. It should run the trial instead, says James Bayley.
A pint is fine at football, as long as you can't see the pitch
The UK Government looks set to bottle Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plan for beer in football stands. It should run the trial instead.
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Hide and Hedonism Wines founder Evgeny Chichvarkin has revealed that reducing the premium on fine wine failed to attract more customers. Speaking at The Drinks Business Conference, he suggested restaurant mark-ups may not be the main reason fine wine consumption is falling.
‘We just lost margin’: cheaper fine wine failed to bring more diners to Hide
Hide and Hedonism Wines founder Evgeny Chichvarkin has revealed that reducing the premium on fine wine failed to attract more customers. Speaking at The Drinks Business Conference, he suggested restau...
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Saint-Sardos will produce no wine in 2026 after the cooperative responsible for 97% of its output lost its remaining grape supply. The south-west French appellation told db that only “a maximum potential of 12 to 15 hectares remained in spring 2026”.
Saint-Sardos no longer able to 'meet the costs expected of an appellation'
Saint-Sardos will produce no wine in 2026 after the cooperative responsible for 97% of its output lost its remaining grape supply. The south-west French appellation told db that only “a maximum potent...
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Chapel Down is aiming to win the equivalent of 1% of the global Champagne market by 2035 as sales of its traditional method sparkling wines continue to grow. CEO James Pennefather told the drinks business that the company sees a “clear runway” for expansion, particularly in the US.
Chapel Down targets 1% of global Champagne market by 2035
Chapel Down is aiming to win the equivalent of 1% of the global Champagne market by 2035 as sales of its traditional method sparkling wines continue to grow. CEO James Pennefather told the drinks busi...
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Brewdog’s new owner has promised to put employees at the centre of the brewer’s next chapter, months after its £33 million rescue by Tilray Brands. The pledge comes as former staff and other creditors face losses following the administration of parts of the business.
Brewdog promises ‘people first’ future as former staff face losses
Brewdog’s new owner has promised to put employees at the centre of the brewer’s next chapter, months after its £33 million rescue by Tilray Brands. The pledge comes as former staff and other creditors...
thedrinksbusiness.com
French wine production is forecast to fall to almost 34 million hectolitres in 2026, putting the harvest 17% below its recent average after drought and heatwaves hit vineyards across the country.
French wine production set to fall to 34m hectolitres after extreme summer
French wine production is forecast to fall to almost 34 million hectolitres in 2026, putting the harvest 17% below its recent average after drought and heatwaves hit vineyards across the country.
thedrinksbusiness.com
Guinness has gone from a working-class staple to one of the most fashionable drinks in Britain, complete with a second clothing collaboration with Percival. James Bayley asks what its transformation says about the way younger consumers think about authenticity, identity and drink brands.
When did Guinness become a fashion brand?
Guinness has gone from a working-class staple to one of the most fashionable drinks in Britain, complete with a second clothing collaboration with Percival. James Bayley asks what its transformation s...
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In the latest retaliation against Canada, US President Donald Trump has announced an import ban on bottled and canned Canadian wines, beer and spirits from 29 September, though some bulk wines are exempt from the restriction. db reports.
Trump bans Canadian wine, but excludes bulk
In the latest retaliation against Canada, US President Donald Trump has announced an import ban on bottled and canned Canadian wines, beer and spirits from 29 September, though some bulk wines are exe...
thedrinksbusiness.com
Featuring a who’s who of fine wine trade figures, along with industry commentators, somms, and restaurateurs, next Wednesday’s db conference in London promises to deliver one-of-a-kind insights into the market for luxury drinks.
Full agenda released for db conference in London on 23 September
Featuring a who’s who of fine wine trade figures, next weeks' db Conference promises to deliver one-of-a-kind insights into the market for luxury drinks.
thedrinksbusiness.com
Ahead of his opening address at the db conference in London on Wednesday 23 September, Liv-ex’s Tom Burchfield has highlighted the dramatically more complex nature of the fine wine market – and why understanding it is increasingly important for current and future success.
Why next week's db conference is unmissable
Liv-ex's Tom Burchfield highlights the dramatically more complex nature of the fine wine market – and the keys to success.
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Such was the extreme heat and dryness in Champagne this year that winemakers risked breaking the rules of the region – which is why they have been changed. Patrick Schmitt MW finds out what has been happening.
Heat of 2026 Champagne harvest forces rule-change for region
Such was the extreme heat and dryness in Champagne this year, the winemaking rules of the region have been changed.
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Donald Trump’s latest escalation of the trade war with Canada could shut some Canadian alcohol out of the US from the end of this month, potentially affecting major drinks companies on both sides of the border.
Trump escalates Canada trade war with new alcohol threat
Donald Trump’s latest escalation of the trade war with Canada could shut some Canadian alcohol out of the US from the end of this month, potentially affecting major drinks companies on both sides of t...
thedrinksbusiness.com
The BBC spent £13,018 with its preferred alcohol supplier in 2024/25, less than half the £26,131 spent through the same route in 2016. Previously released figures give an unusually detailed look inside the broadcaster’s drinks cabinet.
