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The Drinks Business
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The world's leading trade title in the alcohol industry. https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/
Australia’s largest wine producer has slashed the value of its US business amid weakening demand. The move deepens investor concerns after a year of heavy share price losses.
Treasury Wine Estates hit by major US write-down
Australia’s largest wine producer has slashed the value of its US business amid weakening demand. The move deepens investor concerns after a year of heavy share price losses.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Industry leaders say the Chancellor’s Budget masks steep increases in business rates and other costs. Despite claims of a “new golden era,” operators warn closures could accelerate across pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Reeves accused of ‘smoke and mirrors’ over hospitality tax rises
Industry leaders say the Chancellor’s Budget masks steep increases in business rates and other costs. Despite claims of a “new golden era,” operators warn closures could accelerate across pubs, hotels...
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December 1, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Mount Mary head winemaker Sam Middleton tells db in an exclusive interview about his plans to make his Yarra Valley wine estate world-famous, and why Bordeaux grapes are the basis for his region’s flagship blends.
Mount Mary: ‘We want to become a global wine brand’
Mount Mary head winemaker Sam Middleton tells the drinks business about his plans to make his Yarra Valley wine estate world-famous.
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November 28, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Strong trading marked WBWE’s return to Amsterdam, as db reported from the show this week, with Vinexposium preparing to extend its Explorer Series into bulk.
Vinexposium backs bulk with new Explorer Series push
Strong trading marked WBWE’s return to Amsterdam, with Vinexposium preparing to extend its Explorer Series into bulk.
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November 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Rémy Cointreau’s new chief executive says the group has moved past the worst of its challenges. Early results suggest cautious optimism as the company prepares for a major strategic reset.
Rémy Cointreau signals fresh start under new CE
Rémy Cointreau’s new chief executive says the group has moved past the worst of its challenges. Early results suggest cautious optimism as the company prepares for a major strategic reset.
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November 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Malcolm Gluck, once the most provocative voice in British wine writing, remains as sharp and irrepressible as ever, writes Anthony Rose. Approaching 84, he reflects on a life of words, rebellion and unfiltered opinion.
Where are they now? Malcolm Gluck – apostle of plonk
Malcolm Gluck, once the most provocative voice in British wine writing, remains as sharp and irrepressible as ever, writes Anthony Rose. Approaching 84, he reflects on a life of words, rebellion and u...
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November 26, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Two months after launching Labombe in Mayfair, Isa Bal MS and Jonny Lake talk Amelie Maurice-Jones through the philosophy behind the wine list and the realities of staffing in 2025.
‘Knowingly, I would never list wines from a fascist’: In conversation with Isa Bal and Jonny Lake
“If we are happy with the quality, then the wine can come from Mars. We don't care where it is from”, with one exception, “I would never list wines from a fascist.” Two months after launching Labombe ...
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November 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Cocktail culture is entering a new phase where earlier hours, sweeter flavours and community-led rituals shape how consumers drink, according to the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2026. The report suggests a shift driven by Gen Z, who are redefining where and why they order a drink.
Bacardi unveils cocktail trends that shift drinking into an all-day affair
Cocktail culture is entering a new phase where earlier hours, sweeter flavours and community-led rituals shape how consumers drink, according to the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2026. The report sug...
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November 25, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The UK Government is facing fierce criticism from hospitality leaders after reports that a holiday tax could be enforced on visitors as an additional cost, effectively increasing the VAT rate for holidaymakers in Britain.
UK Government faces backlash over possible holiday tax U-turn
The UK Government is facing fierce criticism from hospitality leaders after reports that a holiday tax could be handed to mayors at the Budget, despite assurances given to Parliament only two months a...
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November 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the black stuff?
The Guinness 60/40 trend: sacrilegious or genius?
As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the...
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Australia’s second-largest wine company is preparing a major overhaul. Vinarchy plans to cut almost half its brands, shift towards smaller formats and lower alcohol styles for a new generation of drinkers.
Vinarchy to axe 60 wine brands as it targets younger drinkers
Australia’s second-largest wine company is preparing a major overhaul. Vinarchy plans to cut almost half its brands, shift towards smaller formats and lower alcohol styles for a new generation of drin...
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November 25, 2025 at 12:19 PM
JD Wetherspoon, the UK pub chain famed for its cheap beer and affordable fry-ups, is gearing up to open its first-ever pub in Europe in a popular British holiday hotspot. The group’s boss, Tim Martin, says it aims to open more pubs overseas in the future.
Wetherspoon to launch first boozer abroad
JD Wetherspoon, the UK pub chain famed for its cheap beer and affordable fry-ups, is gearing up to open its first ever pub in Europe in a popular British holiday hotspot. The group’s boss, Tim Martin,...
