TheRumLab Industry Newsletter Week #42 of 2023
The Rum Lab
TheRumLab - Our main focus is Rum Education. We do so through our digital magazine, events, infographics, and more.
Rum Talk with:
SHRIKANT HAJARE Managing Director, Baumgartner India Pvt Ltd.
Ugar Sugar Works Ltd was established in the year 1939. It is the flagship Company of the Shirgaokar Group. The company has been involved in the manufacture of white crystal sugar for over 80 years. The distillery was set up in 1962. It produces one of the finest Rum in the country. They are also one of the few manufacturers of Indian Single Malt Whisky. Shrikant Hajare is the Managing Director of Baumgartner India Pvt Ltd. He manages all the premium portfolios of Ugar.
?TRL: What does the rum mean to you? What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?
About sixty years ago Ugar Khurd was a small hamlet in the erstwhile princely state of Sangli in the West of India. It was blessed with two advantages - On its south, there was the perennial river Krishna and on the north was situated a railway station.
Conditions were ideal for somebody to harness the two advantages and exploit the fertility of the loamy soil. The then ruler of Sangli invited the family - to embark on the unexplored venture, which they did with great dexterity, and the slumbering village of Ugar Khurd was transformed into a humming industrial township in a few years. Today, Ugar is a sugar manufacturing-focused township with large areas under sugarcane cultivation. There is a research center that works with the government to produce quality seeds.
?TRL: Three essential characteristics that define the rum according to your perspective.
Ron De Ugar?Classic - Mature?Hand Crafted Rum is a Single Estate Rum.
It is blended using mature rums aged between three to five years. A sipping rum that has been slowly mellowed in our Oakwood casks. A medium-bodied rum with a delicate aromatic character, definitely easy for everyone. Its lightness and freshness make it ideal for warmer months too. At Ugar 5 different varieties of sugarcane are used, giving the blend fruity and buttery notes. Aged in oak-wood barrels, it tastes like those beautiful vanilla notes. The longer it?spends in the barrel, the more the vanilla influence and the smoother the rum becomes.?
?TRL: What is the most important contribution you have made to the rum industry?
Interestingly, India’s connection with distillation goes back to at least 1500 years. While there have been many mythological references to sugar cane as an important crop in India, the accurate history of distillation seems to be uncertain. Yet, the official records on the history of alcohol consumption in India are obscure. While we have been producing rum for over 60 years, it’s only last year that a mature rum in the premium category was created, which we are very proud of.
?TRL: What’s another thing you are passionate about, in addition to rum? Why?
I love traveling and experimenting with local cuisine across the globe.
?TRL: What is your favorite place for drinking rum?
Goa, India in the rains.
?TRL: Favorite drink + Recipe
My favorite cocktail is the Rum Punch, made from tropical fruits available locally.
Recipe – 45 ml of Ron De Ugar Mature Handcrafted Rum, locally sourced fruits like pineapple, orange, lime juice, and pomegranate juice into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled. Then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice and garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint.
?TRL: Why is it important to educate the rum consumer?
The premium rum segment in India is in its nascent phase. In India, there is an affluent middle class with a growing disposable income and appreciation for premium homegrown rums. There is a willingness to spend more money on high-quality products and look for unique brands. Premium alcohol is no longer associated with just formal and celebratory social settings, but is identified as a category that is a part of informal and everyday socializing. It will take a few years, but ultimately consumption of premium Rums will grow exponentially.
?TRL: Any tips to train the palate and taste good premium rum?
The experiment is the key – you need to experience more?to expand and grow your palate. As you drink through the evening, take a few moments to focus on what you taste, and really think about the flavors your drink has.
?TRL: Who would like to meet in the rum industry? What would you say to him/her?
I would like to meet stakeholders of the Rum Industry to share and exchange knowledge and ideas. That will bring about a kind of revolution.?
?TRL: What are your next goals in the rum industry?
