Nick Gillett: Gen Z and booze – not sober, not skint, just done with nonsense

There’s a lazy ongoing narrative doing the rounds that Gen Z “don’t drink”. It’s neat, clickable, and largely wrong.

Nick Gillett: Toe to toe with giants – how independent spirits can compete

In today’s challenging economy, with all the difficulties UK hospitality is facing, it can feel like the drinks industry is being shaped more and more by our sector’s biggest players; the big boys of global industry with deep, deep pockets and reach. But let’s get it straight: the environment we’re currently in gives them a competitive edge. It helps them to win shelf space and bar listings – and that’s intimidating. I imagine if you’re a challenger brand or reasonably new to the market, you’re frustrated by the status quo.

Nick Gillett: Growth by the barrel – why Rum can do no wrong

What’s not to love about rum. It’s a party drink, it’s fun, it makes you think of tropical climates and holidays – and above all else, it’s delicious. The ideal tonic for the depressing outlook of a dull British winter. For 25 years we’ve been saying ‘Rum is the next big thing’. But unlike the gin boom of the early 2010s, the slow and steady growth of the category has actually turned into 25 years of unwavering success. It snuck up on us to become one of the largest and most successful spirit categories – and it looks like there’s even more growth to come.

New study shines light on future trends in spirits

Research undertaken by GlobalData suggests that premiumisation, convenience, generational shifts and AI will be the key drivers of innovation and development in the spirits industry over the next five years.

Premium spirits: Paying the price of lockdown

Paragon projects three-fold revenue increase following ‘substantial investment’

Paragon Brands has upped its projections for revenue and profit to “a target of £15m” within three years following a major investment by Maison Villevert.

Exclusive distribution deal for Berry Bros and Walsh Whiskey

Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) Brands has signed a deal as the exclusive distributor in the UK for Irish whiskey producer, Walsh Whiskey, from the 1 April, 2021.

Spirits: Premium’s in the house

Premium spirits have done a roaring trade under lockdown, as consumers with no place to go attempt to recreate some on-trade magic, writes Nigel Huddleston

Premium spirits to defy Covid pressures

Premium-and-above spirits are forecasted to increase their global volume market share to 13% by 2024 as consumers continue to search for “authenticity and status”, according to the IWSR.

Mangrove appoints on-trade sales director

Mangrove UK has promoted its current South sales manager Chris Pollard to on-trade sales director.

Two to three big Christmases left for gin amid premium spirits boom

Pernod Ricard is banking on another big hurrah for gin growth this festive season, with its on-going popularity and major presence in the UK’s cocktail culture helping to boost growth of premium spirits.

Premium spirits worth 40% more to the on-trade at Christmas

The shift to premium spirits has happened and is here to stay, opening up a multimillion pound opportunity for the UK’s bars and restaurants this festive season.

Enotria&Coe appoints Ivan Dixon head of spirits buying

Enotria&Coe has appointed Ivan Dixon as its new head of spirits buyer.

Bacardi completes Patrón acquisition

Bacardi has completed the acquisition of premium tequila producer Patrón Spirits International.

Hine appoints Speciality Brands as UK distributor

Hine Cognac has appointed premium spirits agent Speciality Brands as its new UK distributor.