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November 24, 2025 at 11:58 AM
From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inheritors of that legacy, but who will protect it as monastic influence fades?
Did the Catholic Church invent terroir?
From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inh...
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November 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
One of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, Château Cantemerle, has completed an extensive renovation which allows for the storage of 2m additional bottles. db reports.
Château Cantemerle quietly makes room for 2 million extra bottles
One of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, Château Cantemerle, has completed an extensive renovation which allows for the storage of 2m additional bottles. db reports.
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November 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Speaking candidly to db as part of its Desert Island Drinks podcast series, MD at Benchmark Drinks, Paul Schaafsma, expressed his dismay at the UK Government’s “destructive” approach towards the wine trade.
UK government destroying wine trade laments Benchmark Drinks MD
MD at London-based Benchmark Drinks Paul Schaafsma expresses his dismay at the UK government’s "destructive" approach towards the wine trade.
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November 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Coterie Holdings has announced the upcoming departure of Hallgarten & Novum Wines managing director Andrew Bewes who will step down on 31 March 2026 after a 16-year tenure.
Hallgarten MD steps down after 16 years in post
Coterie Holdings has announced the upcoming departure of Hallgarten & Novum Wines managing director Andrew Bewes.
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November 24, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The UK Foreign Office has put 11 additional countries on the watch list as fatalities continue to climb from methanol poisoning caused by consuming contaminated alcohol. Is your next holiday hotspot on the list? red-list/
11 more countries added to methanol poisoning red list
The UK Foreign Office has put 11 additional countries on the watch list as fatalities continue to climb from methanol poisoning caused by consuming contaminated alcohol. Is your next holiday hotspot o...
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November 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
New UC Davis research suggests Cabernet Sauvignon carries molecular traces of its original 17th-century parentage. The finding sheds light on why this grape remains so consistent across centuries of clonal propagation.
Cabernet Sauvignon 'still remembers its parents', says UC Davis study
New UC Davis research suggests Cabernet Sauvignon carries molecular traces of its original 17th-century parentage. The finding sheds light on why this grape remains so consistent across centuries of c...
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November 20, 2025 at 12:22 PM
A cocktail bar in Greater Manchester has banned solo drinkers after its owner claimed they “mither” other customers.
Cocktail bar sparks debate after banning solo drinkers
A cocktail bar in Greater Manchester has banned solo drinkers after its owner claimed they “mither” other customers and pose safety risks late at night. The policy has sparked criticism, with some war...
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November 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
As of 2025, International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) members represent 3.5% of global wine production. And the last 12 months have seen the number of Gold members double. Sarah Neish reports.
Top four findings from the latest IWCA report
As of 2025, International Wines for Climate Action (IWCA) members represent 3.5% of global wine production. And the last 12 months have seen the number of Gold members double. Sarah Neish reports.
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November 20, 2025 at 12:17 PM
In response to Matthew Deller MW’s recent article on wine’s market trajectory, Alfonso Cevola argues that the industry’s difficulties run deeper than a temporary downturn. He contends that wine’s recruitment pipeline has fractured – and that cultural shifts, not just economics, are to blame.
Letter to the editor: on wine’s cyclical versus structural challenges
In response to Matthew Deller MW’s recent article on wine’s market trajectory, Alfonso Cevola argues that the industry’s difficulties run deeper than a temporary downturn. He contends that wine’s recr...
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November 20, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Bookings in UK bars and restaurants surged by 30% in October versus the same period last year, according to new data.
UK bars strong in October but Autumn Budget could thwart growth
Bookings in UK bars and restaurants surged by 30% in October versus the same period last year, according to new data. But Access Hospitality, which analysed booking patterns through the discovery plat...
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November 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM
E-commerce company Tannico has been fined €50,000 for “unfair commercial practices” surrounding “discounts” offered on its wines.
Italy's biggest online wine retailer fined for falsely claiming products were discounted
E-commerce company Tannico has been fined €50,000 for "unfair commercial practices" surrounding "discounts" offered on its wines.
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November 18, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Hop to it and start your entry now for The Drinks Business Awards 2026, which honours the best minds and operators across the global trade. Don’t miss your chance to take home a trophy.
Entries now open for The Drinks Business Awards 2026
Hop to it and start your entry now for The Drinks Business Awards 2026, which honours the best minds and operators across the global trade. Don't miss your chance to take home a trophy.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Diageo has temporarily halted malt production at its Roseisle site, near Kinloss in Moray, in the latest sign of mounting pressure across the Scotch whisky supply chain. Farmers, maltsters and producers are feeling the squeeze as demand slows and costs rise.
Diageo pauses maltings at Roseisle as whisky sector faces deepening strain
Diageo has halted malt production at its Roseisle site, in the latest sign of mounting pressure across the Scotch whisky supply chain.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:40 PM