Another tariff war started to take shape, with two previously-unaffected spirits categories in the line of fire.
The authorities in China agreed to scrap the high tariffs imposed on Australian wine in late 2020, prompting jubilation at Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates.
Britvic agreed to the latest takeover offer tabled by Carlsberg with the brewer poised to acquire “one of the leading soft drinks businesses in Great Britain, Western Europe and Brazil”.
LVMH, the parent company of Moët Hennessy, lined up a change of leader at its beverage alcohol unit.
Pernod Ricard secured the divestment of virtually all of its wine operations after an agreement was reached in July with the owner of Accolade Wines.
Constellation Brands found a willing buyer for the Svedka vodka brand in Sazerac Co.
Gallo followed February’s corporate repositioning with an investment into Montana-based beer brand Montucky Cold Snacks.
Heineken confirmed plans to construct a new brewing facility in the emirate of Dubai.
The spirits industry is on course to surpass its wine peers in share size of total beverage alcohol volumes, according to the World Spirits Alliance trade association.
The parent company of Proximo Spirits and the Jose Cuervo tequila brand was encouraged by one of its shareholders to consider a “strategic merger combination”, according to a report in March.
William Grant & Sons reached an agreement with Edrington to acquire the full portfolio of blended scotch The Famous Grouse.
Anheuser-Busch InBev lined up the appointment of Jean Jereissati as the next lead for its largest reporting region.
Troubled US wine group Vintage Wine Estates warned in May that it was approaching bankruptcy, despite having undertaken a raft of measures to balance the business.
Another premix featuring Coca-Cola was primed to launch globally, this time with Bacardi’s namesake rum brand.
Campari Group lined up its next CEO as Simon Hunt prepared to take the helm.
Italy’s Illva Saronno welcomed back former executive Paolo Dalla Mora, acquiring full ownership of the founder’s Engine Gin brand for an undisclosed sum.
Stoli Group escalated its legal battle with US actor Brad Pitt over the ownership and control of the Château Miraval wine estate, which Pitt formerly co-owned with his now-ex-wife, Angelina Jolie.
Diageo commenced production last month at its new-build distillery in China, built at a markedly higher cost than initially announced.
US spirits giant Sazerac Co continued the refresh of its distribution arrangements, announcing a major break with partner Republic National Distributing Co.
Ex-Stoli Group lead Damian McKinney and Diageo’s former innovation director, Steve Wilson, joined forces to create a new company focusing on the alcohol-free segment.
