Beer Archives - The Drinks Business

Could Elon Musk learn from the fall of Bud Light?

Jessica Mason — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:17:57 +0000

Speculation surrounding Elon Musk’s Tesla challenges are being compared to those faced by AB InBev during boycotts of its Bud Light brand. In a recent report from Newsweek, the title identified that “a brand tarnished, a customer base alienated and boycotts taking their toll” were among the similarities between Tesla and Bud Light’s struggles. AB InBev’s troubles began with its Bud Light back in 2023, sparked by the company collaborating with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The collaboration then resulted in a highly-publicised backlash and boycott from the brand’s core audience, leading to sales of the beer taking a nosedive. Warwick Business School professor of marketing Hugh Wilson told reporters: "You can often play to different segments with different messages in different media. But not, it seems, on culture-war issues in the increasingly polarised US." Reports outlined how the catalyst for Tesla’s issues stemmed from Musk's interplay with politics, with Newsweek stating his financial backing of election campaigns in 2024 as well as becoming the figurehead of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As such, Newsweek insisted that “the effects of this have been at least as pronounced as the backlash to Bud Light” and referenced how Tesla's stock has now fallen along with the brand’s global sales. According to analysis that was shared by the analysts at CreditSights, Tesla has seen volumes tumble and these have been "largely driven by a consumer backlash due to Elon Musk's association with the Trump administration”. Tesla’s market capitalisation dropped 45% since hitting an all-time high of US$1.5 trillion on 17 December 2024, erasing most of the gains the stock had made after Musk helped finance Trump’s election victory, according to Reuters. Comparatively, Bud Light itself took a heavy beating after its Mulveney partnership, with sales falling 21.4% during the month of April in 2023. Despite the open assessment, the reports also outlined how the Tesla and Bud Light cases differed in a number of ways with “the most obvious being the ideologies of those lashing out at the companies and those lamenting the consequences”. Donald Trump posted to Truth Social during the height of the Bud Light boycott: "Money does talk — Anheuser-Busch now understands that." However, last week, the US President's response to the Tesla situation Musk finds himself in was to declare the boycotts and protests "illegal". Weighing up the situation, Newsweek stated that the cases could still be seen as similar due to both companies having angered what was considered to be their core customer base. Echoing this, London Business School management and marketing professor Patrick Barwise explained: "Both cases demonstrate, in very different ways, the perils of managing brands in these polarised times.” db has reached out to both AB InBev and Tesla for comment.

More than 200 breweries launch We Love LA beer

Jessica Mason — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:13:50 +0000

A beer initiative that allows brewers to send proceeds to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts has launched across more than 200 breweries. The new beer line, which began when Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne, California was compelled to take action to help support wildfire relief services. Inspired by Sierra Nevada’s Resilience IPA and Maui Brewing's Kokua Project, Common Space launched We Love LA and within days of its announcement, Creature Comforts and Firestone Walker approached the brewery with an offer to help manage and expand the campaign. Since then, hundreds of breweries have committed to amplify these efforts, bring together breweries from across the world to raise money for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’s Wildfire Response Fund. The initiative’s aim is to recruit breweries far and wide to create a special beer as part of a fundraising collaboration and, as well as being joined by breweries across California, breweries from Australia and Japan are joining in. According to the collaboration rules, participating breweries simply have to create their own unique beer tabs name it “We Love LA.” All of the beers released will use the same logo and have a QR code on the cans leading to a donation website. Guidance now available via the We Love LA website has stated: “By allowing breweries to choose their preferred style and develop their own recipe, we hope this will make it as simple as possible for any interested brewery to participate.” Local reports have identified that the types of “We Love LA” beers range from a Juicy IPA from Santa Monica Brew Works through to a Table Saison Ale from Torrance-based Cellador.

Heineken launches first global AI lab

Jessica Mason — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:07:17 +0000

Heineken has revealed the launch of the first global generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) lab which is set to be based in Singapore. The move, which came about via a partnership that the Dutch brewer has made with AI Singapore has been created in a bid for the beer business to boost growth, productivity and customer engagement across its operations worldwide. Speaking about the launch, Heineken’s Asia-Pacific managing director Kenneth Choo explained that the lab serves as a “global centre of expertise” to not only to enhance and grow AI innovation in Singapore and across Asia, but also to have a halo effect upon all global operations for the brewing giant. Choo explained: “By harnessing Singapore’s exceptional AI ecosystem, skilled talent and supportive government policies, we are excited to drive the development of innovative solutions that will transform the beverage industry for years to come.” According to Heineken, the lab will also lead the development of scalable GenAI solutions across several areas including systems that can then autonomously solve complex problems - such as creating automated marketing content and more in depth and intuitive financial reporting. Describing the new partnership, AI Singapore’s AI Innovation director Laurence Liew explained: “By combining Heineken’s industry expertise with our AI capabilities and talent, we are creating a powerful model for how businesses and research institutions can collaborate to create solutions with real-world impact.” The goal is for, by the end of 2025, for the two businesses to have worked together to untimately assemble a team between the two companies that can then set about learning some of the most innovative approaches in AI to assist in moving the beer producer forwards in what can be accomplished. Speaking about the union, the Economic Development Board (EDB) highlighted how the collaborative venture between the two companies was a positive step. Praising the partnership, EDB executive vice-president Chan Ih-Ming added: “This initiative will allow Heineken to unlock new business value from Singapore, while concurrently serving as a valuable platform to level up on AI talent and capabilities.”

Irish pub seeks someone named ‘McLoughlin’ to carry on 155-year legacy

James Bayley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:57:45 +0000

A pub in Ireland with your name on it: Heineken launches global search to keep a family tradition alive. Irish pubs, those bastions of warmth, wit and well-poured pints, are facing a crisis of succession. More than four in ten rural publicans are considering retirement, yet 84% have no heir to take over. Now, one historic establishment on Ireland’s rugged west coast is at a crossroads. McLoughlin’s Bar, perched on Achill Island where the Atlantic crashes against the shore, is in danger of losing the name that has graced its door for 155 years. Fourth-generation publican Joseph ‘Josie’ McLoughlin (pictured), who was born upstairs in the very pub he now runs, has spent 43 years behind the bar. With no family member to pass the business on to, he faces the unthinkable: seeing the McLoughlin name vanish from its signboard. “I have no one to leave the pub to, and I’d resigned myself to looking for a buyer outside the family,” says Josie. “That would just break my heart. The name McLoughlin is woven into the very fabric of this pub. The past 50 years have been incredibly fulfilling for me and I’d love to see that story continue. If I could guarantee the McLoughlin name would still be above the door in another 155 years, I’d die a happy man.”

Heineken steps in

Enter Heineken, wielding its considerable marketing clout in a bid to track down someone named McLoughlin willing to take up the mantle. The search extends far beyond the shores of Ireland – to the 88 million people of Irish descent scattered across the world, from New York to Buenos Aires to Sydney. The recruitment campaign will see McLoughlin’s name emblazoned on billboards in cities where the Irish diaspora has flourished. Digital ads, PR initiatives and a widespread outreach strategy will ensure that no McLoughlin is left unaware of the opportunity. It’s a rare chance to own not just a pub, but a legacy – and to do so with a little help from Heineken, which is offering mentorship, business support and initial investment guidance to help the new custodian get their feet behind the bar.

More than just pints

In Ireland, the pub is where friendships are forged and music flows as freely as the stout. But these pillars of community life now face an uncertain future, as long-serving landlords retire without a successor in sight. “When we heard Josie’s story, we just knew we had to do something,” says Mark Noble, marketing manager at Heineken Ireland. “Pubs in Ireland are more than just places to enjoy a drink; they are living pieces of history, places of laughter, song and kinship. With many of these institutions facing uncertain futures, we want to rally the Irish diaspora, inspiring a new generation of pub owners to take on not just a business, but a cultural legacy. For those who have longed to reconnect with their Irish heritage, this is more than an investment; it’s a homecoming.”

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Picture it: walking into a pub with your family name above the door, a place where your ancestors gathered, and where future generations will continue to do the same. McLoughlin’s Bar, established in 1870, is not just a pub – it’s a piece of Irish history. The warm welcome, the roaring fire in winter, the sprawling beer garden for summer, the traditional live music played late into the night – it’s all part of what makes this pub special. Beyond the bar, Achill Island offers breathtaking views over the Atlantic and the towering Slievemore mountain. It’s a place that captured the imagination of Hollywood – The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed here – and remains a magnet for those drawn to natural beauty and close-knit community life. For the right McLoughlin, this isn’t just a business venture. It’s a return to something real, something rooted in history and heart. It’s a chance to stand behind the bar and pour a pint for old friends and new ones. To keep the fire burning, the stories flowing and the name above the door for another 155 years. Could that McLoughlin be you?

