On-premise spirits sales on the rise in the US
As the U.S. economy continues to rebound in fits and starts, consumers are again moving to the on-premise, where operators are seizing on the momentum of the cocktail segment to drive business. “Flavors remain hot for both clear and brown spirits—and right now, brown...
Discus president: work continues to reverse Tequila ban in China
Patrón COO and Discus president John McDonnell has told Drinks International that work continues to reverse the Chinese ban on tequila. Tequila is exported to Hong Kong and Macau but is outlawed in mainland China because of its methanol level. McDonnell said work was...
German liquor supplier Waldemar Behn buys Danzka vodka from Belvedere
German liquor supplier Waldemar Behn has purchased Danzka vodka from France-based Belvedere Group for an undisclosed amount. The deal is said to be the biggest in Behn's 121-year history. With sales of 2.6 million bottles in 2012, Danzka vodka is well known brand...
Remy Cointreau’s global sales up 8.8% organically
Rémy Cointreau (RCO.PA) reported consolidated sales for the financial year ended 31 March 2013 of 1.19 billion euros, an increase of 16.3% from 1.03 billion euros last year. Sales rose 8.8% organically. The company said its sales performance during the period confirms...
Diageo’s North American sales up 6% organically, balancing weakness in other regions
Global drinks group Diageo said a strong performance and higher prices in U.S. spirits, its biggest business, led it to a 4 percent growth in organic net sales, balancing out consumer weakness in Brazil and Nigeria. The maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness...
Governor vetoes bill allowing transport of liquor through dry counties in Mississippi
Gov. Phil Bryant has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Mississippians to transport a limited amount of unopened alcohol through dry counties. Senate Bill 2526 was passed during the waning days of the 2013 session. The bill would let a person buy the liquor in a...
Italian company testing a natural anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial preservative to replace sulphur in wines
Integrapes, a company in Italy, is currently testing an anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial preservative derived from grape pips that it claims is as effective as sulphur. Furthermore, the wine is supposed to retain more of its natural aromas, particularly the more...
China’s black market in counterfeit alcohol is a health risk and costly to legitimate restaurants and bars
Two days before Christmas, Chinese authorities led a raid in the capital city. Their findings would be shocking, had it been anywhere but China: 37,000 bottles of counterfeit alcohol, destined for Bar Street in Sanlitun, a popular drinking hub for expats in Beijing. A...
Bordeaux futures: Merchants, retailers and consumers all want lower prices, but châteaus may not be listening
Bordeaux's futures campaign is underway, and the wine world is looking to the region this week, waiting for châteaus to make their move. But it's unclear if château owners know what move they want to make. After last year's disorganized, slow campaign, consumers,...