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The Drinks Business

@teamdb.bsky.social
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The world's leading trade title in the alcohol industry. www.thedrinksbusiness.com

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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 19h
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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.
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‘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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
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”.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
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.
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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.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
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.
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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.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
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.
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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.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
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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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
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.
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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.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
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.
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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...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
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.
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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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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
For drinks brands operating in the global travel retail sphere, this might be the most important piece of info you absorb all year. Seoul Incheon has overtaken London Heathrow and Dubai to become the world’s busiest international airport, and here’s why.
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Seoul Incheon becomes world's busiest international airport
For drinks brands operating in the global travel retail sphere, this might be the most important piece of info you absorb all year. Seoul Incheon has overtaken London Heathrow and Dubai to become the ...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
According to a Market Intelo report, stainless steel now accounts for 42.5% of the global tank marketplace and is expected to grow at 5.1% CAGR as “freshness” and “purity” continue to be the hallmarks of favourite wine styles.
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Nearly half of all wine tank sales are now stainless steel
According to a Market Intelo report, stainless steel now accounts for 42.5% of the global tank marketplace, and is expected to grow at 5.1% CAGR as "freshness" and "purity" continue to be the hallmark...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Former Accolade Wines CEO and Treasury Wine Estates COO Robert Foye says TWE has made “real progress” on the value-creation agenda he put to the board earlier this year, but argues that the company must now prove its restructuring can translate into stronger earnings and commercial performance.
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‘The next test is execution’: former CEO welcomes Treasury Wine Estates reset
Former Accolade Wines CEO and Treasury Wine Estates COO Robert Foye says TWE has made “real progress” on the value-creation agenda he put to the board earlier this year, but argues that the company mu...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Serving wine at the right temperature can make a significant difference to how it tastes, whether you are opening a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a mature red or a bottle of Sherry.
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What temperature should you serve wine at?
Serving wine at the right temperature can make a significant difference to how it tastes, whether you are opening a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a mature red or a bottle of Sherry. Gabriel Stone explains wh...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Treasury Wine Estates will take a US$394 million post-tax charge as it accelerates the overhaul of its troubled American operations.
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Treasury Wine Estates takes US$394m hit on US business
Treasury Wine Estates will take a US$394 million post-tax charge as it accelerates the overhaul of its troubled American operations. Despite the latest writedown, the Australian wine group expects ful...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The main consumer choices and behaviours influencing alcohol consumption among legal-drinking-age adults have been uncovered in a new white paper. But what are they? db finds out.
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Find out the trends attracting Gen Z consumers to drink
The main consumer choices and behaviours influencing alcohol consumption among legal-drinking-age adults have been uncovered in a new white paper. But what are they? db finds out.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Following the news that south London train station Denmark Hill is producing its first vintage of Bacchus, Sarah Neish speaks to the project’s winemakers about staying on track and not going loco in the British heatwave.
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Chateau Denmark Hill: "We're hoping for 22 bottles this year, but we're not allowed to sell it."
Following the news that south London train station Denmark Hill is producing its first vintage of Bacchus, Sarah Neish speaks to the project's winemakers about staying on track and not going loco in t...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Court documents filed following Republic National Distributing Company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy have revealed more than US$400 million in unsecured debts and mounting financial pressures stretching back several years.
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RNDC court filings reveal scale of distributor’s financial collapse
Court documents filed following Republic National Distributing Company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy have revealed more than US$400 million in unsecured debts and mounting financial pressures stretching bac...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
While regional trade organisations “do excellent work”, the US wine trade “does not do a fantastic job” of collective marketing, says the agency founder behind an anti-Prohibitionist campaign.
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US wine industry risks losing ground without collective marketing
The US wine trade "does not do a fantastic job" of collective marketing, says agency founder behind anti-prohibitionist campaign.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
As wildfires continue to blaze near Bordeaux, in what President Emmanuel Macron has described as the toughest situation France has faced since World War II, the country’s celebrated wine region confronts a growing environmental crisis.
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‘Worst crisis since WWII’: Bordeaux wildfires continue amid extreme heat
As wildfires continue to blaze near Bordeaux, in what President Emmanuel Macron has described as the toughest situation France has faced since World War II, the country's celebrated wine region confro...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has confirmed to db that prospective buyers have already expressed interest in acquiring parts of its remaining business as the US drinks distributor enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
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'Parties have expressed an interest': RNDC seeks buyers as Chapter 11 begins
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has confirmed to db that prospective buyers have already expressed interest in acquiring parts of its remaining business as the US drinks distributor ente...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The US drinks distributor has entered Chapter 11 after months of selling operations across the country, with the court-supervised process intended to facilitate further sales and an orderly wind-down of its remaining business.
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RNDC files for bankruptcy as distributor seeks buyers for remaining business
The US drinks distributor has entered Chapter 11 after months of selling operations across the country, with the court-supervised process intended to facilitate further sales and an orderly wind-down ...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Having been given a wine list from Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel printed in the mid-1960s, Patrick Schmitt MW looks at the cost of drinking Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Provençal rosé back then, versus today.