Corona Island opens to the public

Jessica Mason — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:46:37 +0000

AB InBev has officially opened the eco-protected luxury destination it calls “Corona Island” to the public. The island, which was originally debuted by AB InBev in 2021 as an invite-only getaway located 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Cartagena, off the coast of Colombia, is accessible only by boat. The destination has been carefully positioned by the beer giant as “symbolic of the brand’s dedication to live in harmony with nature” and offers the chance to “disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature”. Corona Island is also the world’s first and only island to receive Oceanic Global’s three-star plastic-free Blue Seal for eliminating single-use plastics and adopting sustainable operating best practices at scale. Corona Island features 10 premium waterfront bungalows, each with its own jacuzzi, nestled amongst tropical forests and beaches. The island also offers all-inclusive overnight stays for two people per bungalow, alongside a limited number of all-inclusive day trip passes that are also available to buy. Clarissa Pantoja, global vice president of Corona said: “The inspiration to build this experience stems from Corona’s long-standing commitment to nature and is a physical manifestation of our vision for eco-friendly tourism and conservation efforts. Given its success, Corona now welcomes eco-conscious travellers from around the world to experience the island and truly disconnect to reconnect with nature.” Structures use solar energy, native plants like guadua, and traditional building techniques such as bahareque. The island also serves its food with an emphasis on local ingredients, such as baked goods made with fruits native to the region, which are all included in the price of the visit. Also available for guests to enjoy are the full suite of Corona products, including Corona Extra and Corona Cero as well as a variety of relaxation and eco-conscious activities, including: Yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking and snorkelling to restore coral reefs and mangrove planting for ecosystem reforestation. Pantoja explained: “As a beer brewed with natural ingredients, Corona has always been associated with nature and relaxation. Corona Island is an extension of that ethos – offering an experience that blends leisure with eco-friendly travel experiences.” According to Pantoja: “At Corona Island, relaxation meets conservation in a natural beachside setting. As the brand born at the beach, and a beer brewed with natural ingredients, we believe that our island serves as a perfect extension of our ethos.” She added: “With breathtaking landscapes, sustainable practices, and immersive outdoor activities, we invite eco-tourists and travel enthusiasts alike to explore this unique setting, where every experience reflects our dedication to preserving the beauty of the natural world.” Corona Island is priced at US$600 per night and US$200 per day-pass – both are all-inclusive. However, the individual booking sites will provide all prices in the local currency for each potential traveller for ease. Travellers worldwide can secure their stay directly at livecoronaisland.com or through Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking.com.

How to successfully market a brewery

Jessica Mason — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:37:24 +0000

The “ideal brewery marketing strategy’ that can “elevate a brewery’s visibility” and “ramp up sales” has been created by a marketing expert. In a deep dive report, marketing guru Andrew McKinsey revealed his marketing and sales advice “that actually make a difference” to the sector. McKinsey explained: “Through my own journey, I’ve unlocked key strategies that not only elevate your brewery’s visibility but also ramp up sales by marrying the best of digital and traditional marketing methods. These insights are truly transformative, and I’m excited to share how they can revolutionise your brewery’s marketing game”. The key takeaways from the advice suggested that “allocating 3-6% of your brewery’s revenue to marketing helps promote the brand effectively” and that “using this budget on social media and email campaigns can attract new customers”. Additionally, the advice also highlighted the benefits of creating a customer loyalty scheme which “encourages repeat visits by rewarding patrons with points and exclusive offers, boosting retention”. McKinsey also pointed out that brewery owners should look at partnering with local businesses and street food vendors for events to create “a vibrant community atmosphere, attracting more visitors to the brewery”. He also noted how “utilising SEO improves online visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find your brewery when searching for craft beers nearby”. Another key factor included “leveraging data from customer engagement and search optimisation” to allow brewery owners “to make informed adjustments to marketing strategies, enhancing effectiveness”. McKinsey added: “Effective brewery marketing strategies can transform your business. I focus on creating a strong online presence and engaging with my customers. Hosting events draws in the crowd and builds community ties. Partnering with local brands enhances visibility and attracts new fans. These strategies will help any brewery thrive in a competitive market.” To read the full guidance, McKinsey offers a longer read of his advice via his marketing and sales focused website.

Singapore’s LeVeL33 is officially the world’s highest microbrewery

Nimmi Malhotra — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:20:42 +0000

LeVeL33, a Singapore-based microbrewery, is now a Guinness World Records title holder for the world’s highest microbrewery in a building. Located on the 33rd floor of Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 in Marina Boulevard, the microbrewery sits precisely 149.321 meters above ground, a record authenticated by the Guinness World Records. “Although we knew there was no other brewery higher than us, it’s still very special when you get the official recognition and a stamp of approval. It elevates the ‘special’ feeling even more,” Dr Martin Bém, founder of LeVeL33, told db. He likened the achievement to the mindset of a world-class athlete: “When you know you’re the fastest runner in the world, you still want to compete in the Olympics, win a gold medal, and have an official confirmation.” The authentication process took almost six months, confirmed Emi Saito, Guinness World Records official adjudicator. It involved procuring official building plans from the Building and Construction Authority and securing an expert witness approved by Guinness. Founded in 2010 by Dr Bém, the rooftop gastrobar is celebrating its 15th birthday this year. It has become a favourite spot for locals and tourists who flock on the wraparound balcony, taking in panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore’s skyline while sipping freshly-brewed beer. Establishing the brewery in a high-rise building came with its unique challenges, said Dr Bém. While the floors were reinforced, the lifts were too small to raise the tanks. “We even explored a helicopter lift, but that was a challenge as it’s a no-fly zone,” he said. Ultimately, the tanks were brought up with a specially fitted crane for S$100,000 (£57,839). Singapore's small size and high population density mean that land is a scarce and valuable resource, driving up prices and leading some to find alternative ways of securing space for homes and businesses. LeVeL33 beers are made with 100% organic hops and range from Blond Lager to Indian Pale Ale to limited-time seasonal brews. According to Dr Bém, the brewery has poured more than one million litres of beer during its 15 years in operation. The record plaque is displayed proudly among copper brewer tanks, in full view of guests. Being officially recognized in the brewery’s 15th year holds added significance for Dr Bém, as it coincides with Singapore’s 60th birthday. He said: “It’s a little birthday present to us.”

The official ‘split the G’ pub game rules

Jessica Mason — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:46:46 +0000

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is eagerly asking: what is the correct way to “split the G” when drinking Guinness? db finds out. Every year, people across the world drink more than 13 million pints of Guinness on average, but while the trend to “split the G” is said to have started in the pubs of Ireland many years ago, it has recently exploded on social media, where platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified the challenge and celebrities like the Jonas Brothers and John Cena have even started getting involved. As such, many have started asking: “What is the official way to actually split the G?” Offering guidance, Jonathan Sitson, from UK company Quick Whip told the drinks business he had been given written confirmation from Guinness owners Diageo that revealed that “the only correct way to Split the G would be when your first uninterrupted sip lines up with the line on the G and E.” Sitson admitted that "this information will send shock waves to the many people across the UK and Ireland who have spent years trying to reach the bottom of the harp, and the top of the logo mark". Taking this into account, Sitson said that, according to Diageo’s advice he has now gone one step further and used this to outline a step-by-step guide to show other people how they can master the perfect G split when drinking pints of Guinness. He explained: “Start with a properly chilled pint in a clean, tilted glass, then take a deliberate, uninterrupted gulp, aiming to precisely align the foam’s edge with the horizontal line of the G and the E." Answering how this was best-achieved, he advised that drinkers need to "maintain a steady pace to achieve a clean and even split”. Despite considering it a challenge, Sitson also suggested that perfecting the trick would take time and suggested that rather than consider each ill-attempt as a failure, it was more of a chance to go back to the bar and reorder another pint. He added: “Practice makes perfect, so if you fail, don’t worry. It's just an excuse to get yourself another lovely creamy pint and try again. But always make sure you drink responsibly, or try a Guinness 0.0.”

UK Government urged to raise alcohol-free beer threshold in line with Europe

Sophie Arundel — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:34:24 +0000

A recent analysis has revealed that everyday supermarket items such as burger rolls and ripe bananas can contain more alcohol than a no-alcohol beer. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is now calling on the UK government to reform labelling regulations to better reflect this reality.

