Spirits

How Brands Are Addressing Non-Alc’s Biggest Barriers

How Brands Are Addressing Non-Alc’s Biggest Barriers

Despite non-alc’s momentum, only 26% of the U.S. consumers moderating their alcohol say they are drinking no-alcohol alternatives to their favorite full-strength drinks, citing barriers around taste and lack of availability, according to a recent report from bev-alc data firm IWSR.

Boisson: Non-Alc Retailer Lands Backing From Pernod Ricard’s Venture Arm, Adds New CEO

Boisson: Non-Alc Retailer Lands Backing From Pernod Ricard’s Venture Arm, Adds New CEO

As the momentum behind zero-proof drinks shows no signs of abating, leading non-alc retailer Boisson is taking steps to secure its place within the expanding category, bringing on a new CEO and announcing today that has received funding in a $5 million bridge round from Convivialité Ventures, the VC arm of Pernod Ricard, and Connect Ventures.

Bacardi Acquires Ilegal Mezcal

Bacardi Acquires Ilegal Mezcal

Bacardi Limited has jumped fully into the mezcal game and acquired Ilegal Mezcal, the company announced today.

Beam Suntory: Sales Up in H1 2023; Slowdown in U.S.

Beam Suntory: Sales Up in H1 2023; Slowdown in U.S.

Beam Suntory reported a 10% rise in net sales for the first half of 2023, driven by ready-to-drink (RTD) brands and the company’s premiumization strategy, but nevertheless did face performance struggles in North America.

Does Blue Run and Molson Coors Deal Signal More Spirits M&A?

Does Blue Run and Molson Coors Deal Signal More Spirits M&A?

Molson Coors made headlines this week when it announced that it agreed to purchase Kentucky-based distillery Blue Run Spirits, marking the beer giant’s first spirits acquisition and the formal launch of its Coors Spirits Co. business.

Molson Coors Set to Acquire Blue Run in First Spirits Acquisition

Molson Coors Set to Acquire Blue Run in First Spirits Acquisition

Molson Coors has agreed to purchase Kentucky-based distillery Blue Run Spirits, marking the beer giant’s first spirits acquisition and the formal launch of its Coors Spirits Co. business. The amount was not disclosed.

Brewbound Podcast: DISCUS CEO on Spirits’ Cold Box Expansion Opportunities

Brewbound Podcast: DISCUS CEO on Spirits’ Cold Box Expansion Opportunities

Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. president and CEO Chris Swonger joins to break down the opportunities canned cocktails are creating for beverage-alcohol companies. Swonger also pushes back against the beer industry’s stance against expanded market access and lower excise taxes for these products.

Diageo, Diddy Officially Sever Ties

Diageo, Diddy Officially Sever Ties

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ signature album may be “No Way Out,” but Diageo apparently didn’t get the message.

Diddy Sues Diageo Alleging Racial Discrimination

Diddy Sues Diageo Alleging Racial Discrimination

Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs is suing business partner Diageo today alleging that the brands he co-owns with the spirits group, Cîroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila, were given worse treatment because he’s Black.

With Assist from Taylor Swift, Halfday Brings Spirit-Based Cocktails into Kegs

With Assist from Taylor Swift, Halfday Brings Spirit-Based Cocktails into Kegs

Tonight when hordes of fans are pushing their way towards refreshment stands at Massachusetts’s Gillette Stadium during the opening night of Taylor Swift’s much-heralded tour, they’ll have the option to order a glittery purple cocktail inspired by the pop star’s hit, “Lavender Haze.”

‘You Have To Do Volume’: A Look At E. & J. Gallo’s Vision For Fishers Island Lemonade

‘You Have To Do Volume’: A Look At E. & J. Gallo’s Vision For Fishers Island Lemonade

There were several factors that made ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail Fishers Island Lemonade an attractive acquisition target for E. & J. Gallo: premium positioning, high reorder rates, excellent taste and founder Bronya Shillo’s pioneering vision for canned cocktails. The New York-based brand agreed to be acquired by Spirit of Gallo, E. & J. Gallo’s spirits division, earlier this month.

Sazerac CEO Mark Brown to Step Down, Replacement Named

Sazerac CEO Mark Brown to Step Down, Replacement Named

CEO of Sazerac Mark Brown plans to leave his role next month, according to reporting by Louisville Business First. The move is part of “a long-signaled and eight-year succession plan,” that will see Brown move to the role of executive chairman.