Alcohol and beverage news covering brewers, distillers, wine, regulations, and consumer drinking trends.
The article argues that Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails are transforming India's festive drinking culture, particularly for Deepavali celebrations. It cites market data showing rising Gen Z consumption and highlights new product launches like BuzzBallz, which tailor flavors to local tastes to simplify hosting.
The Indian Express reports that the FSSAI banned Old Monk sales in Maharashtra because it is a rum-flavoured spirit, not rum. The manufacturer withdrew its High Court challenge to submit new labels, resolving the regulatory dispute over product classification and consumer transparency.
Axios reports on Kansas City's holiday pop-up bar trend, noting that popular venues like Twinkle and Miracle are selling out weeks in advance. The article details specific locations, themes, and charitable partnerships, advising residents to book early due to high demand for these seasonal experiences.
Australian winemakers argue that returning to brandy distillation enhances their portfolio's depth. The piece contends that the meticulous process of cutting spirits mirrors gem polishing, allowing producers to isolate the purest 'heart' of the distillate for premium maturation, thereby reviving a classic spirit category.
Spirits giant Diageo announced a 3.7% year-over-year fall in U.S. sales for its first fiscal quarter, attributing the decline to persistent market softness. CEO Dave Lewis warned that turnaround efforts will take up to a year, as the company directs investment into marketing for struggling labels like Crown Royal and Captain Morgan.
Alcohol stocks rose on Wednesday as investors bet a new Democratic Congress will counter Trump administration trade and immigration policies that dented booze businesses. Constellation Brands Inc., which sells Modelo and Corona beer brands in the US, rose as much as 7.4%, while other major alcohol stocks also jumped. Investors anticipate potential tariff relief and reduced trade war tensions.
The Wall Street Journal argues that brewers are capturing market share in the canned cocktail sector, displacing traditional distillers like Diageo and Pernod Ricard. The article contends that distillers missed early opportunities in this trend and are now scrambling to adapt their strategies to compete with brewery-led innovations.
The Boston Globe profiles Namu Distilling Co., New England's first Korean-American craft distillery in Jamaica Plain. Founders Will Blessing and Josh Moss transitioned from academia to produce soju and makgeolli using traditional methods, establishing a unique venue that blends cultural heritage with modern craft spirits production.