Industry-News on LiquorNewsUSA

Diageo Reports Q1 2026 Earnings: Tequila and RTDs Drive Growth

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0500

Diageo posted stronger-than-expected Q1 2026 results this week, with North American net sales climbing 4.2% year-over-year. The London-based spirits giant credited its tequila portfolio and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail lines as the primary growth drivers.

Don Julio and Casamigos both posted double-digit volume gains in the U.S. market, reflecting the continued consumer shift toward premium tequila. The RTD segment, anchored by Smirnoff Ice and newer Ketel One Botanical Spritz offerings, grew 18% in the quarter.

New Riff and Rhinegeist Harmonize with DUET American Whiskey Collaboration

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:15:22 +0000

Two of the Cincinnati-area beverage makers are collaborating to debut DUET American Whiskey, a collaboration between New Riff Distilling and Rhinegeist Brewing. Focused on barley — a primary grain in both whiskey and beer production — this unique whiskey showcases Kentucky’s rich distilling tradi…

Press Clips: Aluminum Tariffs Updates, Spirits Acquisitions, Wormtown’s Taproom Reopening & More

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:00:17 +0000

Check out news items initially reported in the Brewbound Insider Newsletter April 2-3, including headlines from the Brewers Association, Molson Coors, Sierra Nevada and more.

Source: Brewbound

Sponsor Spotlight: A Chat with Haskell’s Phil Morgan

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:01:58 +0000

Haskell is a fully integrated design, engineering, and construction services firm, operating from over 20 strategic offices across the United States, Latin America, and Asia. Haskell leads the industry by adopting new technology, thinking big, and consistently delivering superior value for client…

After Old Elk Deal, Middle West Focuses On “Aged Yet Affordable” Whiskey Portfolio

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:43:25 +0000

Despite headwinds in the American whiskey category, U.S. distilleries continue to invest for the future. Among the notable examples is Columbus, Ohio’s Middle West, which last year acquired the Colorado-based Old Elk brand and operates one of the largest contract … Continue reading → …

Gary Heck And Korbel Re-Acquire Kenwood Vineyards From Pernod Ricard

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:42:02 +0000

Pernod Ricard has sold Sonoma, California’s Kenwood and its winery operations to F. Korbel & Bros, owned by Gary Heck, for $4 million. The deal includes Kenwood’s trademarks, production facilities, visitor center, and 20 acres of vineyards. The sale of … Continue reading → The pos…

Oregon’s Stoller Aligns With SGWS In 21 States

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:41:28 +0000

Oregon’s Stoller Wine Group has forged a new distribution alignment with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits covering 21 U.S. markets. Stoller’s brands include Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Wines, Elouan, Chemistry, History, and Stoller Swing. The winemaker’s portfolio grew to 300,…

News Briefs for April 3, 2026

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:40:49 +0000

Oregon’s Hood River Distillers has acquired the Crater Lake Spirits portfolio from Bendistillery for an undisclosed sum. Bendistillery continue to distill the brand’s vodkas, gins, and whiskies, while Hood River will integrate Crater Lake into its sales and distribution system. … Continue r…

Taste Radio: M&A Isn’t Slowing. It’s Getting More Focused.

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:23:13 +0000

The hosts break down the latest wave of CPG deals, including HOP WTR’s sale to Constellation Brands and So Good So You’s acquisition by a private investment group – just two of several recent moves. They explore what’s fueling continued buyer activity and why non-alcoholic, functional, and better…

Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard Merger Could Lead to Fewer Buyers and Distributors for Independent Brands

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:45:15 +0000

When two spirits giants merge, what does that mean for smaller, independent suppliers?

Source: Brewbound

Mocktail Club Cracks The Control State Retail Channel

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:55:56 +0000

Mocktail Club, the NA sparkling beverage brand founded by Pauline Idogho in 2019, has accomplished an unlikely feat: landing placement in 100 Virginia ABC stores, possibly one of the first times an adult non-alc (ANA) brand has cracked a control state system.

Diageo names John O’Keeffe as North America CEO

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:16:52 +0000

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo has appointed John O’Keeffe as its North America president and CEO to replace Sally Grimes The post Diageo names John O’Keeffe as North America CEO appeared first on The Spirits Business.

Source: The Spirits Business

IWSR: spirits ‘worst performing’ category in 2025

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:36:34 +0000

Total beverage alcohol volumes fell by 2% in 2025, with spirits suffering the biggest value drop, according to IWSR data The post IWSR: spirits ‘worst performing’ category in 2025 appeared first on The Spirits Business.

Source: The Spirits Business

High fidelity blend: Traveller Whiskey

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:21:33 +0000

Chris Stapleton has teamed up again with Harlen Wheatley, the master distiller of Buffalo Trace Distillery, to amp up the volume of Traveller Whiskey The post High fidelity blend: Traveller Whiskey appeared first on The Spirits Business.

Source: The Spirits Business

Virginia Distillers Celebrate America’s 250th

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:39:51 +0000

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and in partnership with Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control, the Virginia Spirits Board led a rare collaboration among nine Virginia distillers to create a limited-edition trio pack of three spir…

Introducing Gambit No. 6

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:13:22 +0000

Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) has announced the launch of Gambit No. 6, a 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon featuring six distinct barrel finishes, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Apple Brandy, Muscatel, Oloroso Sherry, and Tokaji. Gambit No. 6 is the second spirits release…

Pete Marino to Exit Bardstown Bourbon

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:24:55 +0000

Bardstown Bourbon’s president Pete Marino is leaving his post in June after three years with the company.

Source: Brewbound

Revelton Distillery Announces the Hiring of Toni Bertucci Ashe

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:56:45 +0000

Revelton Distillery is proud to welcome Toni Bertucci Ashe as the new Metro Kansas City & Kansas State Manager. Toni brings 16 years of Wine & Spirits sales leadership, deep Missouri market expertise, and a strong reputation for building lasting client and supplier relationships. A respec…

A New Era at Jeptha Creed: Expanded Distillery Experiences Arrive In 2026

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:48:15 +0000

Jeptha Creed Distillery, a women-owned craft producer in Shelbyville, Kentucky, has announced an expanded lineup of distillery experiences launching in 2026. As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, these new and updated offerings elevate visitor engagement, bringing guests deeper into the st…

Treasury Wine Estates rejects bankruptcy speculation

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:51:33 +0000

Australia’s largest wine producer has dismissed claims that rising debt could push the company towards bankruptcy. Treasury Wine Estates says it has sufficient liquidity despite heavy short selling and a sharp fall in its share price. The post Treasury Wine Estates rejects bankruptcy speculation …