Drinks Sector News
Marston’s deploys renewables with ‘reduced risk’ power agreement
Marston’s is rolling out solar energy across 120 of the group’s community-based pubs thanks to a new approach to financing such projects. The power purchase agreement (PPA) means Marston’s purchases 100% of the renewable energy generated on its roofs rather…
Climate change to shift wine production northwards
Climate change is redrawing the map for production of fine wines with northern European countries like Denmark and the UK set to benefit at the expense of traditional heartlands like Spain and Italy. Rising temperatures and periods of extreme drought…
Organic wine – consumer concerns over chemicals driving sales
Consumers are increasingly seeking out wines produced with limited amounts of chemical inputs, according to new market research. Producers are also turning to organic systems in a bid to future-proof supplies in the face of the climate and nature crises.…
Cheers to no-low drinks as Greene King reports record sales
Sales of low- and no-alcohol beverages rocketed last month as drinkers committed to ‘Dry/Try January’ enjoyed a greater variety of options. That’s according to Greene King. Sales of Estrella Galicia 0.0%, Lucky Saint 0.5% and Heineken 0.0% all “rocketed”, the…
Major reusable cup trial to kick off in Scotland
More than 50 coffee shops in Glasgow will be involved in a trial for a deposit and return scheme for reusable cups. The three-month trial, understood to include most major coffee chains and a number of independent cafés, will start…
New refill system could cut carbon emissions in half, says Diageo
Reusable kegs that pipe spirits to a dispensing unit are being trialled in seven bars for six weeks by Diageo using its Smirnoff vodka brand. The new system, called ‘Everpour’ and developed with design consultancy Hodges and Drake, will be…
Climate research aims to safeguard British beer
The brewer Asahi UK is co-funding projects to explore sustainable innovations for British hop farming after analysis laid bare the future vulnerability of producers. By Nick Hughes. Amid the grave threat posed to food and drink production by a warming…
Drinks companies must take action on water
Fewer than one in two drinks companies are engaging with their supply chains on water-related issues (43%) or providing c-suite incentives for water action (37%). Data shared by CDP from across the 123 beverage businesses reporting through the platform in…
New packaging pact to cover all materials, as drinks firms call for EPR delay
The UK’s new post-2025 Plastics Pact will not just focus on single-use plastic packaging and will instead encompass targets for other materials like paper, aluminium, compostables and glass. Wrap, the charity which led the inaugural Pact that runs to next…
The 2024 Drinks Sustainability Awards Winners Announced
Leaders from across the drinks industry were at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London’s Portland Place last night as businesses came together to recognise the work the industry has done to make a positive impact to sustainability…