U.S. and EU Wine Organizations Call for Elimination of All Tariffs
The leading wine industry organizations in the EU and the U.S. have teamed up to recognize the importance of their long standing wine trade. Both the Wine Institute and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) signed new documents requesting the immediate...
U.S. and France Hold Off on Tariff Increase Affecting Wine
On Monday, President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, agreed to hold off on the controversial 100% tariff proposed on French goods, including wine. The wine industry protested the tariff increase en masse, claiming it would be devastating for...
Federal Appeals Court Rules Missouri Cannot Ban Restaurants from Advertising Alcohol Specials
The US Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit recently ruled a Missouri law that banned bars and restaurants from advertising specific alcohol specials violates their right to free speech. The Missouri law in question allowed retailers to run generic advertisements...
The Rock Partners with Mast-Jägermeister for Tequila Distribution
Siete Bucks Spirits, founded by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia, announced a partnership to distribute Teremana Tequila globally with Mast-Jägermeister. Ken Austin and Jenna Fagnan, the duo behind Tequila Avión, are also a part of the founding Teremana...
Rabobank Urges Alcohol Industry to Invest in E-commerce Channel
US online alcohol sales grew 22% in 2019 reaching a total of $2.6 billion, according to a new report from Rabobank. Online grocery represents $295 million, alcohol marketplaces represent $265 million, direct to consumer wine sales represent $950 million, and online...
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is Best-Selling Spirit Brand in the US
Tito’s Handmade Vodka overtook Diageo’s Smirnoff brand as the top-selling spirit in the US last year, according to IWSR. Tito’s, which is independently owned, grew 20% in volume in 2019. For the first time in over a decade, Smirnoff dropped to the No. 2 spot, followed...
Tennessee Quashes Illegal Alcohol Shipments
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is increasing efforts to put a stop to illegal shipments of alcohol to the state. As a result, the organization sent seven out-of-state businesses a cease and desist for illegal direct-to-consumer shipments. The...
Diageo’s Distill Ventures Invests in Ritual Zero Proof
Diageo's drinks accelerator Distill Ventures made a minority investment in Ritual Zero Proof, its first U.S.-based non-alcoholic brand. Founded in Chicago in 2019, Ritual offers a gin alternative and whiskey alternative product. Ritual will continue to run its...
Industry Braces for 100% Tariffs on European Wine Imports
As the result of an escalating trade battle, The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed a new 100% trade tariff on imported wine from all EU countries. If put into effect, the tariffs would severely impact a number of industry businesses,...