Published: 20 January, 2025
This time of year, is when I must start polishing my crystal ball in the hope I can come up with a few nuggets of prophecy for the spirits industry, for the year ahead. And whilst I’m not Mystic Meg, I foresee the year to come as one of change; a year filled with lofty highs and disappointing lows. The way I see it, 2024 has seen a few big success stories, which have laid the groundwork to enjoy more success in 2025. But 2024 was also a tricky year for many producers, and, with plenty of regulatory and legislative upheaval expected, 2025 does look like it might have a few surprises in store for us. Here are my predictions on what could be, a rollercoaster of a year, for the great British booze industry.
Read more...
|
Published: 02 October, 2024
Laphroaig distillery has named George Campbell as its new distillery manager, part of a broader restructuring initiative by owner Suntory Global Spirits.
Read more...
Published: 05 April, 2024
Prices for agave are currently in a tailspin as sales of premium products slow in key markets like the US and years of zealous plantings finally catch up – and outstrip – demand.
Read more...
Published: 12 February, 2024
If you’re an avid agave fan or have been subject to any of my previous tequila musings of the last few years, you might have heard the phrase – ‘the tequila timebomb’. For a few years now, the boom in tequila’s popularity has been well documented, as have the numerous voices warning that, to keep up with this demand, producers are irresponsibly damaging Mexico’s agricultural and civil landscapes. In 2022, my article on the subject talked about monocropping practices of enormous agave cultivations, cloned plants, and the dangerous effect these were having on biodiversity, agriculture, and even water availability for local communities. So, 18 months later, have we managed to dispose of the tequila timebomb?
Read more...
Published: 27 October, 2023
Just as 818, the new tequila brand from Kardashian scion, Kendall Jenner, lands in the UK, Michael Goldstein, drinks entrepreneur behind Prosecco Ventures asks, ‘Can tequila’s fiery spirits brands continue their ascent, or will they fade into obscurity?’
Read more...
Published: 16 October, 2023
When it comes to this point of the year, customers start turning their thoughts towards Christmas. I know we say this every year, but Christmas 2023 really is going to be one of the most important festive seasons of the last ten years. While a great season won’t solve the various problems put upon the industry by government (duty hikes, rail strikes, and soaring energy costs, to name but a few) it’ll certainly go some way to protecting against the inevitable quiet months in early 2024.
Read more...
Published: 31 January, 2022
Once known by its ‘slammer’ reputation, tequila is carving out a new niche in UK spirits with optimistic sales as a premium sipping drink, writes Jo Gilbert.
Read more...
GOSNELLS MEAD GARDEN
Read more...
Published: 23 September, 2020
From an almost complete unknown beyond the Americas, raicilla is now making inroads overseas, including markets such as the UK. David Furer reports on the new kid on the spirits block.
Read more...
Published: 18 August, 2020
Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin brand has landed a mega-deal with drinks giant Diageo, which has been acquired via parent company Davos Brands.
Read more...
Published: 30 September, 2019
Modern brands are looking beyond mixing in search of a brighter future, says Nigel Huddleston
Read more...
Published: 09 August, 2019
It is a tumultuous time to be a smaller tequila producer. External forces are a mixture of positive market growth and negative trade tensions, including rising supply costs (agave, in 2018, was up 571% since 2016), fuel shortages engendered by pipeline pirates and fraying civil structure in the main production area of Jalisco. Against this background ‘adaptation’ is the keyword for the smaller producer.
Read more...
Published: 05 August, 2019
Storywood in Scotland has unveiled its core range of aged tequilas.
Read more...
Batanga Reposado and Batanga Blanco Tequilas are now available in the UK from Emporia Brands.
Read more...
Think Gin returns next Tuesday (18 June) with the addition of Think Tequila & Mezcal, which joins the ‘Think’ family for the first time.
Read more...
Published: 12 December, 2018
Thanks to its renewed reputation as a drink to be taken seriously, Lisa Riley looks at tequila’s potential in the UK as an upmarket and fashionable spirit.
Read more...
Published: 10 December, 2018
With another two years to go before the current agave shortage – which has caused huge price spikes – is expected to come to an end, House of Tequila has urged the industry to “work together” to avoid such volatile market conditions in the future.
Read more...
Published: 20 November, 2018
Canada has been crowned the winner of Altos Tequila’s first bartender competition based on innovation in sustainability.
Read more...
Bacardi has completed the acquisition of premium tequila producer Patrón Spirits International.
Read more...
Published: 18 April, 2018
Jose Cuervo has signed a deal to sponsor the mixologist Margarita Rumble competition for the second year running.
Read more...
