James Bayley

The Drinks Business Green Awards 2026 has opened for entries ahead of a new one day sustainability forum and awards ceremony in November. The programme will include panel discussions, tastings and a new award recognising the role of co-operative wine producers.

Sam Neill was named a Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers shortly before his death aged 78, recognising more than three decades of advocacy for the country’s wine industry. The Two Paddocks founder was praised for using his international profile to bring global attention to New Zealand’s wines, regions and people.

Land prices across Bordeaux's leading appellations have continued to slide as the region's prolonged wine crisis deepens, with annual wine sales dropping below the symbolic threshold of three million hectolitres for the first time in modern history.

US President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports, accusing the country's provinces of discriminating against American alcoholic beverages. The White House said the move is intended to pressure Canada into lifting restrictions that have slashed US alcohol exports by more than 80%.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a smaller uplift to global beer volumes than Morgan Stanley had expected, after several major brewing markets exited the tournament earlier than forecast. Carlsberg nevertheless appears to have gained more than its rivals from the teams that progressed furthest.

Aldi has launched a limited-edition rosé colour guide after research found that nearly one in three UK adults had rejected a glass because it was not their preferred shade. The supermarket estimates that colour preferences account for more than £103 million worth of rosé being turned down each year.

Two Ukrainian wine professionals who were forced to leave their country following Russia’s invasion have been awarded the 2026 Artémis Domaines Golden Vines Victims of Conflict Scholarships. The programme will give both recipients fully funded six-month internships at estates within the Artémis Domaines portfolio.

Aldi has launched a limited-edition rosé colour guide after research found that nearly one in three UK adults had rejected a glass because it was not their preferred shade. The supermarket estimates that colour preferences account for more than £103 million worth of rosé being turned down each year.

The UK–India Free Trade Agreement has reduced India’s tariff on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75%, giving producers greater access to the world’s largest whisky market. The duty is due to fall progressively to 40% over the next decade.

JD Wetherspoon has warned that annual profits will fall below market expectations despite a 4% increase in like-for-like sales during the final quarter. Analysts said the World Cup probably brought more customers into its pubs, but rising food, labour and energy costs continued to outpace revenue growth.