Industry News

Proposed California Cannabis Laws Point Towards Pot’s Future

As goes California, other states will follow. So typically is the Golden State a testing ground for progressive legislation before these laws take root elsewhere. California, the largest state to legalize recreational cannabis, is currently...

Combatting Big Box Stores and Celebrating Independent Retailers at BARC 2017

How can beverage alcohol retailers fend off Big Box competitors while thriving in the digital age? These and other critical questions were explored during the inaugural Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference (BARC) this week. More than...

Why Tequila Has a Bright Future

Tequila producers today have an enviable luxury problem: making sure there is enough of the classic Mexican spirit to go around. Maintaining a steady supply during a time of unprecedented growth has been an important...

Gruppo Campari Continues Wine Exit, Sells Château de Sancerre

Gruppo Campari has sold the Château de Sancerre winery, continuing its full exit from the still wine business. The reported price of the sale was $22.97 million. The buyer was Maison Ackerman, the wine division of Terrena, a...

How Shaw-Ross Got Into Sake, and Ascended with Whispering Angel

Shaw Ross International Importers has remained busy in recent years, picking up a popular sake brand while also adding a premium wine division. Working with Chateau d’Esclans, the company has also overseen the explosive...

Pernod Ricard Purchases Majority Stake In Del Maguey Mezcal

Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to take a majority stake in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal. The transaction is subject to usual condition precedents and is expected to close within 90 days. Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, founded...

Brown-Forman Reports 4% Sales Decrease In 2017

Brown-Forman, the drinks corporation behind Jack Daniel's and other global brands, this week reported a 4% dip in 2017 sales compared with last year. Underlying sales declined from $4 billion to $3.9 billion. Net income was...

AB InBev Discloses Minority Stake Purchase in RateBeer.com

In a move that has attracted negative reaction in the craft beer world, AB InBev has reportedly bought a minority investment in the longstanding brew-review website RateBeer.com. According to an article posted by GoodBeerHunting.com, the deal actually closed in October of...

Heineken Rolls Out City-Specific Aluminum Bottles

Heineken has unveiled limited-edition aluminum bottles, available only in select cities. "This durable and chic packaging is perfect for social spaces like rooftop bars, patios, and pool areas, its label design celebrates each city’s unique...

Why Flavored Vodka Has Finally Grown Up

Flavored vodka is finally growing up. Which may seem like a funny thing to say about an integral part of the biggest spirits category. Let’s say the segment is maturing — finding its essence and true...