According to market reports, rum consumption in India has declined over the last few years while the demand for other alcoholic beverages like gin has grown.?But this is because the Rum Industry has only brands in the lower price spectrum – There are only a few in the premium category. However, there’s palpable excitement for dark alcohol in 2022 with the introduction of a few premium rums.
?TRL: Plans you have when you leave the rum industry.
To see many Indian premium brands?available across the world.
?TRL: Why is the role of the bartender important in the rum industry?
As bartenders work directly with customers by?mixing and serving drink orders it’s their responsibility in knowing alcohol pairing and tastes depending on which part of the world they live in. Also, knowing how to make traditional and classy drinks. Innovation is the key to them.
?TRL: What is your advice for new generations in the rum industry?
As its traditional fan base ages and consumers become more category-curious, the premium rum industry should recruit a new generation through flavor innovation, alignment with cocktails, and digital marketing. With its existing consumer base aging, and increasing competition from world rum and other drinks categories, reinvention has become a necessity for Rum if it’s becoming relevant to a younger audience.
?TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?
Eminente debuts 10YO rum
Rupert Hohwieler - 10/17/23 - The Spirit Business
The new expression was masterminded by?César Martí, Cuba’s youngest maestro ronero (the name used for a master rum distiller).
For Edition N°1, Martí aged a selection of aguardientes in a dry cellar, initially in white oak barrels that previously held whisky. This liquid, made from molasses distilled to 75% ABV, is then blended with light Cuban rum (distilled to 95% ABV) and matured further. The rum was finished it in French oak barrels for three months.
The resultant liquid sits at an ABV of 43.5%, which is higher than average for a bottle of Cuban rum, the brand said.
Martí said of his creation: “Gran Reserva Edition N°1 is the perfect balance of art, science, magic and talent in blending and ageing, giving it a unique integrity and character that takes it to a new dimension – it is a genuine expression of Cuba.”
The rum is described as having ‘floral’ and ‘woody’ notes, such as orange blossom and sandalwood. Drinkers will also be able to detect an aroma of freshly roasted coffee, alongside honey and vanilla, with a fruity profile on the mouth that’s ‘driven by dried apricot and orange blossom’.
The brand said the finish has the ‘spicy character of Sichuan pepper’ with additional flavours of caramel, pine sap and saffron.
Camille de Dominicis, co-founder and managing director of Eminente, also commented: “We wanted to create something with real depth, craftsmanship and age that shows just what César is capable of creating.
“With some of the oldest aguardientes at his fingertips and his pioneering ageing techniques, he has captured the essence of what Cuban rum stands for and just how extraordinary our rum at Eminente can be with additional ageing.”
Gran Reserva Edition N°1 is recommended served neat or over a large ice cube and can be picked up online and from select stores in the UK for an RRP of ￡75 (US$91).
The brand’s range already consists of the Eminente Amber Claro and the Eminente Reserve, the latter of which is the flagship bottle and aged for seven years.
Back in 2021,?we spoke to co-founders Camille de Dominicis and Briac Dessertenne?to find out what Eminente is all about.
Dough partners with Kraken Rum for limited time doughnut
Brian Amick - 10/17/23 - Bake Mag
In celebration of Halloween, Kraken Rum has teamed up with New York favorite Dough Doughnuts for a unique collaboration.
The Kraken Dark Doughnut is available through October 31 at Dough Doughnuts locations across New York City, including: Flatiron, Rockefeller Center, Time Out Market, Brooklyn, Astoria, Urbanspace Vanderbilt and Smorgasburg.
The rum and chocolate concoction also ships nationwide through Goldbelly.
Award-winning distillery launches special-edition rums inspired by a Warwickshire boxing legend
Mark Adair - 10/16/23 - B Daily?
A Warwickshire boxing legend is the inspiration behind two new special-edition rums released by an award-winning distillery.
Warwickshire Gin Company has released the spirits in honour of Randolph Turpin from Leamington Spa.
The Pugilist - Sting Like A Bee - Honey Rum and Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum, are in honour of the sporting great who went down in British boxing history for his sensational World Title win against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and earning himself the nickname ‘The Leamington Licker.’
