January
Brown-Forman took the decision to consolidate production at two of its scotch whisky distilleries, although neither was set to close.
The champagne industry’s post-Covid hangover continued for another year, with exports in 2024 sliding by over 10% in volume terms.
The office of the US Surgeon General leaned on the country’s lawmakers to update warning labels on alcohol to emphasise the risk of developing cancer from consuming alcohol.
Molson Coors Beverage Co acquired a minority stake in UK-based mixer business Fever-Tree.
Brown-Forman lined up a reduction of its global workforce, with almost 650 of its 5,400 employees expected to go.
February
Cognac brand owners had been prevented from refilling their stock levels in China’s global travel retail sales channel since the end of last year, Global Drinks Intel learned in February.
Treasury Wine Estates chose not to proceed with a consolidation of its lower-end portfolio, bringing an end to its intention to sell off its ‘commercial’ brands.
Campari Group commenced an “organisational restructuring” process that would include a review of its current employee base.
The World Health Organization (WHO) added its voice to the rising demand for cancer-related warning labels to feature on alcoholic beverages, this time in Europe.
China plummeted from being the fifth-most valuable export market for scotch whisky in 2023 to tenth last year, according to figures released in February, as the value of shipments to the country fell by 31.5%.
March
The CFO of UK-based BrewDog was promoted to lead the company, less than a year after his predecessor was appointed.
Diageo confirmed its intention not to bring any new brands into the programme run by its incubation partner Distill Ventures, a result of the group’s “strategic review of our approach to early-stage, venture investments”.
The level of underage alcohol consumption since 2010 has stayed the same or declined in 39 markets, according to research released in March.
UK off-premise multiple Majestic was poised to strengthen its on-premise presence in the country, securing agreement to acquire London-based rival Enotria&Coe.
The CEO of Viña Concha y Toro expressed an interest in inorganic growth drivers, namely mergers and acquisitions, for the group in the near term.
