Drinks Sector News

Decision time on deposit return scheme for Scotland

<strong>Decision time on deposit return scheme for Scotland</strong>
Makers of soft drinks including AG Barr, Britvic and Coca-Cola have urged Scotland’s new first minister Humza Yousaf to make the country’s deposit return scheme (DRS) a “top priority”. The Grocer this week reported that industry is “waiting with bated breath” for the first minister’s next move. Yousaf has previously claimed he would exempt smaller businesses…
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Pub prices could ‘go through the roof’ when energy prices rise

<strong>Pub prices could ‘go through the roof’ when energy prices rise</strong>
The average energy bill for a pub will rise by £18,400 a year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. BBPA is warning of a “cliff edge” as the government’s energy relief for businesses ends next month.  The end of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which came into force in November 2022, will add further pressure…
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Carlsberg kick-starts regenerative barley transition

<strong>Carlsberg kick-starts regenerative barley transition</strong>
Carlsberg has committed to source 100% regenerative barley for its UK beer brands within the next decade as part of a global shift towards regenerative farming. The beer giant’s UK arm, Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company (CMBC), has said it will use 100% regenerative barley for its Carlsberg Danish Pilsner by 2027 and for all UK…
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DRS scheme for Scotland in disarray

DRS scheme for Scotland in disarray
Scotland’s deposit return scheme appears to be sinking fast as the deadline for registrations closes. David Burrows reports. Scotland’s plan to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers ahead of other devolved nations looks to be “dead in the water” according to reports this week.  The Times reported that politicians in Westminster are planning…
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Further support to help drinks businesses with Scotland’s DRS

<strong>Further support to help drinks businesses with Scotland’s DRS</strong>
A £22m package of support has been announced to help Scotland’s brewers, distillers, importers and drinks manufacturers prepare for the deposit return scheme (DRS). The scheme is causing concerns for industry, MSPs and councils alike. In December, cuts to producer fees for the scheme were announced as well as exemptions for smaller retailers. In January, following consultation with industry and independent…
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Footprint Drinks ESG Trends Report 2023

Footprint Drinks ESG Trends Report 2023

The 2023 Footprint Drinks ESG Trends Report, in association with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, identifies key trends and opportunities to help drinks industry leaders build their businesses, develop proactive strategies, benchmark good practice and identify issues in need of greater attention.

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Waitrose switches wine packaging to cut carbon 

<strong>Waitrose switches wine packaging to cut carbon </strong>
Waitrose has announced plans to move most of its small wine formats from glass bottles into cans – a move that the grocer says will reduce carbon emissions and save resources. “Aluminium cans weigh significantly less than glass and create less than half the amount of CO2 than the equivalent single-use glass bottle,” explained Barry…
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High hopes for no- and lo-alcohol drinks in 2023

High hopes for no- and lo-alcohol drinks in 2023
More than four in five bars plan to increase their ranges of no- and low-alcohol drinks next year in a bid to capitalise on consumers’ interest in healthier drinking. The ‘Leading the way in no/low spirits’ report, produced by CGA by NielsenIQ and non-alcoholic spirits brand Crossip, showed 67% of bar professionals have increased their no- and low-alcohol offering in…
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Wine harvests under pressure from climate change – again

Wine harvests under pressure from climate change – again
Last year, wine production in countries like France plunged – a sobering reminder of the impact of climate change. This year, productionwill remain “roughly stable” compared to 2021 but fall short of reaching the five-year average (2017-2021), according to Copa-Cogeca, which represents European farmers. However, some countries will see harvests impacted more than others due to the droughts…
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