His statue can be found in Warwick’s Market Square. The rums are new recipes based on the company’s existing Spice Blended Rum, which took Bronze at last year’s International Spirits Awards.
Dave Blick, who established Warwickshire Gin Company in 2018, said: “With our local legend being Randolph Turpin, boxing is still a very strong sport in Leamington and Warwick. We are using Guyanan rum spirit as a base in honour of Turpin’s Guyanan family heritage.
“Born in Leamington of Guyana heritage, Turpin became a hero overnight! To commemorate this fabulous son of Leamington we have celebrated his Guyanan heritage and added our special Warwickshire spice blend to create a warming, rich rum.
“For the new Sting Like A Bee edition, we have rectified with orange peel, and finished off with local honey sourced from Kazim’s Bees and Honey in Warwick, to deliver a beautifully smooth sweet mouth feel. It is best enjoyed neat over ice or pairs well with Sicilian lemonade. The Pugilist Ghost Edition White Rum is more one for the rum purists and is best enjoyed neat over ice or maybe with a drop of lime.”
Both rums are 37 per cent ABV and available to buy in 5cl, 20cl and 70cl bottles or as part of gift packs. They are the latest to join the independent craft distillery’s portfolio of artisan copper pot-distilled premium spirits, including five artisan handcrafted gins and a vodka.
The inspiration behind the Warwickshire Gin Company collection comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.
These include Leamington on Parade, inspired by the true story of three elephants brought over from Sri Lanka to Leamington by circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s; The Kingmaker named after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick and Peeping Tom inspired by the legend of Coventry’s Lady Godiva.
The distillery also offers visitor experiences - Gin Tasting, Cocktails at The Distillery and their new Afternoon Gin & Tea plus a range of build-your-own branded gift bundles, including spirits, goblet, mixers and gin or rum-infused chocolates.
In a further nod to the drinks’ heritage, the distillery is also sponsoring the expansion of a local community boxing gym in Whitnash. The money will fund new kit as well as amateur boxers’ expenses for competitions and events abroad.
Facilities at Clearys Boxing Gym now include three boxing rings (one championship size), a media suite - to record podcasts and do TV and radio interviews - a small conference room for career talks, homework space, lounge area, and showers and changing rooms.
Barbados Set for Food and Rum Festival?
Staff - 10/15/23 - Caribbean Journal?
Barbados is set to begin its popular Food & Rum Festival on the island next week.?
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s culinary celebration, which returned last year after a pandemic hiatus, is being held this year under the theme of “Feed the Future.”
The idea, organizers say, is to “empower the next generation of culinary talents while nurturing the future of Barbadian cuisine.”
This year’s chef lineup includes Renee Blackman, Anne Burrell, Shelina Permalloo and Juan Diego Vanegas, among others.?
This year’s festival runs from Oct. 19-22, with eight signature events across four days.?
That includes an evening under the stars at Ousting Bay Garden, a junior chef cook-off series; a music-filled, rum journey called the Rum Route; an expo-sale Bajan Fair; and the popular Rise & Rum early morning party, among others.?
Even better? Tickets are still available if you’re down for a last-minute getaway.
For more, visit the?Barbados Food and Rum Festival.
PHENOMENAL SPIRITS BRANDS RY3 WHISKEY & RON IZALCO RUM EXPAND TO GERMANY, DENMARK, SLOVENIA, AND HUNGARY
Press Release - Oct 2023 - Food and Beverages?
Phenomenal Spirits is pleased to announce the international expansion of its highly successful RY3 Whiskey and Ron Izalco Rum portfolios to four new European markets, with an eye towards continued expansion to the Asia-Pacific region?
Phenomenal Spirits Founder and CEO, Karthik Sudhir commented, “Since we first launched the RY3 Whiskey & Ron Izalco Rum brands in the US just three years ago, the success of both brands has fueled further expansion to seventeen states across the country and provided the launching pad needed to take these two exquisite, super-premium craft brands to the global market.”
Beginning in October, RY3 whiskey and Ron Izalco Rum will be available in Denmark, through H.J. Hansen Vin A/S,?Germany through Haromex Development GMBH, and Slovenia through RR Selection and Hungary through Premirum.