In the UK, a beverage can only be labelled as 'alcohol-free' if it contains no more than 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is significantly lower than the 0.5% ABV threshold permitted in many European countries and the United States. The drinks industry has long argued that the current standard puts British brewers at a competitive disadvantage and limits consumer choice. "It makes little sense that products like burger rolls, malt loaf, and ripe bananas can contain more alcohol than a no-alcohol beer, yet the beer is subject to stricter labelling rules," said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. "It’s time to update the regulations to reflect reality and support British brewers in meeting growing consumer demand for low and no-alcohol options." The BBPA's push for reform comes as the government continues its consultation on the no-and low-alcohol threshold, which was launched last year. The consultation aims to assess whether the current 0.05% limit should be raised to 0.5%, in line with international standards.

Restrictive

Advocates argue that the current limit not only confuses consumers but also restricts the development of innovative alcohol-free products. According to the BBPA, raising the threshold would help the UK’s brewing sector thrive in the rapidly growing no and low alcohol market, while providing consumers with more clarity and choice. The BBPA’s findings highlight that burger rolls can contain up to 1.2% ABV, while malt loaf can reach 0.7%, and ripe bananas can hit 0.5%. These levels are considered negligible and occur naturally due to fermentation, yet remain higher than the current 0.05% threshold for alcohol-free beer. The government’s consultation is set to conclude later this year, with the industry eagerly awaiting the outcome. As McClarkin emphasised, "Updating the rules would allow us to offer consumers more choice, drive innovation, and support the British beer industry’s growth in this increasingly important market segment." With the global no and low alcohol market projected to reach £10 billion by 2026, the BBPA’s call for reform is gaining traction among brewers and publicans alike. The hope is that a more practical threshold will not only level the playing field for UK producers but also empower consumers to make informed choices without unnecessary confusion.

Which drinks brands are resisting Trump by embracing DEI?

Kathleen Willcox — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:54:52 +0000

There has been a broad push in the United States to eliminate corporate policies that encourage diversity and inclusion. But which drinks brands are standing strong, and which are bouncing DEI initiatives out of the boardroom? Kathleen Willcox reports. When President Donald Trump blamed a fatal crash between a passenger plane and an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C. on the Federal Aviation Administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy, it felt like a nail in the coffin to many. Trump's comments reflected a growing push against diversity within corporations, educational institutions and government organisations which has seen company after company denounce DEI policies: Amazon, Meta, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Target are among those to have ditched DEI policies moving forward. The drinks industry—one of the most vocal pro-diversity sectors of business —has been swept up in the controversy. Responsible for about 1.65% of the US economy and with a $363.33 billion economic impact annually, the drinks trade is at a crossroads.

The F word

“This climate is distressing, and people are very concerned across the board,” says Alicia Towns Franklin, executive director of Wine Unify, which launched in 2020 to create more opportunities in wine through education for underrepresented minority groups. “DEI has become the F word, so I don’t even use it in the context of our work. I use the words: diversity, equity and inclusion. If those words trigger you, the problem is with you.” Towns Franken notes that drinks producers have been taking one of three paths amid the backlash. “There are obviously those who have publicly turned away,” she says. “And there are others, like our supporters, who are doubling down and reaching into their pockets with donations, support and offers of mentorship, educational seminars, and more. Then there are others who are still quietly doing the work, but not necessarily drawing attention to it and not calling it DEI.”

Turning away from DEI

Bud Light became a target for right-wing activists in 2023 following a social media partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Consumers boycotted Bud Light, and sales tanked by almost 30%. Since then, other major organizations like Brown-Forman and Molson Coors have officially terminated their DEI policies, according to leaked internal emails posted by anti-DEI campaigner Robby Starbuck on X. Sprits giant Brown-Forman pledged to review its training programmes, remove quantitative workforce and supplier diversity ambitions and end participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index survey. Meanwhile, Molson Coors also pledged to end DEI-based training programmes, and participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index social rating system, as well as nixing supplier diversity goals.

Quietly continuing DEI

Many other drinks brands are, as Towns Franken puts it, “doing the work” without being as vocal about it as companies tended to do following the murder of George Floyd in a re-examination of corporate culture. Sprawling national wine, beer and spirits companies like Jackson Family Wines, Constellation Brands, Southern Glazer’s, Gallo, the Boston Beer Company, the Brooklyn Brewery and Diageo are a handful of the many powerful drinks brands employing thousands of people and running active DEI campaigns. For many brands, quietly doing the work is just part of being a decent human being and a savvy business owner. “At Milea Estate Vineyard, we’ve always believed in hiring based on talent, passion and a shared drive to propel Hudson Valley wine into a new era of excellence,” says Russell Moss, Milea’s general manager. “As New Yorkers, we are naturally influenced by the incredible diversity of New York City, which has led to the formation of a team that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.” Milea’s hospitality manager Mina Do and executive Chef David Kim are of Korean descent, which brings a unique perspective to their culinary and hospitality brand, he says. Milea’s winemaker, River Allan, is one of the few transgender winemakers in the world. “These diverse perspectives help shape not only our work culture, but also the experiences we create for our guests,” Moss says.

Fairness and opportunity

Ellie Anest, founder of Eleven Eleven Wines in Napa, is on the same page. “As a first generation college graduate and the daughter of a Greek immigrant mother, I understand first-hand the challenges of feeling different in certain social circles,” Anest says. “Our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is not just a corporate value—it is a deeply personal commitment that reflects my own journey and the fundamental ideals of fairness and opportunity that define the American experience.” Many European brands, including Italian sparkling wine house Ferrari Trento, have settled on the middle road of having strong diversity and inclusion policies, without feeling the need to produce TikTok videos about them. “It is not something we want to hide, but it’s also not something we necessarily feel the need to promote in marketing material,” communications director Camilla Lunelli says, pointing to Ferrari Trento's work on gender equity and other smaller initiatives that support migrant communities and those with physical disabilities. “Many of our programmes are long-standing but informal. It’s not something we focus on communicating, we just do it because it’s part of our philosophy as a company. It’s just the right thing to give back to the community and to be environmentally responsible.”

Possibility and opportunity

Other wineries are using the opportunity to not just continue, but underline their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Take the B Corp-certified Trois Noix Wine in Calistoga. The brand was launched in 2013 by Jaime Araujo out of a love of wine but also a passion for social change. “It was built on the pillars of creating community, possibility and opportunity,” Araujo says. “We focus on creating and expanding opportunities for intentionally and historically ignored groups in wine. "DEI isn’t an initiative for us. It is part of our DNA. It's the flour in the cupcake, not the frosting.” Like Trois Noix, VITAL Wines was founded with DEI in its DNA. “The core of our mission is to promote the health, dignity and inclusion of vineyard workers and their families,” says Maddie Richards, executive director of VITAL Wines in Walla Walla, pointing out that Washington State’s $9.5 billion wine industry relies on farmworkers. VITAL has created four main programmes that it funds. Promotora de Salud sends two health workers to vineyards to provide healthcare resources in Walla Walla and the Yakima Valley; VITAL Vision funds annual eye exams and a pair of glasses for vineyard workers, their children or grandchildren; Day at Home provides up to 10 days of pay during medical emergencies; and SOS Health Services Clinic serves the uninsured and underinsured. “These reduce barriers, which allows for vineyard workers to have more equitable access to the many resources available to the community,” Richards says. These programmes are all funded through purchases of VITAL wines, and donations to partnerships with healthcare providers in Washington. Despite the pullback in support for DEI in some sectors, Richards says their partners have continued to rally to the cause.

Forging ahead

Others agree that forging ahead with their values intact is the best way forward. “We are not going to do anything different,” says Dai Deh, vice president of marketing and DTC for Distinguished Vineyards, a collection of wineries from prestigious regions across the world, including Argyle Winery in the Willamette Valley, TEXTBOOK Napa Valley and Markham Vineyards in Napa, among others, under its umbrella. “We have been dedicated to pushing gender equity and inclusiveness for many years.” The organisation has reached gender parity across its managerial roles, which, Deh points out, is far from the industry norm. “Being more inclusive to us is about making everyone feel welcome, like they belong and that they give value,” Deh says. “It comes in many forms, and while we are proud to have such a strong female winemaking team, we are also investing in educational initiatives and working with oenology schools in California and Oregon to learn about the obstacles that under-represented people face, and help get to the root cause of them.” One of the biggest obstacles, Deh and others note, is simply access.

