Drinks Sector News

Taste, health and ESG commitments drive no- and low-alcohol drinks

Taste, health and ESG commitments drive no- and low-alcohol drinks
Sales of no- and low-alcohol beer, cider, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products grew by more than 6% in volume in 10 key markets in 2021, and now have a 3.5% volume share of the industry, according to a new study published by research group IWSR. The market value of no- and low-alcohol drinks in…
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Footprint launches Drinks Industry ESG Trends Report to drive sustainability progress across the sector

Footprint launches Drinks Industry ESG Trends Report to drive sustainability progress across the sector
The 2022 Footprint Drinks Industry ESG Trends Report has launched today, identifying key trends and opportunities to help industry leaders build their business, develop a proactive sustainability strategy, benchmark good practice and identify issues in need of greater attention. Sponsored by Pernod Ricard UK, it is the definitive guide to charting and measuring sustainability progress in…
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Energy prices soar and providers shun hospitality

Energy prices soar and providers shun hospitality
Hospitality businesses across the UK are being refused energy contracts from suppliers, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. The sector has faced energy issues throughout the pandemic but these are becoming “increasingly worse” the trade group said.  The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the situation. The Financial Times this week reported that the global economy…
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‘Dry January’ sales surge at Tesco

‘Dry January’ sales surge at Tesco
In January, vegans tend to hog the limelight – but what about those abstaining from alcohol for a month? Demand for low- and no-alcohol beer and cider was at its strongest ever during ‘Dry January’, according to supermarket Tesco. Sales surged nearly 30% compared to the same period last year. Sparkling wine, including ‘Nozeco’, also…
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Breweries break bread to fight climate change

Breweries break bread to fight climate change
A coalition of 25 breweries has called on world leaders to work together to combat the climate and nature emergency. Coordinated by Toast Ale, an open letter from breweries including Adnams, Beavertown, Guinness and Meantime urges leaders to seize the “once in a lifetime opportunity to protect people and nature from the effects of the…
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Glass should be kept out of DRS – drinks body

Glass should be kept out of DRS – drinks body
The trade body representing UK wine and spirit producers has reiterated its call for a UK-wide deposit return scheme (DRS) to exclude glass from within its scope. Speaking at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s (WSTA) industry summit last week, chief executive Miles Beale said the WSTA had been the “lone voice” among trade bodies…
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Footprint Drinks Sustainability Awards 2021 in association with Matthew Clark shortlist announced

Footprint Drinks Sustainability Awards 2021 in association with Matthew Clark shortlist announced
The judging has concluded and we are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2021 Footprint Drinks Sustainability Awards in association with Matthew Clark, revealing the sustainability initiatives of the on-trade drinks sector’s leading responsible businesses. Footprint Drinks Sustainability Awards is the barometer for sustainability and responsible business practice for the drinks industry and represents…
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MPs call for DRS consistency

MPs call for DRS consistency
Deposit return schemes (DRS) should be consistent across all four nations of the UK to make it easy for businesses and the public, according to an influential committee of MPs. In its response to the government’s consultation on a DRS for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the environmental audit committee (EAC) called for Defra to…
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Malbec and hard seltzers among lockdown drinks winners

Malbec and hard seltzers among lockdown drinks winners
Argentinian wines and hard seltzers are among the lockdown drinking trends that look set to take root in hospitality following the reopening of the sector. Retail sales data for 2020 shows sales of wines from Argentina, such as Malbec, soared 41% compared to the year before and are up more than seven-fold compared with 2016.…
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Net-zero pubs and bars initiative launched

Net-zero pubs and bars initiative launched
Pubs and bars will be able to become ‘certified net-zero’ following the launch of two new initiatives this week. The net-zero pubs and bars initiatives will help businesses tackle net-zero, from defining what it means for the on-trade to providing guidance on emissions reductions. There will also be a standard against which outlets can achieve…
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