Leading the global expansion charge is Barry Sly, Phenomenal Spirits’ newly appointed International Commercial Manager, based in the UK. Sly, who will oversee the aggressive global growth plan for Phenomenal Spirits brands moving forward, brings a wealth of industry experience to the team having worked with some of the biggest names in the beverage industry, including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Fentimans, Coors Brewers and Global Brands, among others.
Sudhir added, “Our ambitious plans for 2023 and beyond include continued innovations that meet untapped consumer demand not only in domestic US markets but also in key international markets. We have assembled a remarkable team of sales and marketing professionals to bring our amazing portfolio of spirits brands and phenomenal drinking experiences to consumers throughout the world.”
Wray & Nephew returns as Jamaica Premier League title sponsor
Staff – 10/11/2023 - Loop Sports
The Jamaica Premier League's (JPL) upcoming season has secured a new presenting partner. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, the flagship brand of J Wray & Nephew Limited, has entered into a three-season agreement with the island's premier football league.
The formal announcement of this partnership took place during a media launch at J. Wray & Nephew Limited's offices in New Kingston on Tuesday.
Dominic Bell, the brand public relations and communications banager for Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, expressed excitement about rekindling the partnership with the Jamaica Premier League.
The company had previously provided sponsorship during the early to mid-2000s.
“Sports in Jamaica is the lifeline of many. We understand the great impact that football has on our communities and the wider social fabric as a nation,” said Bell. “As a proud supporter of grassroots engagement and development, the Jamaica Premier League provides the opportunity for the brand to play a role in advancing the welfare of stakeholders both on and off the field in a professional and commercialized manner.”
Owen Hill, the chief executive officer of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), expressed his elation at Wray & Nephew Group's decision to renew its support for local football.
“We always expect great things from a partnership with Wray & Nephew. In this newest agreement, the mission for PFJL is to build a viable football industry for our key stakeholder groups, as such, the vision alignment between the two iconic brands provides a perfect conduit to achieve these goals,” Hill said.
The new season is set to start on October 22 and will continue until May 2024.
Bundaberg Rum releases Christmas liqueur
Elizabeth McDonald ?– 10/12/2023 – Courier Mail
An iconic Aussie brewer is serving up a Christmas treat early as it releases a drink which tastes just like Xmas pudding.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. When Bundaberg releases their new seasonal special, that is. Back for another festival year, Bundy has announced the Christmas special flavour for 2023 and fittingly, it’s a Christmas Pudding with Brandy liqueur.
Christmassy dried fruit, treacle, spices and a hint of brandy, this yule classic isn’t just reserved for snow-capped peaks and frosty evenings. As with all of Bundy’s Christmas specials, the Christmas Pudding liqueur is perfect served neat, on the rocks, or even over ice cream for a pudding-without-the-pudding treat.
Barrell Craft Spirits? Introduces Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Staff ?– 10/11/2023 - Business Wire
Crafted to be Enjoyed Neat and in Cocktails, this New 100-Proof Expression is the Independent Blender’s First Foray into Non-Cask Strength Bourbon
LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 11, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the past 10 years, Barrell Craft Spirits? (BCS) has become synonymous with some of the most exciting cask strength releases being made in America, showcasing its ability to blend complex flavors in bourbon, rye, and American whiskey from a variety of different distillery partners across the world. Today, the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013 announced the launch of Barrell Foundation Bourbon, its first non-cask strength bourbon, in select U.S. markets. The new ongoing release is a blend of Kentucky (8yr), Indiana (5, 6, and 9yr), Tennessee (8yr), and Maryland (5 and 6yr) bourbon whiskeys bottled at 100-proof (50% ABV). Featuring a derived mashbill of 73% corn, 23% rye, and 4% malted barley, the expression presented a unique challenge for the award-winning blender to show it can produce a great, consistent whiskey at a lower ABV and for all occasions.
