Ron Emler

As it seeks to rejuvenate its portfolio, Australian Vintage, owner of the McGuigan and MadFish brands, has secured refinancing of its debt facilities through to March 2029.

Napa Valley growers are being urged to track down potentially infected grapevines after agricultural officials discovered an invasive pest capable of spreading a devastating vine disease.

Brown-Forman investors will be looking for signs of recovery when the spirits group reports results later this week. The update comes as the company pauses production at its Slane Irish whiskey distillery amid continuing challenges across the global spirits sector.

Treasury Wine Estates has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its business that will cut its brand portfolio by more than half and sharpen its focus on luxury wine. Investors welcomed the plan, sending shares in Australia's largest wine company up by 10%.

Rémy Cointreau has unveiled a three-year recovery plan designed to return the business to sustainable growth and add €100 million to operating profit by 2028/29. The strategy comes as the French spirits group reported a third consecutive annual decline in profit, although recent sales trends suggest conditions may be starting to improve.

Brown-Forman exceeded sales expectations in its fourth quarter, but the Jack Daniel's owner has warned that challenging market conditions will keep revenue growth subdued in the year ahead. The spirits group continues to face pressure from weaker consumer spending, tariff disputes and declining demand for whiskey.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, drinks companies across the UK and North America are hoping football can help lift sales. Brewers and spirits groups are investing heavily in the tournament despite continued pressure on alcohol consumption in key markets.

Spirit-based ready-to-drink cocktails added more than 10 million cases in the US last year, according to new figures from Impact Databank. Growth continues to be driven by simple serves and familiar cocktail formats rather than experimental flavours.

A group of global drinks groups are suing the government of Indian state Telangana for US$400 million they claim it owes them. Ron Emler reports.

As weaker demand prompts brewers and distillers into buying less barley for malting, farmers are planting less of the grain in favour of higher-yielding crops like oilseed.