Five Trends Impacting Global BevAlc Growth, According to the IWSR

Global beverage alcohol is projected to deliver over $21.6 billion to the global economy by the end of 2023, with premium plus segments and no/low alcohol representing bright spots, according to a report from the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis released today.

Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes Dead at 63

Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes, who led the world’s biggest spirits company for a decade, died at the age of 63 after a brief illness, the company announced on Wednesday. Debra Crew has been named interim CEO, effective immediately.

Brown-Forman: Premium Whiskey, RTDs Drive FY 2023 Growth

Spirits group Brown-Forman reported 8% organic growth in its fiscal 2023 year, fueled by its major whiskey brands Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Woodford Reserve, as well as the launch of Jack & Coke ready-to-drink cocktail, the company reported in its Q4 earnings presentation today.

Review: MatchaKo

MatchaKo is a four SKU line of RTD matcha beverages that were designed to create a “healthy and affordable way to consume matcha while also providing a sense of luxury with each sip.” The products are packaged in 7.5 ounce cans and are USDA Organic certified.

Taste Radio: Empowering Millions Through Food. It’s The Afia Way.

Farrah and Yassin Sibai, the co-founders of Mediterranean-inspired frozen food brand Afia, explained why they have long relied on self-manufacturing, the importance of emphasizing both brand and product awareness, the effectiveness of Instacart ads and instant redeemable coupons and how “the validity of the vision” propelled Afia’s Series A funding round.

Ben Weiss, Chad Portas Reunite to Launch Combo Ad Agency/VC Firm Substratum

As the former chief creative officer for Bai and Crook & Marker, marketing creative Chad Portas has had a longstanding working relationship with entrepreneur Ben Weiss, who founded both brands. Now, the duo are partnering once again to launch Substratum, a New Jersey-based advertising agency and venture capital platform.

E. & J. Gallo Acquires Canned Wine and Spritzes Bev

E. & J. Gallo is continuing its acquisition streak with Bev, a Los Angeles-based canned wine and spritz brand. The transaction comes two years after the spirits and wine group secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights to Bev’s portfolio.

Taste Radio: The Links Between Music, Cocktail Culture & Innovation

What parallels exist between music, food and beverage and how can they inform entrepreneurs about innovation strategies? The hosts look to legendary music producer Rick Rubin for answers. We also discuss trends from behind the bar with the 2023 USBG World Class bartender of the year Renato Tonelli and Julie Reiner, the owner of world renowned NYC cocktail restaurants The Clover Club and Leyenda.