For the past 10 years, Barrell Craft Spirits? has become synonymous with some of the most exciting cask strength releases being made in America, showcasing its ability to blend complex flavors in bourbon, rye, and American whiskey from a variety of different distillery partners across the world. Today, the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013 announced the launch of Barrell Foundation Bourbon, its first non-cask strength bourbon, in select U.S. markets. The new ongoing release is a blend of Kentucky (8yr), Indiana (5, 6, and 9yr), Tennessee (8yr), and Maryland (5 and 6yr) bourbon whiskeys bottled at 100-proof (50% ABV). Featuring a derived mashbill of 73% corn, 23% rye, and 4% malted barley, the expression presented a unique challenge for the award-winning blender to show it can produce a great, consistent whiskey at a lower ABV and for all occasions. (Photo: Business Wire)
"Barrell Foundation is a delicious and easy drinking bourbon whiskey with all the flavor of a cask strength bourbon whiskey at 100-proof," said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. "We believe that a true art form in bourbon-making is the ability to produce bourbon whiskey that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we welcomed the challenge to show that we can produce great bourbon whiskey at a more approachable strength and price for all occasions. For 10 years we’ve led the blending movement in the U.S. and now welcome this exciting opportunity to be a trailblazer of an entirely different style of bourbon whiskey."
Having recently opened its new 31,000 square foot blending facility in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, BCS can now support the growth of its current brands as well as new product launches. Featuring eight blending tanks with 64,000 gallons of capacity, the new facility enables the team to blend larger stocks of its bourbon into a profile that tastes great neat and works well in cocktails.
Barrell Foundation is now available for purchase online via the Barrell Craft Spirits website and in select markets (AZ, CA, DC, DE, IL, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NV, NY, TX, and WA beginning this month for the suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle. The new offering will rollout nationally in January of 2024.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes and a liberated approach to blending guides every product release.
The award-winning line of BCS releases are currently sold in 49 U.S. states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits? on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits?
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits? is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.
Barrell Craft Spirits?, Barrell?, Barrell Bourbon? and Barrell Rye? are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231011188246/en/
Contacts
Aaron Brost | Ro-Bro Marketing & PR
312.576.5315 | [email protected]
New drinks launches
Rachel Badham and Lucy Britner – 10/11/2023 – Drinks Retailing News
https://drinksretailingnews.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/21830/New_drinks_launches_-_October_23.html
?SPIRITS
Dunnet Bay Mapmakers spiced rum
￡35
USP: Dunnet Bay Distillers is launching its first-ever rum. It combines Dunnet's house rum, Carribbean rum, Loch Calder water and local botanicals, resulting in notes of banana, toffee and salted caramel with a "light peppery spice". Martin Murray, co-founder of Dunnet Bay, said: “Our Mapmaker’s rum has been more than three years in the making, with many experiments with local and traditional botanicals to create the perfect recipe...The result is a beautifully smooth Spiced Rum with a delicious oceanic, umami profile."
El Galipote Pink and El Galipote Spiced
37.5% and 35% abv respectively
￡22 each
USP: Described as rums made for mixing, two El Galipote variants will now be available in the UK via Asda. El Galipote Pink is a blend of Caribbean white rum and strawberry flavours while El Galipote Spiced is a classic spiced rum.
Can You Bring Alcoholic Beverages On Airplane Flights?
Rebecca Cherico – 10/14/2023 – News Yahoo Australia
Ever found yourself gazing wistfully at the bar cart while you sit in your cramped airline seat? Do you find stale pretzels and half of a cup of soda less than ideal? Do you dream of trying out the best rum to mix with Coke in-flight? In case you weren't aware, you are totally allowed to bring alcohol on a flight. You can bring alcohol in your carry-on, in your suitcase, and even in your purse (aka second carry-on). But there's a catch: you can't actually drink it on board.
If you're on a short trip and your only bags are in the overhead compartment, you have a choice to make: Are you more attached to your favorite toiletries or your best booze? Unlike New Orleans at Mardi Gras, there's a very clear list of rules when it comes to alcohol, and the TSA is checking them twice. The agency enforces what's called the 3-1-1 rule to liquids whether it's mini-bar bottles or shampoo. Whatever liquids you bring with you need to fit in a single quart-sized ziplock bag.