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This is what fine wine cost in Gleneagles Hotel 60 years ago
Patrick Schmitt MW looks at the cost of drinking Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Provençal rosé at Gleneagles in the 60s, versus today.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
More than 50,000 hectares have burned in Ávila as producers wait to discover the extent of the damage to Sierra de Gredos’ old-vine Garnacha and Albillo Real vineyards. Several historic parcels have already been lost as firefighters continue to battle one of Spain’s most destructive recent wildfires
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Wildfires threaten historic vineyards in Sierra de Gredos
More than 50,000 hectares have burned in Ávila as producers wait to discover the extent of the damage to Sierra de Gredos’ old-vine Garnacha and Albillo Real vineyards. Several historic parcels have a...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The US has officially returned to tariff-free trading for Scotch whisky in a move that has been met with much goodwill among the sector.
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Spirits industry responds to US lifting tariffs on Scotch
The US has officially returned to tariff-free trading for Scotch whisky in a move that has been met by much goodwill among the sector.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
US President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports, accusing the country’s provinces of discriminating against American alcoholic beverages. www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/trum...
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Trump hits Canada with 50% tariffs over US alcohol ban
US President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports, accusing the country's provinces of discriminating against American alcoholic beverages. The White House said the move i...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Trade unionists are urging US President Donald Trump to make some of America’s biggest beer brands “a lot more American”. But what is provoking the rift with Mexico over imported beer? db looks at the argument.
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Will Modelo and Corona brewing move from Mexico to the US?
US President Donald Trump is being urged by trade unionists to make some of America’s biggest beer brands “a lot more American”. But what is provoking the rift with Mexico over imported beer? db looks at the argument.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Among the wine sector’s few growth areas right now is rosé – but a stylistic drift towards excessive leanness could damage the balance that built its appeal, argues Patrick Schmitt MW.
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Patrick Schmitt MW: Don't dilute rosé's success
Among the wine sector's few current successes is rosé, but could a stylistic drift towards leanness damage the balance that built its appeal?
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Australia’s 2026 wine harvest has dropped to its lowest level in a quarter of a century as weak global demand and extreme weather continue to weigh on the industry. Despite a significantly smaller crop, grape prices have continued to decline, underlining the scale of the challenges facing producers.
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Australian wine harvest falls to 25-year low
Australia's 2026 wine harvest has dropped to its lowest level in a quarter of a century as weak global demand and extreme weather continue to weigh on the industry. Despite a significantly smaller cro...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Gin made from hand-foraged berries and kelp has put the Falkland Islands on the spirits map, but founder Richard McKee says tourism remains the lifeblood of the business. He explains why exporting from one of the world’s most remote distilleries is easier imagined than achieved.
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Meet the man bottling the spirit of the Falkland Islands
Gin made from hand-foraged berries and kelp has put the Falkland Islands on the spirits map, but founder Richard McKee says tourism remains the lifeblood of the business. Speaking to James Bayley, he ...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The latest addition to the fast-developing Champagne Barons de Rothschild is a pair of single-site expressions from grands crus in Avize and Cramant – and Patrick Schmitt MW gets an early taste.
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Champagne Barons de Rothschild launches cuvées parcellaires
Patrick Schmitt MW tastes the latest additions to the fast-developing Barons de Rothschild Champagne house.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Once renowned for its naturally low-alcohol whites with a hint of fizz, Vinhos Verdes is diving into a new era – one that reveals the Portuguese wine region in all its technicolour glory, writes Sarah Neish.
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Green room: how Vinhos Verdes upped its A-list appeal
Once renowned for its naturally low-alcohol whites with a hint of fizz, Vinhos Verdes is diving into a new era – one that reveals the Portuguese wine region in all its technicolour glory, writes Sarah...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
France’s prolonged summer heat and drought are shrinking grape development across major wine regions, with Champagne growers expecting yields to fall around 10% and harvests beginning weeks earlier than normal.
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Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever
Following an early start to the growing season, then frost, now heatwave conditions, Champagne is set for its earliest harvest start date.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Each nation participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 battles it out to be named the world champions of beer.
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The ultimate beer World Cup
The 2026 World Cup may still be unfolding, but what happens when the competing nations are judged by the global reach of their biggest beer brands instead? We put all 48 countries through a beer World...
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
French wine producers are facing another difficult growing season as record-breaking temperatures compound the effects of frost, hail and prolonged drought across key regions.
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French vineyards battle extreme heat as climate pressures mount
French wine producers are facing another difficult growing season as record-breaking temperatures compound the effects of frost, hail and prolonged drought across key regions.
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The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Valdobbiadene producer Andreola is developing traditional method sparkling and still wines from a nine-hectare vineyard in the Belluno Dolomites. During a visit to Sedico, the drinks business found a project shaped by the family’s ambition to move beyond the Prosecco label.
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Andreola takes Prosecco expertise into the Dolomites
Valdobbiadene producer Andreola is developing traditional method sparkling and still wines from a nine-hectare vineyard in the Belluno Dolomites. During a visit to Sedico, the drinks business found a ...
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