Access is key

Providing access—literally—to wine country is what inspired food and wine entrepreneur Maryam Ahmed to found Field Blends. An immersive food and wine travel experience created with the goal of introducing wine lovers and professionals to a true wine country experience, Field Blend encourages individuals from underrepresented communities to apply for scholarships, which will pay for their epicurean adventure. “Every year we work with a different region and community partner,” she explains, adding that Field Blend has visited Washington, Michigan and New York. This year they are headed to Lodi in Lombardy, Italy. “Every year we aim to have between three and six scholarship recipients.” And for those interested in pursuing a career in wine writing, they’ll leave the experience with an assignment. “Lauren Buzzeo works with writers on an 800-word, paid story in Full Pour,” Ahmed says. “Often it ends up being the first story they have in print.” Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, says he sees incredible value in welcoming Field Blends to the region. “It introduces new people and communities to Lodi and creates meaningful opportunities in our industry,” Spencer says. “Wine is more than just soil and climate. It’s a reflection of people, culture and community. If we want our industry to thrive, we must make wine more accessible and approachable.”

Reality check: demographics

As Spencer alludes to, the demographics of the United States are often not reflected in the people who gate-keep, make and sell wine. About 82% of Baby Boomers (people born 1946 and 1964) identify as White, while 4% identify as Hispanic, 13% as Black, 1% as Asian and 1% as other, according to the Pew Research Center. About 2% identify as LGBTQ+, according to Gallup. Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) meanwhile is much more diverse. About 52% of Gen Z identify as White, 25% as Hispanic, 14% as Black, 6% as Asian and 5% as Other. About 21% identify as LGBTQ+, according to Gallup. Brands that have overtly rejected or neglected diversity initiatives may be in a good place this year under Trump, but long-term? “The industry will only be smarter and richer if it allows more people to participate in the economy,” says Towns Franken. “A glass of wine over food should bring people together. We have seen our supporters show up more than ever because they understand that. They have a long-term vision for their company, and they understand that it has to be inherently inclusive.”

Bouncing DEI out of the boardroom

The brands that were quick to use DEI as a marketing ploy, and just as quick to bounce it out of the boardroom when the going got tough will not go unnoticed, Araujo says. “Consumers can tell when you’re not authentic,” Araujo notes. “For us, about 90% of the people engaging with our grand are Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. We are about 50/50 split on gender.” Overt and covert corporate support for policies designed by politicians to discriminate against and devalue citizens is nothing new. What’s also not new is a strong core group of companies and executives who stand strong, and continue to champion human rights. Consumers can weigh in with their pocketbooks, and support businesses that actively advocate diversity and inclusion. And yes, there is a guide for doing just that.

Beer wastage costs UK hospitality sector £200m per year

Jessica Mason — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:32:47 +0000

The UK’s hospitality industry is losing an estimated £212 million annually due to beer wastage, according to new research. The data, unveiled by beer quality services business Avani Solutions, coincides with the launch of an industry-first campaign to tackle the issue. According to the research, inefficient pouring techniques, poor cellar management, and operational mishaps are leading to waste issues. The findings revealed that out of the two billion pints poured annually in the UK, around 43% are wasted, equating to 860 million pints of beer being lost every year. The campaign to confront the problem, named Wastewatchers, is being backed by trade association UKHospitality and is now setting out to provide pubs and bars with practical training to reduce losses and improve profitability. Speaking about the issue, Avani Solutions managing director Amanda Thomson warned that, without intervention, this avoidable loss was “severely impacting pub revenues”. Thomson said: "Through our experience of working with draught beer dispense systems, and by the independent research we’ve conducted across licensed UK hospitality venues of all sizes from village pubs to licensed retail groups, we have identified that approximately 43% of pints poured suffer from wastage. Do the maths and it’s an incredible amount of beer and over £200m in revenue that is literally being poured away.” Talking more about how the initiative to deal with the waste problems, Thomson explained: “This campaign exists to highlight the waste that is happening and help hospitality both to recover the easily avoidable wastage and otherwise lost revenue. There has never been a more perfect time to launch WasteWatchers given the extra financial burden the sector is being forced to carry. We want to help venues increase their yield, their profits and improve their quality of serve.” The campaign has already seen success with pub group Chestnut Group, which operates 19 pubs across East Anglia, and were first to trial it across its estate. Chestnut Group CEO Philip Turner admitted: “Working with the Avani Team has meant we’ve reduced our wastage and are saving money as a result. We have always monitored waste, so we didn’t think we would have much to learn with WasteWatchers. However, the data we collected, and the expert training the team received from Avani helped us laser in on causes of waste, from pouring techniques to cellar management practices.” UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls OBE added: “The Avani WasteWatchers campaign really highlights how important it is to reduce beer waste, and how doing so will tangibly deliver cost savings for your business. With hospitality under huge pressure, all licensed venues will be reviewing their processes for efficiency, and the WasteWatchers advice can play a critical role in reducing wastage, as well as helping venues become more sustainable. " To help operators, Avani has also produced a training video showing bar staff exactly where they’re going wrong - and how they can pour the perfect pint without wasting a drop. Pub and bar operators can also now sign up for a free practical guidance pack, complete with a 25% discount on a hands-on training workshop. The workshop is a two hour interactive on-site session with beer quality specialists who will teach staff how to eliminate waste, and even cut down on energy costs and adjust other operational practices to maximise profit. The research team insisted: “These small changes have the potential to save up to £5,000 per year for just one venue.”

Where to find the cheapest pint of Guinness on St Patrick’s Day

Eloise Feilden — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:16:32 +0000

It's official: a pint of Guinness in London has broken the £6 mark. With the big smoke now officially the most expensive place for a pint of the black stuff, where should you be ordering Guinness in Britain this St Patrick's Day? Across Britain, the average cost of a pint of Guinness is £4.78, according to research by UK Debt Expert. The financial services firm looked at the cheapest and most expensive places in Britain for a pint of Guinness in the run up to St Patrick's day on Monday, and found that the average price was up 5% from last year. The average pint of Guinness has broken the £6 mark in London, at £6.42, making it the most expensive pint in Britain. This is a 12% increase on last year. Londoners can also expect to pay more than anywhere else for the Irish stout's alcohol-free alternative, Guinness 0.0, with a pint can (538ml) costing £4.92 on average in the city - 3% more than the UK’s average pint of Guinness. UK Debt Expert looked at the cost of a pint of Guinness in hundreds of pubs across the UK to reveal the cheapest and most expensive places for a pint of the Irish stout, with the average setting punters back 30p more than this time last year. Bolton was revealed as the cheapest British city for a Guinness, where a pint will set drinkers back around £4.17.

Here's the list of the 10 cheapest cities in the UK for a pint of Guinness on St Patrick's Day:

Bolton - £4.17 Stockport - £4.27 Swindon - £4.28 Gloucester - £4.30 Derby - £4.35 Stoke-on-Trent - £4.36 Rotherham - £4.37 Sunderland - £4.38 Hull - £4.40 Nottingham - £4.42

...and the 10 most expensive:

London - £6.42 Edinburgh - £5.66 York - £5.43 Cambridge - £5.36 Oxford - £5.08 Reading - £5.05 Brighton - £4.99 Watford - £4.97 Glasgow - £4.93 Portsmouth - £4.91

New beer venue set to attract Red Sox fans

Jessica Mason — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:27:31 +0000

Nantucket-based brewery Cisco Brewers is in the middle of planning to expand to a new site behind Fenway Park. The beer producer, which was founded in 1995, already operates beer gardens in Boston’s Seaport neighbourhood and in New Bedford which are popular with beer lovers. In a new move to boost business further, Cisco Brewers has now gained approval to open an indoor beer hall and outdoor beer garden on Boylston Street behind Fenway Park, where Red Sox fans will be spending time for pre- and post-match beers. According to local reports, the converted gas station location will soon see Cisco Brewers adapt t the venue to operate a year-round restaurant and a seasonal beer garden from April to October with both spaces also hosting live entertainment. Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeal approved the brewery’s plan during its 25 February meeting, with the plan now only needing the approval of the Boston Licensing Board to go ahead. According to the plans, live entertainment will end by 8pm and the sound system will be designed to steer noise away from residential buildings in the area. Speaking at the meeting, Cisco attorney Dennis Quilty assured attendees and those who had tuned in that "this is a spot that has been a restaurant and used for this purpose for many, many years, and we fully believe we can operate safely and carefully in the neighbourhood".