You can carry as many 3.4-ounce (or fewer) bottles of alcohol under 140 proof (70% ABV) as you'd like. That is provided they fit comfortably in that one ziplock bag and the TSA agents agree with you. However, mixing your own cocktails during the flight could land you in hot water. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says airline passengers can only drink alcohol that airline staff serve to them during flights.
Alcohol Restrictions Vary For Checked Luggage
FAA rules make it nearly impossible to bring beer on a flight since a normal serving far exceeds 3.4 ounces. But if you're checking your bags, the sky's the limit: You can bring as much alcohol under 24 proof (12 % ABV) in your checked bags as you'd like. So beer and wine can be transported in large quantities.
When it comes to heavier spirits, however, you need to travel light. On a U.S. flight, you can bring a total of 5 liters of alcohol with an ABV between 12 and 70% (24 to 140 proof) in your checked luggage. There is a workaround: duty-free purchases. You can transport up to 5 liters of unopened duty-free liquor that you acquired after the security checkpoint. If you bought it abroad before boarding a connecting U.S. flight, it may be allowed in your carry-on bag under certain conditions. And if you're flying from one European Union country to another, you're in luck: 10 liters of spirits are permitted, though the laws of European countries outside the E.U. vary.
Anything over 140 proof is completely off-limits for plane travel (as are a number of surprising foods). If you're mixing your own moonshine, and the ABV's too high, you'll need to transport it in another way. As always, you should check specific policies. The TSA makes the rules, but airlines may have specific restrictions of their own, as they seek to keep their customers safe and everyone cruising at the same steady altitude.
5 old St Lucian TV commercials that will take you back in time
Sharine Joseph – 10/14/2023 – St Lucia Loop News
Can you recall those moments when you enthusiastically sang along to your beloved TV commercials? These ads, a charming blend of nostalgia and ingenuity, provide a window into bygone eras, evoking memories of simpler days and beloved experiences. Join me on a trip down memory lane as we delve into five classic St. Lucian TV commercials, promising to whisk you away to days long past.
1. Bounty Rum
“Well, we work so hard, time to celebrate”. Rum holds a special place in St. Lucian culture, and the Bounty Rum ad stands as one of the most iconic ones ever made. This advertisement was not only catchy but also beautifully portrayed the genuine spirit of St. Lucia, showcasing various facets of our cultural heritage. The unforgettable tagline, "The Spirit of St. Lucia," perfectly encapsulated the island's culture and how our people come together to celebrate with Bounty Rum.
Look: Cocktail bar to launch Hallowe'en specials - and host free party
Leah Powell – 10/14/2023 – UK News Yahoo
?SPOOKY SEASON is upon us and adults are missing a trick if they don't take the opportunity for a treat.
Cosmo’s Cocktail Bar, in Newport is to host a party and launch a range of spooktacular Hallowe’en drinks soon.
The limited-edition drinks, which will be available on the two-for-one deal, will be available at the venue from Wednesday, October 18, with a Hallowe’en party also lined up for Saturday, October 28.
Here are the details of the cocktails and party…
What cocktails will be on offer?
Along with the classic and signature cocktails, Cosmo’s Cocktail Bar in Newport has announced four fang-tastic flavours for Hallowe’en. These will be available between October 18 and November 5.
Dracula’s Blood:
This cocktail includes white rum, Peach schnapps, and a black cherry syrup topped with Dracula’s teeth. (Please note that this drink does not contain Dracula’s blood and will not make you immortal).
Sweet Poison:
When someone asks you to drink poison you should generally decline – but this cocktail is a rare exception.
It includes a “spell-binding mix” of white rum, Malibu, Curacao, and pineapple juice. It’s finished with a witch’s eyeball and a gooey finger (again, no real body parts are used as ingredients in any of the beverages).
I Put a Spell on You:
This “potion” is made up of vodka, white rum, and Curacao topped with lemonade and bloody eyeballs – you can watch your drink while it watches you right back.
