Drinks Sector News
Brexit boost for low-alcohol beer
The benefits of Brexit are not easy to spot, but we have one winner: low-alcohol beer. Sales of the drinks increased more here than in any other market in 2023, reports the FT, thanks to a post-Brexit overhaul of alcohol duties. Brewers…
Study to look at impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on brewing
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and Zero Carbon Forum have been awarded a grant to research the climate risks facing UK brewing supply chains. Rising temperatures are affecting the production of barley and hops, as well as the…
The Shortlist is announced for the 2024 Drinks Sustainability Awards
The judging has concluded and we are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2024 Drinks Sustainability Awards, revealing the sustainability initiatives of the on-trade drinks sector’s leading responsible businesses. The Drinks Sustainability Awards, brought to you by Footprint and…
Changing climate provides boost for English wine
English wine makers have been buoyed by the changing climate, with turnover up 15% last year to £37m, according to accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. An analysis of Companies House filings for seven English wine producers shows that more reliable…
Soft drinks tax slashes sugar consumption
The UK Government is facing renewed calls to tax sugary foods after research found the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) has been successful in reducing sugar consumption. A study found that free sugars consumed from soft drinks fell by around…
Brewing up a British hops revival
A taste for tropical New World flavours has taken business away from traditional British hop farmers, but a fightback is underway centred on innovation and sustainability. Nick Hughes reports. It’s been a difficult decade for British hop farmers. Between 2011…
Pernod Ricard expands reuse scheme to cut scope 3 emissions
Pernod Ricard is rolling out a reusable packaging scheme for delivery of gin, vodka and rum to hospitality venues globally which it says will save considerable amounts of carbon emissions and reduce glass waste. The new system, in which products…
The fizz firm fudging its footprint
How can Keurig Dr Pepper report a 12% reduction in scope 3 emissions when they’ve actually increased by 14%? David Burrows reports. If more companies commit to measuring and reporting publicly on their sustainability performance, four things should happen. ESG…
Regenerative beer on the way as barley is harvested
Heineken has announced its first harvest of barley from its “large-scale regenerative agriculture model”. The crop has been produced on 25,000 hectares of land managed by 200 members of Vivescia, the French cooperative farming and food processing group. The number…
Diageo launches paper(ish) bottle for Baileys
Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, Don Julio Tequila and Guinness has this month been trialling paper-based packaging for Baileys. The dry moulded fibre bottle is 90% paper, with a thin plastic liner and a foil seal. The liner is…