C&C ‘modestly’ below target

Jessica Mason — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:15:08 +0000

C&C Group has admitted it expects revenues to be in line with last year, but has said it still anticipates growth in its distribution business. The drinks company, which owns brands such as Tennent’s Lager and Bulmers Cider, revealed during a trading update for the 12 months ended 28 February, that it expects underlying earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to be in the range of €76 million - €78 million. C&C Group also revealed that the growth in its distribution business was offset by the impact of the disposal of its “non-core soft drinks business in Ireland" as well as "the strategic exit of low margin contract brewing volume" and "softer GB cider sales during the important summer trading period”. The update went on to note how the macroeconomic climate and the UK October Budget had placed “additional pressure” on the hospitality customers and “impacted consumer confidence more generally”. However, the group reassured that despite these headwinds, it has made "good progress". C&C Group explained how, even though EBIT between €76m-€78m had not met its goals, it was still better then the previous year's performance and a"although modestly below our target due to softer trading across the market in January and February" reflects significant recovery versus the prior year’s earnings of €60m”. Looking to the future, the group revealed that it has some "exciting plans" lined up for its brands in 2026, "including the relaunch of Magners" and expects earnings in 2026 to be "marginally ahead" of 2025. It added that its "objective to deliver €100m EBIT remains in place over the medium-term". Speaking about the business's position, C&C Group CEO Roger White reinforced that it was early days for him at the helm, but reiterated the group's longer-term capabilities. White explained: “Having joined the business in late January 2025, although it is still early days, I believe I have already gained an understanding of the business and the wider market dynamics. It is clear to me that C&C has a committed and capable team, alongside great brands and a passion for delivering for its customers. However there is much work to be done to fully realise the potential across the group. Whilst the market backdrop remains challenging, we are continuing to support our customers, invest in the business and have some exciting plans to implement this year which I look forward to updating you on further in May. I remain confident of the significant long-term opportunity within the business and I am fully focussed on delivering increased shareholder value.”

Find out the best European holiday destinations for a cheap pint

Jessica Mason — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:40:43 +0000

The most popular European holiday destinations where you’ll find the cheapest beer have been detailed in a new study by Travel Republic. The online holiday provider has analysed data from a selection of the most popular holiday hotspots to discover which European destinations have the cheapest beer to help Brits decide where to visit next. As part of its methodology, its team analysed the 50 most popular cities that people in the UK and Ireland visit on holiday. Using Google Maps, it also identified the number of British bars and Irish bars advertised in each city. The travel researchers then also created a weighted rank using metrics such as the average Google rating for the bars in each city, the cost of a pint and the beer available, the number of bars that showed live sports, and which venues offered traditional British/Irish food to reveal cities would offer up a British or Irish pub experience abroad. Alicante has been named by the study as one of the top destinations for British tourists, since it is a place where Brits can find domestic beer at this destination for just £2.07, the cheapest among popular getaways in Europe. There are also 25 British and Irish pubs where tourists can go to enjoy a drink. In July 2024 alone, over two million passengers arrived, marking a record-breaking summer, with searches for ‘Alicante holiday’ soaring by +70% in the last quarter in the UK according to the data. Interest in ‘Turkey holidays’ has grown hugely in the UK recently, seeing 81k searches in the last month, the findings outlined. The data also highlighted how the city of Dalaman is a particular favourite among British tourists and saw 4.2 million Brits arrive in the first 10 months of 2024 alone. In Dalaman, it costs just £2.08 on average for domestic beer, less than half the UK average of £4.79 last year, according to the research, and imported beer also remains well under the British average at just £3.28. The Portuguese island of Madeira is an increasingly popular European holiday destination, seeing a +153% increase in the last quarter in the UK for ‘Funchal holiday’. The study shows that Madeira’s capital, Funchal, offers surprisingly affordable beer—averaging just £2.28 a pint for domestic beer and £2.90 for imported beer. In Funchal, tourists will also find 16 British and Irish bars with many live sports streaming and offering up traditional pub grub such as fish and chips - making it a popular destination for pub-loving Brits looking for a home-from-home. To discover the full listing of European destinations for the cheapest beer, see the full study here.

BrewDog appoints new CEO and COO in leadership reshuffle

Sophie Arundel — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:37:54 +0000

James Taylor steps in as CEO, while Lauren Carrol steps into COO role amid leadership transition at the craft beer giant. BrewDog has announced the appointment of James Taylor as its new CEO and Lauren Carrol as COO, following the departure of James Arrow, who is stepping down for personal reasons. The leadership changes take effect immediately. The company’s board expressed gratitude to Arrow for his contributions, particularly his role in restructuring BrewDog’s US operations, strengthening its on-trade presence, and securing a partnership with the MCC at Lord’s. Arrow first joined as COO before taking over as CEO in 2024.

A new chapter

Taylor, previously BrewDog’s chief financial officer, has played a key role in the company’s financial transformation, overseeing its return to profitability last year. Before joining the Scottish brewer, he held senior positions at Mayborn, the parent company of Tommee Tippee, GHD, and Anya Hindmarch. His appointment signals continuity as BrewDog focuses on profitability, bar expansion, and product innovation. Carrol, who has been with BrewDog since 2018, steps up from her role as chief marketing officer. Under her leadership, the brand has launched successful beers including Wingman, Black Heart, and Shore Leave, reinforcing BrewDog’s position as the UK’s leading craft beer producer. She previously held project management roles at Stork and brings a strong operational background to her new role. Allan Leighton, BrewDog’s chairman, said: “James Taylor has been an instrumental leader at BrewDog, steering the financial strategy and laying a strong foundation for profitable growth. His deep understanding of our business, coupled with his proven track record in operational excellence, makes him the ideal choice to guide BrewDog into its next chapter. I would also like to congratulate Lauren for her promotion, testament to her fantastic work and proven track record during her time at BrewDog. Finally, I would like to thank James Arrow for his contribution to BrewDog since he arrived in 2023 and wish him every success in the future.”

Self-chilling can innovation stirs beverage industry

James Bayley — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:22:05 +0000

For decades, beverage giants such as Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and Heineken have poured millions into the pursuit of a self-cooling can — only to meet failure. Now, against all odds, an independent entrepreneur has succeeded where they fell short. James Vyse, a former London mixologist, spent years perfecting cocktails in high-end venues, frustrated by drinks warming before they were finished. The idea struck him: why must beverages rely on refrigeration? Why couldn’t they chill themselves? Big corporations had tried and failed, but Vyse believed the answer lay not in billion-dollar labs but in persistence. With no engineering background and working from his bedroom, he began experimenting with prototypes. More than 500 iterations later, he cracked it.

The cool can

The result is the Cool Can — a self-chilling beverage can, capable of reducing its temperature from room temperature to ice-cold in under two minutes at the press of a button. No electricity. No external cooling. Fully recyclable. Consumers simply press the bottom of the can to have their drink cooled with a snowflake image appearing once the desired temperature is reached. Vyse's company, Delta H Innovations, surveyed 100 students at Nottingham Trent University and found that 81% would choose a self-cooling can over a normal can when intending to drink on the go, while 73% would pay more if it meant having a cold drink. The technology can also be used in other forms of drink packaging, including pouches, cartons and bottles, which Delta H Innovations hopes to sell to other businesses. The innovation has already caught the industry’s attention:

Coca-Cola, Suntory America, Carlsberg and M&S have expressed interest
A crowdfunding campaign more than doubled its initial target, raising £300,000

The technology presents a potential sustainability shift, reducing reliance on refrigeration, which accounts for 17% of global electricity consumption.

Disrupting the status quo

Vyse’s breakthrough challenges the conventional beverage supply chain, offering an on-demand cooling solution that could transform everything from festivals to luxury cocktail bars. With patents filed and industry leaders taking notice, the self-chilling can may prove to be the most significant packaging innovation since the aluminium can itself. The business is now scaling production, with plans to bring the Cool Can to market in the near future. The mixologist who refused to accept the ‘impossible’ has not only changed the way drinks are served — he may have just changed the industry itself.

From the Land Beer Festival returns

Jessica Mason — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:29:59 +0000

The two-day beer festival named From The Land is set to return to independent farmhouse brewery Rigg & Furrow in Northumbria for May bank holiday. This year, eight national breweries will be attending, bringing some rarely-seen and new beers to the north east. The festival, which takes place on May Day Bank Holiday weekend, from 3-4 May, will be held in the company’s new event space The End Hemmel at Rigg & Furrow brewery which is based within Acklington Park Farm in Northumbria. The festival organisers told db that, for 2025, the drinks producers in attendance will be: Duration Brewery, Saint Mars of the Desert, Braybrooke, Dolphin Brewery, Two Flints, Sobremesa Drinks and Scatterlings along with the full portfolio from Rigg & Furrow. According to Rigg & Furrow, all attendees produce “innovative and exciting beer” that fits with the brewery’s own shared ethos of “celebrating the land”. The festival will also be pouring a selection of ciders along with cocktails from 793 Spirits and a wine list from House Bar Heaton and will also offer street-food from local vendors, coffee from Northumberland Coffee. There will be four sessions over the two days; with an afternoon and evening session on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are priced from £10 and are on sale now, with single session tickets or a full weekend ticket available from the brewery webshop. There will also be tickets available for a return bus which is set to run from Newcastle to the festival and back each day. Rigg & Furrow, was first established in 2017 and is an indie brewery that is giving a new lease of life to an old milking parlour. The brewery is known for its modern take on farmhouse beers and is family-run with a strong focus on historically-inspired ales, crisp lagers, hoppy pales and mixed fermentation beers reflective of its rural environment.