Vampire’s Breakfast:
This is a “vampire’s take on a full English, served in a blood bag” which is ideal for bloodsuckers wanting to share some snaps on Instagram.
What should I know about the Hallowe’en party?
Cosmo’s Cocktail Bar in Newport is hosting their “BIG” Hallowe’en party on Saturday, October 28, which is free entry.
The fun will kick off from 6pm until late on the big day with guests encouraged to wear fancy dress for a night with “plenty of scares” and performances by a live DJ.
Although entry is free, ghouls and boys are asked to reserve a table to “avoid disappointment” on the big day – visit cosmosbars.co.uk/halloween
Good Liquid wants to ‘push the envelope’ with cocktails at Lakewood Ranch distillery
JAMES A. JONES JR. – 10/13/2023 – Bradenton
Liquid Distilling Company, a small-batch craft distillery with a cocktail lounge, recently opened in Waterside Place, a Lakewood Ranch dining and entertainment district south of University Parkway. The new business at 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 102, is a sister company of Good Liquid Brewing Company, which owners Mike and Sandra Krail opened in 2021.
At the time the Krails opened their brewery and restaurant, they announced plans to open distilleries to make spirits, such as rum, vodka, gin, agave spirits, bourbon, orange liqueur and rye whiskey. Both businesses are in Waterside Place but on two different streets around the corner from each other. The brewery is at 1570 Lakefront Drive.
The company touts quality ingredients, expert technique and artisan craftsmanship to create handcrafted spirits “that will leave you wanting more.” Providing the technique and handcrafting is master distiller Clara Robbins, who has a background in chemical engineering and learned the distilling art in Kentucky.
The menu includes old fashions, made from a variety of spirits, syrups, bitters and enhancements, and crushes (grapefruit, watermelon, white peach, orange, strawberry and mango), all of which include vodka and orange liqueur.
Also on the menu are a variety of cocktails and classics, like margaritas, whiskey sours, martinis and more. Good Liquid Distilling Company says that if you don’t see what you want, ask one of their bartenders.
Since its soft opening on Sept. 15, the crushes have been popular with guests, as have cocktails such as Garden Cafe (rum, orange liqueur, simple syrup, oat milk and whipped coffee with a spritz of rosewater), said general manager Rachel Price.
Another standout is the Ramble On cocktail, which includes rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice and blackberry sage syrup, Price said. Also popular are the watermelon-flavored drinks, she said. All of the syrups are made in-house and juices are squeezed on the premises. “We want to make sure the entire experience is elevated with exceptional service and exceptional cocktails along with a friendly greeting,” Price said.
Adds Brian Griffin, director of operations: “We want to push the envelope with our cocktails. You will find flavor combinations and techniques you cannot get nearby. Our showstopper is the DB Cooper, a vodka martini featuring caviar and gold flakes.” Good Liquid Distilling Company has seating for 120, including at the bar, in the lounge and on two patios. The business is a treat for the eyes with barrel staves suspended from the ceiling, and “Ginger,” the gleaming still visible through glass behind the bar.
Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Days and hours are expected to change as Good Liquid builds volume, Price said. The company also plans to add small bites to the menu. A second Good Liquid Brewing Company is planned at Parrish in Creekside Commons shopping center. For more information about Good Liquid Distilling Company and Good Liquid Distilling, visit https://www.goodliquid.com/.
Cuba′s products present at China trade fair
Staff – 10/13/2023 – Prensa Latina
Cuba is participating in the 28th National Merchandise Fair in Henan, and promoting products being marketed via a digital platform.Aner Pérez, general director of the Coratur Representative Office in China, commented in statements to Prensa Latina that goods, such as coffee, honey and rum were very well received at the event.
Henan is one of the Chinese provinces most committed to the development and incorporation of international products, hence the importance of participating in this fair, he explained, and emphasized that Cuba promotes a series of products, which Chinese consumers can find on China’s JD.com digital trade platform, specifically under the “Excelencias de Cuba” section.
