Bacardi: Martini maker shaken as UK drinkers move away from spirits January 7, 2025 UK drinkers ditching spirits in favour of wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks has hit the sales of Bacardi, it has been revealed. The division of the Bermuda-headquartered drinks giant has said its performance has also been impacted by “a combination of post-Covid challenges, ongoing global conflicts and a tough economic environment marked by rising living [...]
Renais: Gin brand co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson raises £5m January 6, 2025 The luxury gin brand co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson and her brother has raised almost £5m. Renais Gin, which was launched in May 2023, has secured £4.95m on the back of expanding into the US last year. The spirit is now sold in 11 countries while the company has distribution deals agreed with [...]
25 amazing Dry January events in London where going alcohol free needn’t be boring January 3, 2025 Dry January is often a sombre affair, where abstinence is the order of the day. But London’s bars, restaurants and events organisers seem to be taking a different tack this year: many are spreading the message that going alcohol free needn’t mean losing out on having fun. The message is that alcohol free drinks can [...]
Someone is throwing a ‘death to Dry January’ party with a coffin and hearse January 2, 2025 Dry January doesn’t exactly have the best reputation – the idea of not drinking for an entire month is a miserable thought for many Brits, especially after the indulgences of Christmas. But one alcohol-free drinks brand is hoping to change all that. Mash Gang is throwing a ‘death to Dry January’ party on Saturday 18 [...]
Why you should still go to the pub in Dry January January 2, 2025 Dry January has crept up on us once again — a month in which avid pub-goers look to kickstart a healthier year ahead. For some, it’s a month to start fresh with new beginnings. For others, such as the hundreds of independent pubs across the nation looking for growth, it is yet another challenge. Especially [...]
Budget could destroy seventh-generation pub giant, warns boss November 18, 2024 The changes announced in the Budget represent an ‘existential threat’ to the future of a seventh-generation pub and brewing giant, its owner has warned. William Lees-Jones, who owns and runs Manchester-based JW Lees, which has produced real ale since 1828, has warned he is now “facing the very real prospect that we will never be able to [...]
Virgin Wines: Revenue flat as it looks to weather bottleneck in market October 22, 2024 Online wine seller Virgin Wines has reported flat year-on-year revenue as it searches for ways to acquire loyal customers and increase efficiency in a tough trading environment. Total revenue remained at £59m in the year ended 28 June, while profit before tax increased by £2.4m to £1.7m, from a loss of £0.7m in 2023. Adjusted [...]
Brewdog: James Watt ‘frustrated’ as brewer loses almost £60m October 16, 2024 Brewdog remains in the red despite a sharp uplift in its sales during its latest financial year, founder James Watt has revealed. In a post on social media, the former CEO said the Aberdeenshire-based business increased its revenue by 14 per cent to £366m in 2023. He added that it cut its operating loss to [...]
Sipsmith: Sales at gin maker fall for fifth year in a row October 14, 2024 Sales at gin maker Sipsmith have fallen for a fifth year in a row as it continues in the red. The London-based brand has reported a turnover of £14.2m for 2023 and a pre-tax loss of £17.2m, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The new totals come after Sipsmith posted a turnover of £18.2m [...]
Wine sellers in ‘bleak’ alcohol duty tax burden warning October 7, 2024 Four of the UK’s biggest wine sellers have said that upcoming changes to alcohol duty will lead to price rises in a “bleak” warning to their customers. Majestic, Laithwaites, The Wine Society and Cambridge Wine Merchants are amongst the wine businesses who together launched a poster campaign against changes to the excise duty. Excise Duty [...]