Food, Drink & Hospitality Week previews its bigger picture approach

Michael Huband — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:21:15 +0000

With Food, Drink & Hospitality Week returning to London this month, db asks the organisers what the event means for the food and drink sector. Taking over ExCel London from 17-19 March, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week promises a comprehensive look at the UK’s food and beverage sector. The trade show equivalent of a supergroup, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week launched last year to consolidate several events. It brings together IFE (International Food & Drink Event), IFE Manufacturing The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire – each established and successful shows in their own right, now joined together for the ultimate food and beverage trade event. All of the shows individually, but especially when considered together, operate in recognition that, in this busy sector, time is precious. “Many of our visitors are incredibly time poor,” explains Federico Dellafiore, event manager of IFE, “and IFE is a great opportunity to get out of the office, sample a wide range of products and take a moment to think about the macro trends and challenges influencing the sector.” The shows therefore provide a platform that spans many categories, meaning that both the specialists and those with broad remits can benefit. They also offer inspiration that extends far beyond the product listings. “Visitors should leave the shows feeling inspired, informed, and equipped with practical solutions to take back to their businesses,” Jo Farish, event manager of The Pub Show. She continues: “There’s so much innovation throughout the industry at the moment, whether that’s in new food and drink products, kitchen equipment, or in how technology such as AI is being implemented across front and back of house to streamline processes and provide new insights.”

More necessary than ever

The various shows joining together has been a significant change, but has in many ways reflected turbulent times for the industry. Dellafiore is ready with a list of shocks to the sector from the last 10 years: Covid, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and more. Yet he is keen to emphasise that, through working at IFE, he has seen first-hand the sector’s resilience. Indeed, much of his enthusiasm for the show is because it is a platform for that spirit. “It’s been inspiring,” he says, “to see the innovation and creativity that these challenges have brought out of the industry, with countless new brands launching and resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated across the sector.” Farish likewise recognises the acute pressures faced by the industry: “Pubs are at the heart of their communities and contribute a huge amount to the economy, yet they have been closing at an alarming rate. Lack of support, combined with rising minimum wage and National Insurance contributions, is making it increasingly difficult for pubs to remain profitable.” Although not pessimistic, she is clear that change is necessary. “Meaningful intervention is needed now,” she says, “to protect these essential community spaces.”

In step with the latest trends

Yet, far from creating a gloomy outlook, both managers see a bright future for the industry, reeling off the trends and categories that look to dominate the discourse. As the industry changes, it finds new opportunities as well as potential roadblocks. Both cite premiumisation as a key development, with Dellafiore calling it “a dominant trend”. It can be seen across the sector, and will be on show at Food, Drink & Hospitality through renowned exhibitors such as Glenallachie and Prosecco DOC. Both also referred to the rise of health-conscious drinking. The week will have plenty of space dedicated to non-alcoholic options, which have risen in popularity to become a consideration for any business in the sector. Yet the newest expression of the trend, functional beverages such as nootropic and adaptogenic drinks, is also gaining ground, with the selection at the show larger than ever. Unsurprisingly, sustainability also cropped up as a trend Food, Drink and Hospitality Week is exploring. Described as “increasingly essential” by Farish, ethically sourced ingredients, energy efficiencies and innovative eco-conscious packaging are all driving forward the sustainability initiative. On the latter point particularly, brands such BE WTR, CANS Ltd, Bottleproof Cocktails and When in Rome will demonstrate just how much progress the industry has made in sustainability. Indeed, it is the passion for innovation that really seems to drive the team. “Now under the umbrella brand of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week we have ambitious plans to make the UK’s ultimate celebration of industry innovation even bigger and better,” says Dellafiore.

Looking out for people

Regardless of the trends or innovations, however, people remain at the heart of the shows. In many ways, their key purposes are to bring the industry together. According to Dellafiore: “It’s amazing to see how exhibiting F&B brands at the show collaborate with each other on new initiatives and products and it’s a great feeling to have had a small part in facilitating that.” With a full programme of led seminars and events, it is not just exhibitors who can benefit. All attendees will have the chance to learn from experts in the field. “Through live demos, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities,” explains Farish, “we aim to inspire the next generation to see hospitality as an exciting and dynamic industry with long-term career potential.” And for those tired out by a day of networking and education, The Pub Show will provide experiential, interactive elements such as the Beer Garden and Pub Quiz. Farish summarises it better than anyone: “Pubs are fun, social space, and we want The Pub Show to reflect that energy.” Whether seeking out the latest trends, investigating a comprehensive product selection or testing your trivia, Food, Drink and Hospitality Week is set to be a jam-packed event for the UK trade. To be fair, you may well need a pint by the end.

Will Scotland’s football booze ban be lifted?

James Bayley — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:21:36 +0000

Football and alcohol: a pairing as old as the game itself, yet in Scotland, this partnership remains in exile within stadium walls. However, with whispers of a pilot scheme floating through the corridors of Hampden Park, could fans soon be toasting a new era of matchday libations? A Freedom of Information (FOI) release suggests that the Scottish Government remains, at best, lukewarm on the matter — but there are signs the conversation is no longer completely off the table.

Background

The prohibition on alcohol at Scottish football matches dates back to the infamous 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers. Scenes of fans charging the Hampden pitch led to the swift and decisive introduction of the alcohol ban, enshrined in law since 1981. Today, a pint at the rugby? No problem. A beer in a hospitality box at a football ground? Perfectly legal. But a cold one on the concourse before kick-off? Absolutely not.

In the mixer

While official government policy remains unchanged — “no plans” to review the law — the FOI reveals that Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, has been in discussions with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) on the subject. It seems the SPFL, along with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), has been pressing the case that football fans are being unfairly targeted compared to their rugby-loving counterparts. As the FOI documents confirm, Police Scotland has indicated openness to “discussions” on the topic, while the Scottish Government acknowledges that many fans already consume alcohol in controlled environments such as ‘fanzones’ or hospitality areas. This raises an obvious question: if you can enjoy a lager in a lounge before taking your seat, is a concourse pint really a step too far?

The European example

Across the continent, a beer in the stands is hardly revolutionary. In Germany, Italy and many other European nations, fans can enjoy a matchday beverage within the stadium without mass outbreaks of disorder. Even in England, where the ban on drinking within sight of the pitch remains in place, alcohol is freely available in concourses. Meanwhile, a new pilot scheme in the Women’s Championship south of the border will allow fans to drink in the stands — a move that could well set a precedent.

Safety, snobbery or stubbornness?

Opposition to lifting the ban remains, however with public health concerns still paramount. First Minister John Swinney made it clear last year that he sees no reason to revisit the policy, citing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol and the progress made in making football a family-friendly environment. Yet, as highlighted in the FOI documents, the government recognises that “football in Scotland now is very different to the early 1980s” and acknowledges that a blanket approach may no longer be appropriate. The argument that football fans should be treated differently from rugby fans — who can sip a beer at Murrayfield with minimal fuss — is growing ever weaker.

Will the Budweiser Ultimate Dispense System ‘revolutionise’ beer?

Jessica Mason — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:00:44 +0000

The Budweiser Ultimate Dispense System (BUDS) has been launched by AB InBev-owned Budweiser Brewing Group with the claim it will “revolutionalise beer dispense’. The new kit, which according to the global beer company, will “improve quality and operational efficiency” will offer “industry first features and technologies which elevate beverage quality, improve operational efficiency and offer real-time tap-level analytics to customers”. The beer giant has said that “BUDS combines cutting-edge dispense innovation from cellar to bar to ensure consumers always experience Budweiser Brewing Group brands at their very best”. The new system has “fully connected cellar modules and drop lines, eliminate hotspots and ensure products are always perfectly poured” plus the BUDS system comes with an automated line cleaning system which it has said “significantly reduces labour and ensures perfect execution with a regular four-week cleaning cycle”. Describing the launch, Budweiser Brewing Group on trade sales director Sunny Mirpuri said: “Our mission was to create the most intelligent, user friendly and quality-focused dispense system on the market. BUDS was designed by working with industry experts to combine cutting-edge innovations to deliver the ultimate advanced dispense package for our customers.” All information from keg to tap is shared with the customer and the system’s data-driven tool provides customers with full visibility on tap performance, quality and rate of sale (ROS), which also alerts the BUDS maintenance team of any potential quality or equipment issues before they arise. Additionally, the company has said that preventative maintenance goes even further due to the ”fully connected remote coolers which provide a 360-degree view of cooling performance 24 hours a day as well as offering energy saving benefits compared to standard remote coolers”. According to AB InBev, the BUDS pilot scheme has been a “huge success, with over 98% of pours meeting Budweiser Brewing Group’s dispense quality standards”. As such, the dispense system has already been installed across a series of London locations, including: the Hippodrome Casino, the Excel London and Market Halls Oxford Street, with plans for further installations in key locations across the UK this year. Mirpuri explained: “BUDS guarantees quality and consistency in every pint while offering a powerful tool for business management, quality control, and preventive maintenance through BUDS analytics. We have now poured over 500,000 pints through our BUDS system and have seen a dramatic uplift in quality when compared to standard dispense. We are already working on new ways to improve the system to keep pushing the boundaries of dispense quality and ultimately improve our consumers’ experience of our world-class brands on draught.” Speaking as a BUDS customer, Market Hall's head of operations Katie Akers insisted: “The BUDS system has been a great addition to our setup. It keeps the beer perfectly chilled, makes line cleaning a breeze and gives us early warnings if there are any quality issues. This means less wastage and consistent quality, helping us save time and manage costs better while ensuring we serve the best beer possible to our guests.”

