What’s attracting the attention of BeverageDaily readers? Here’s a round-up of our most read articles from May.
What’s attracting the attention of BeverageDaily readers? Here’s a round-up of our most read articles from May.
In its annual consumer trends report, Drizly finds that inflation is prompting consumers to drink out less. That’s prompting increased interest in at-home bartending and entertaining at home.
Backyard barbecues (46%) topped the list of events survey takers plan to host at home this year, followed by casual get togethers (44%), holiday gatherings (41%), birthday bashes (39%), and dinner parties (29%). Gen Z and millennial respondents are especially eager to host in 2023 with 34% and 31% of respondents wanting to do more of it this year versus 2022, respectively, compared to Gen X (18%) and boomers (12%).
Other key trends found in the report are that consumers appear less focused on RTD cocktails and hard seltzers this summer than in previous years – the category instead appears to be turning into a year-round staple - and red wine is in vogue.
Constellation Brands’ venture capital group has invested in flavor-forward alcohol-free sparkling beverage brand TÖST.
Dorset, Vermont headquartered TÖST was created to ‘fill the immense space when the consumer is looking for more than a sparkling water when they are not drinking alcohol’. It is currently sold in 40+ states and seven countries through major retailers, grocers, specialty stores, liquor stores and caterers.
Beer, wine and spirits giant Constellation Brands says TÖST meets growing demand from consumers who are looking for ‘an elegant and sophisticated beverage that happens to be alcohol-free.’
Ireland’s new alcohol health warnings have angered trade groups in Europe.
Drinks in Ireland will be required to carry a warning to inform people of the danger of alcohol consumption; danger of drinking when pregnant and the link between alcohol and cancer.
But spiritsEurope and wine industry organization Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) allege this breaches EU law: and in mid-May submitted formal complaints asking the European Commission to open an infringement procedure against Ireland.
The deviation from harmonized EU labelling requirements makes it harder for non-Irish producers to sell their goods in Ireland, they argue.
Since then, Ireland has gone on to sign the regulations into law: which are due to come into effect in May 2026.
While 2021 had planted seeds of hope of a post-pandemic recovery for wine trade, 2022 wine exports have been ‘severely impacted’ by the war in Ukraine; an energy crisis that has generated a strong inflationary pressure on all major economies; and global supply chain disruptions to sea freight.
While international wine trade reached a record high in value terms in 2022, this was down to a sharp rise in prices from higher costs across the supply chain. In volume terms, global wine exports decreased 5% on the prior year.
Very few of the top exporters escaped a decline in volumes, says the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) as it released the latest figures.
The Coca-Cola Company has selected Webster, New York as its preferred location for a new $650m production facility for ultra-filtered milk brand fairlife.
The site will help the brand’s continued expansion in the Northeast market, with the new 100-acre facility just outside of Rochester. Coca-Cola – which fully acquired fairlife in 2020 after eight years of investment in the company – says the facility represents its ongoing commitment to the brand.