BBC alcohol bill halves in a decade
The BBC spent £13,018 with its preferred alcohol supplier in 2024/25, less than half the £26,131 spent through the same route in 2016. Previously released figures give an unusually detailed look insid...
thedrinksbusiness.com
Wildly popular in the 1970s and ’80s, German wine Blue Nun graced the dinner table of many a bouffant-sporting host, with 3.5 million bottles sold per year in its heyday. Now, the brand’s owner Les Grands Chais de France is determined to restore the brand’s place in consumer affections.
Blue Nun is back with a vengeance
Wildly popular in the 1970s and '80s, German wine Blue Nun graced the dinner table of many a bouffant-sporting host, with 3.5 million bottles sold per year in its heyday. Now, the brand's owner Les Gr...
thedrinksbusiness.com
As Bordeaux grapples with oversupply, vine-pull schemes and a shrinking growing area, the region’s biggest mainstream brand is betting that closer grower ties, low-intervention winemaking and a broader stylistic range can keep it – and its supply base – viable.
Nearly 100, Mouton Cadet faces Bordeaux's toughest test yet
As Bordeaux grapples with oversupply, the region's biggest mainstream brand is betting that a broader stylistic range can keep it viable.
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A Russian attack has destroyed the new central warehouse used by Ukrainian wine retailer OKWINE and drinks distributor Wine Hunters, just two months after their previous facility was hit. The companies say losses from the two attacks now exceed UAH600 million.
Russian strike destroys Ukrainian wine retailer’s warehouse for second time
A Russian attack has destroyed the new central warehouse used by Ukrainian wine retailer OKWINE and drinks distributor Wine Hunters, just two months after their previous facility was hit. The companie...
thedrinksbusiness.com
Champagne is still a mainstay of the restaurant scene, but producers are having to work harder and smarter to keep their place on the list, reports Douglas Blyde.
How Champagne is sustaining sales in restaurants
Champagne is still a mainstay of the restaurant scene, but producers are having to work harder and smarter to keep their place on the list.
thedrinksbusiness.com
Vinarchy will no longer represent Dolly Parton’s wine range, db can exclusively reveal, but the decision was made “mutually” before the country singer died, the company said.
Vinarchy cuts ties with Dolly Wines
Vinarchy will no longer represent Dolly Parton's wine range, db can exclusively reveal, but the decision was made "mutually" before the country singer died, the company said.
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As the world tips its hat to Dolly Parton following the country music star’s death in Nashville yesterday, db remembers her indomitable spirit and her contribution to drinks.
Farewell and cheers to Dolly Parton
As the world tips its hat to Dolly Parton following the country music star's death in Nashville yesterday, db remembers her indomitable spirit and her contribution to drinks.
thedrinksbusiness.com
Champagne shipments continued to fall in 2025, but the rate of decline slowed considerably as several leading houses returned to growth. Kathleen Willcox explores why distinctive brands, grower Champagnes and by-the-glass programmes are finding success in a challenging market.
Champagne market shows signs of recovery after years of decline
Champagne shipments continued to fall in 2025, but the rate of decline slowed considerably as several leading houses returned to growth. Kathleen Willcox explores why distinctive brands, grower Champa...
thedrinksbusiness.com
US drinks giant AB InBev is making a US$13 million investment into its Baldwinsville, New York facility in an effort to boost production of its Michelob Ultra and Cutwater spirits brands. db finds out more.
AB InBev invests US$13 million in New York site
US drinks giant AB InBev is making a US$13 million investment into its Baldwinsville, New York facility in an effort to boost production of its Michelob Ultra and Cutwater spirits brands. db finds out...
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Don St. Pierre Jr., the CEO of ASC Fine Wines, reveals the rationale behind portfolio changes and how his family ecosystem philosophy can be integrated into storytelling for a stagnant Chinese market. Rebecca Lo reports.
Don St. Pierre Jr.: 'Does China still matter to wineries in the future?'
Don St. Pierre Jr., the CEO of ASC Fine Wines, reveals the rationale behind portfolio changes and how his family ecosystem philosophy can be integrated into storytelling for a stagnant Chinese market....
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Seven new Masters of Wine have been announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine, bringing the 2026 intake to 11, the largest annual cohort since 2021. The latest group also includes the first Masters of Wine based in Portugal and Hungary.
Seven new Masters of Wine join largest class since 2021
Seven new Masters of Wine have been announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine, bringing the 2026 intake to 11, the largest annual cohort since 2021. The latest group also includes the first Master...
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Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis could receive as much as £20.02 million for the year to June 2027 if maximum performance conditions are met alongside a 50% rise in the company’s share price.
Diageo boss could earn £20m as company cuts jobs
Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis could receive as much as £20.02 million for the year to June 2027 if maximum performance conditions are met alongside a 50% rise in the company’s share price. The...
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