Molson Coors launches alcohol-free Madrí Excepcional

Louis Thomas — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:40:01 +0000

Molson Coors is tapping into the growing alcohol-free beer market with the launch of a new 0% ABV version of its Yorkshire-brewed Madrí lager.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madrí Excepcional (@madriexcepcional)

First launched in 2020, Madrí has become something of a phenomenon in the UK, especially from 2022 onwards when its social media presence suddenly began to snowball. Marketed as 'El Alma de Madrid', or 'The Soul of Madrid', Madrí is not brewed in the Spanish capital, or in Spain at all, but rather at Molson Coors' Tower Brewery in Tadcaster, Yorkshire – other brands brewed there include Carling, Coors, Pravha and Staropramen. However, the Madrí recipe was created in collaboration with La Sagra Brewery, which is based near Madrid. Now the Madrí brand has extended to an alcohol-free expression to complement the regular 4.6% ABV version. “Consumers increasingly expect to see a no- and low-alcohol version of their favourite beers," commented Sophie Mitchell, marketing controller at Madrí. "With Madrí Excepcional fast becoming the flagship brand of the world beer category, launching 0.0% is a natural evolution for us." According to Molson Coors' head of R&D and innovation Simon Smith, Madrí Excepcional 0.0% is "crisp, clean and refreshing" and "full of flavour and aroma" thanks to the use of "cutting edge technology" in its production. A new marketing campaign and television advert centred around the new beer are expected to be revealed later this year.

From zero to hero

According to IWSR data published in January of this year, non-alcoholic beer accounts for more than 2% of the UK's total drinks sales, and, according to preliminary data, sales of non-alcoholic beer grew by 20% year-on-year between 2023 and 2024. Molson Coors has already capitalised on this trend and invested in non-alcoholic versions of some of its other brands, including Blue Moon Belgian White and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

Kentish hop-growing initiative expands

Jessica Mason — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:23:38 +0000

A Kent-based non-profit organisation where members grow hops in their gardens to make beer has expanded its reach. The initiative, named Hop Along Thanet (HAT), launched in 2020 during the pandemic and was initially created to help its community during a difficult time. But, as time passed, its membership grew and, as well as serving Northdown Brewery near Margate, the community project has also now branched out to include more outdoor spaces across the county. According to the BBC, HAT encourages its members to grow hops in their back gardens and allotment plots and now counts one of its newest members as The University of Kent, based in Canterbury, which is soon set to grow 20 plants on its campus. HAT founding member Chris Morrissey told reporters: "Its more than a hobby, it's an involvement with a historic Kent tradition". Morrissey pointed out that, amid the pandemic, it was a means of both occupying people as much as a route towards helping the community. He explained: "Not only did it bring people together in a difficult period but it gave me something new and interesting to do." Now rapidly expanding, HAT has more than 50 members now helping who have taken part in planting 150 hop bines in their gardens and allotments across Thanet and is one of a number of community hop growing groups across the county contributing towards local craft breweries keeping costs down. The hops, which are perennial but have new roots planted in early spring with the crop normally harvested in mid September, are then taken to local brewers to use in their beer recipes. For instance, in October each year, HAT members are encouraged to join in as part of Northdown Brewery’s Green Hop Festival to try Hopalong Green Ale, a 4.5% ABV beer is brewed using the hops harvested by the community. Morrissey revealed that, as part of a thank you, “every member is invited to come down and have a pint or two”. According to Morrissey: "Hops are a wonderful and beautiful thing to have growing in your garden or allotment” and he highlighted how the project was a perfect example for how communities can work together to support independent breweries while also giving residents a social outlet. He added that it was clear that “people really enjoy coming together at harvest time”.

AB InBev UK named as one of the worst payers

Jessica Mason — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:22:49 +0000

Despite recently seeing a surge in profits, beer giant AB InBev is still taking around four months to pay its suppliers, according to new research. The results, revealed by Good Business Pays, illustrate an increase in slow payments among many UK businesses, with the number of companies delaying payments beyond 100 days reaching an all-time high. Amongst the worst offenders are known businesses such as AB InBev UK, known more commonly as the owner of Budweiser and Stella Artois. The beer giant has just reported its forecast-beating fourth-quarter profits and progress in cutting debts and has noted in a recent report via Reuters that cost management also drove margin expansion, producing a 10.1% rise in fourth-quarter profits versus analyst forecasts of 7.7%. Despite these wins for AB InBev, its Brit based business is being flagged as a pay delayer. For instance, Good Business Pays recently unveiled its ‘Spring 2025 Late & Slow Payment Watchlist’ and cited AB InBev UK as one of the latest payers. The list examined more than 6,000 companies’ payment performance, marking the first independent research from the data company since the introduction of the Fair Payment Code in September 2024. Several major companies have been identified as among the worst for slow and late payments with the findings showing that AB InBev UK takes 121 days to pay its suppliers. According to the research, the number of companies taking 100 days or more to pay has increased to 32 this year and the news follows The Insolvency Service’s 2024 report, which recorded 23,872 company insolvencies, including 18,840 creditors’ voluntary liquidations (CVLs), 3,230 compulsory liquidations, 1,597 administrations, 202 company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), and three receivership appointments. The UK now has 100 fewer breweries than a year ago despite strong demand for beer, SIBA figures revealed last week. According to data from the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker, Britain has 100 fewer breweries in total as of January 2025 compared to January 2024 – with each quarter of 2024 showing a negative net closure rate. The tracker assesses all openings and closures to give the net number of breweries, with the UK total number of breweries now standing at 1715 compared to 1815 at the start of 2024. The trade association highlighted that the drop in overall brewery numbers over the last 12 months is much higher than in recent years with legacy Covid debt, restricted access to market via pubs, and tight margins all being factors . Speaking about the payment delay research, Good Business Pays CEO Terry Crosby said: “These findings are not just concerning - they are alarming. With insolvencies at record levels and small businesses already struggling under economic pressures, delayed payments add unnecessary risk to their survival.” Crosby explained: “The continued rise in slow payers highlights a systemic failure in corporate accountability. Large companies must do better - not just for their suppliers, but for the health of the entire UK economy. We need to now see the government delivering on its promised reforms to tackle late payments" Federation of Small Businesses policy chair Tina McKenzie insisted: “The government must now deliver its promised reforms, especially giving audit committees oversight of that company's payment practices.” UK small business commissioner Liz Barclay added: “Firms offering to pay in four or five months for work you are delivering today are either facing financial difficulties and using you as a bank, or don’t understand the negative impact, not only on their suppliers, but potentially ultimately on themselves if suppliers go bust. Paying suppliers quickly builds sustainable and resilient smaller businesses that can invest, improve products, services and skills, increase productivity and grow.” AB InBev has been contacted by db for comment but has so far remained silent on the watchlist results.

Boston Beer charged with unfair labour practices

Jessica Mason — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:49:15 +0000

The union representing workers from Boston Beer Company has demanded fair contracts for its members and has filed an unfair labour practice (ULP) charge against the brewer. The Teamsters Local 1199 has said that Boston Beer, which is the parent company of brands including Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard, and Twisted Tea, is refusing to bargain in good faith. Speaking about the situation, Teamsters Local 1199 president Randy Verst said: "Boston Beer Company is dragging its feet, and Teamsters won't tolerate it.” Verst explained: "These workers are responsible for the success of these brands. This company owes them the simple respect of meeting for contract negotiations." Most workers at the Cincinnati brewery have long been covered by a Teamsters contract, however, the newest Local 1199 members are now finding they are fighting for their first collective bargaining agreement and simply asking for the same schedule of raises and working conditions that their co-workers already have in place. Brian Morris, a blend technician at the Cincinnati plant revealed that "being asked to accept the employer's last offer, which included wage cuts for our most senior third of the department, was aggravating to say the least”. Morris added: “The fact that we unanimously rejected it shows just how united we are. The company needs to return to bargaining because this is far from over." Responding to the filing, a spokesperson from Boston Beer Company told db: “We held 16 bargaining sessions with the union over a several-month period that involved much back and forth. We’ve met with them whenever they requested to bargain, and we’re confident we’ve met our duty to bargain in good faith.”

AB InBev extends its Olympic partnership until 2032

Jessica Mason — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:00:55 +0000

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed that AB InBev will extend its Worldwide Olympic Partnership through to 2032. The IOC and AB InBev first announced their global TOP Partnership in January 2024 with an agreement set to last until the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Last summer, AB InBev additionally opened Golden Beach in Paris to the public, giving Olympic Games attendees a chance to become acquainted with its Corona Cero brand. Now, the parties will extend their deal to also include both the Olympic Winter Games French Alps 2030 and the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032. Speaking about the new agreement, IOC president Thomas Bach said: “We are raising a toast to already agreeing together with ABInBev to extend our Partnership until 2032. After experiencing their first Olympic Games as a Worldwide Olympic Partner in Paris last summer, the AB InBev team impressed us – and delighted fans across the world – with amazing celebrations of the Olympic Games through their Corona Ceromarketing campaigns. This was achieved in record time, since the partnership was formalised only six months before the opening ceremony. Therefore we are delighted that, following the success of Paris 2024, we are extending this partnership and our work together with AB InBev as far as Brisbane 2032.” AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris explained: “The Olympic Games Paris 2024 demonstrated the global importance and reach of the Olympic Games and solidified what we already knew, and that is that beer and sports are better together. We are pleased to extend our relationship with the International Olympic Committee until 2032, and plan to continue activating the beer category to positively engage sports fans while helping to create a future with more cheers.” No-alcohol beer Corona Cero will continue as the global beer sponsor of the Olympic Games. In the US, AB InBev will support the Olympic and Paralympic Games through to Brisbane 2032 with the light lager brand Michelob Ultra. For the Olympic Games Paris 2024, AB InBev kicked off its marketing for Corona Cero with its “For Every Golden Moment” campaign, inviting the world to get outside and reconnect with nature and each other. AB InBev chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes pointed out that “one thing that stands out about the Olympic Games is the fact that there are events taking place 24/7 with people all over the world watching. That’s what makes our no-alcohol beer, Corona Cero, such a perfect fit for this global celebration”. Jiří Kejval, chair of the IOC Revenues and Commercial Partnerships Commission added: “AB InBev is the world’s leading brewer and has demonstrated what a fantastic addition it is to the TOP Programme over the past year. The extension of our agreement is great news for the Olympic Movement.” The deal also includes marketing rights for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Paralympic Games through the IOC-IPC long-term collaboration agreement.

Breweries unite in Colorado for Collaboration Fest

Jessica Mason — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:00:49 +0000

The Colorado Brewers Guild (CBG) has confirmed that more than 180 craft breweries will be pouring at Collaboration Fest in Westminster in April. The event, which is being presented by On Tap Credit Union, has been named as “the original collaboration craft beer festival” where CBG member breweries team up with independent craft breweries near and far to make interesting beers. This year, as part of the offering, 31 out-of-state craft breweries and one brewery from Mexico will also be attending, with the festival itself featuring more than 130 collaboration beers. CBG communications manager Carrie Knose Wilson said: “Collaboration Fest has grown to become one of the top beer festivals in the nation and it is received so well because it is by and large a brewers’ beer festival.” Knose Wilson explained: “The festival can often be a launching pad that sparks a friendship between collaborating breweries or a way for two breweries to pair their respective strengths. Regardless of why breweries team up, the imaginative talent that is shown at Collaboration Fest has no bounds.” Collaboration Fest will be held from 2-6pm on 19 April at The Westin on Westminster Boulevard. Tickets can be bought online. Early entry tickets cost US$99.67, general admission tickets cost US$77.75, and designated driver tickets cost US$44.87.

Heineken to make beer weaker

Jessica Mason — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:08:34 +0000

Dutch brewer Heineken is making one of its most popular brands weaker this week in an effort to reduce costs. From 25 February, Heineken will reduce the alcohol of its Sol beer brand to just 3.4% ABV down from from 4.2% ABV. The beer, which was originally brewed in Mexico before it was acquired by Heineken from Fomento Economico Mexicana SAB (FEMSA) in 2010 in a deal worth £4.8 billion, is now produced in Zoeerwoude in the Netherlands. According to reports via The Sun, increased cost pressures facing the sector have also pushed the decision for beer companies to make the move to bring the strength down on some beers. This includes the Asahi-owned Dark Star beer Hophead which has seen a reduction from 3.8% ABV to 3.4% ABV. One of the reasonings for the change is down to the beer companies looking to avoiding the amount of duty which needs to be paid for beers over a certain strength. The move to reduce the alcohol within beers to navigate the tax rate on products has also reportedly been a move brands like Stella Artois, Foster's and Old Speckled Hen, among others have also recently made. Earlier this month, Heineken said that in 2024 it had sold more beers around the world to meet consumer demand for premium brews and revealed a “solid” set of results for last year showing both “profit expansion” and growth. Heineken also warned about there being weak consumer sentiment in Europe, but admitted that it has still forecast profits to grow between 4% and 8% in 2025. The beer giant also reported a 1.6% increase in the volume of beers sold globally during 2024, compared with 2023, partly driven by premium trends. Notably this trend contributed to a 9% jump in volumes of Heineken, with its Birra Moretti brand also having sold well. Added to this, its non-alcoholic brand Heineken 0.0% also enjoyed volume growth by a 10th year-on-year. The company also noted that the presence of its Spanish lager brand Cruzcampo in British supermarkets had also led to a strong 2024. db has reached out to Heineken for further comment on the ABV reduction.

Which alcohol markets are the growth drivers of tomorrow?

Eloise Feilden — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:16:13 +0000

Developing rather than mature markets are set to be the major growth engines for drinks brands and alcohol over the next five years, according to a new report by IWSR. Gains in value terms will be largely driven by high-population countries – India, China and the US – followed by the likes of Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Vietnam and Nigeria. However, developing markets are set to offer the biggest opportunities, according to Emily Neill, IWSR's chief operating officer research and operations. She explained: "Gains from mature markets will prove more elusive – the US being a notable exception – with many seeing marginal growth or even contracting." Countries with younger populations, rising disposable incomes and expanding middle classes are likely to see the biggest gains. India's potential as a market for growth in alcohol is predicted to rise dramatically. “While the Indian beverage alcohol market is less developed than those of mature nations, the regulatory landscape is becoming less bureaucratic in certain key states, with state governments taking a more pragmatic view on an industry that is often a significant contributor to tax revenues,” said IWSR’s India expert Jason Holway. “Combine population growth with less regulation, and the result is significant value growth.” Indeed, total beverage alcohol volumes rose 4% in the first half of 2024 in India, buoyed by strong demand for premium-plus spirits, RTDs and Indian single malts. Elsewhere, Southeast Asia is also set for growth. Vietnam and the Philippines recorded strong growth in premium beer and spirits. In Africa, South Africa’s beer, cider and RTD categories saw robust volume gains in the first half of 2024. In Latin America, a surge in RTD and premium beer consumption in Mexico and Brazil was driven by evolving social norms and younger LDA+ consumers.

Crafty Brewing acquires Ridgeway Brewing

Jessica Mason — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:04:46 +0000

Surrey-based Crafty Brewing has acquired Oxfordshire’s Ridgeway Brewing in a move that will see the combined business producing 100,000 litres of beer per week. Crafty Brewing, which received the SIBA Business Innovation Award in 2024, will welcome Ridgeway’s brews which have had a strong export focus since it was founded by brewer Peter Scholey in 2002. The merged breweries will focus on specialist markets and innovation with many of the beers destined for export, also supplying the British Army as well as more usual routes to market across the on and off-trade, Speaking to the drinks business, Crafty Brewing founder Luke Herman said: “The team and I at Crafty Brewing are delighted to have joined forces with Peter and Ridgeway Brewing. We look forward to maintaining the high standards of production and exploring new products and distribution in the future.” Scholey explained: “Any business needs a succession plan but with brewing it is far more than just finding a new manager. You need someone who shares your vision of what “good beer” should be and I am pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman. I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created. “ Herman added: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre setup in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step. Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills, and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience, and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication. I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.”