“We have worked with interested marketers, we have explained our products, many have been interested, and others have bought them directly at JD,” Pérez added.
In his opinion, Cuba’s participation in a fair like this allows it “to make known the potential of our assets.”
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Pérez highlighted that Coratur takes advantage of every opportunity to deepen cooperation with other Chinese companies in this type of general trade.
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Exciting new concept bar and restaurant to open in Ramsey this weekend
Staff – 10/13/2023 – Three
A new bar and restaurant for the north is set to open this weekend.
Rum Baba's is described as a venue specialising in rum based cocktails, surf and turf food, and tapas, with a nautical theme echoed in the decor.
It's based on Parliament Street in Ramsey, taking over from the former Truth Bar.
They hope to hold events at the venue, and will look to host live music also.
Head chef and business owner Sam Kelly said, although it's a tough time for hospitality, she's confident they have a top notch destination venue that will serve Ramsey well.
Barbados promotes Tourism offerings in Guadeloupe
Staff – 10/11/2023 – WIC News Reporter
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has been making significant efforts to promote the upcoming lineup of events at international markets. The lineup includes the names of crowd-pulling events such as Barbados Food and Rum Festival, Run Barbados and more.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. has been making significant efforts to promote the upcoming lineup of events at international markets. The lineup includes the names of crowd-pulling events such as Barbados Food and Rum Festival, Run Barbados and more.
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Caribbean & Latin America team is on a work trip to the Guadeloupe – French West Indies. During their latest stop at Guadeloupe, the group promoted their offerings at several regional locations.
The team visited seven agencies still operational around Pointe a Pitre, the capital of Guadeloupe. The areas that the BTMI visited need more direct flights from the FWI. Notably, the organization visited two agencies in St. Martin and three in St. Maarten as a part of their itinerary.
These agencies expressed their love for our Barbadian culture with notable interests in Barbados Crop Over and Food and Rum Festivals.
Travel agencies are interested in complete packages with ground transportation, attractions and hotels- a full immersion in the culture of Barbados for their clients. Some, including KK Travels & Tours and Travel Planners, will promote the destination in their offices with videos on the country and window displays.
As you know, this year, our Food and Rum Festival will be more spectacular than ever; it begins from October 19 to October 22. Also, with Run Barbados taking place within the first weekend in December and our three-month Crop Over festival, this would allow Crop Over 2024 to be even bigger than ever.
The travel agencies the team visited in Guadeloupe included:
Navitour,
Tropical Tour,
Travel Boutic will attend CSE & COS de Guadeloupe,
West Indies Voyages, which specializes in Couleur Caraibes,
Tropical Tour
Tresor Voyage, which specializes in youth group travel
The BTMI shared that during this trip, they shared information on our Food and Rum festival. Additionally, they also provided:
A package from Intimate Hotels of Barbados,
A unique travel agent rate from Hilton Barbados,
General information on Barbados,
A map of the island and different places of interest
These offerings were a part of the country’s promotional strategy to attract footfall from the French West Indies.
As per BTMI, almost all the travel agents have visited the country at least once. They are also planning to return with groups and send their clients.
Distil shares down despite return to sales growth and narrowed loss
Staff ?– 10/12/2023 - ?Alliance News
?Distil PLC on Thursday said turnover and gross profit increased in its latest half year, and that results remain ‘encouraging’ despite macroeconomic headwinds driving up costs.
Despite these improvements, shares in Distil were down 11% at 0.40 pence in London on Thursday afternoon.
The London-based premium drinks manufacturer reported a pretax loss of ￡314,00 for the six months ended September 30, compared with a ￡555,000 loss the prior year.
Distil, whose brands include RedLeg Spiced Rum and Blackwoods Gin & Vodka, said revenue increased 37% to ￡632,000 from ￡210,000. Gross profit increased 35% to ￡283,000 from ￡210,000.
Executive Chair Don Goulding said he was ‘pleased to report that the business has returned to growth’.
This followed disappointing results for the year ended March 31, when revenue fell 55% to ￡1.3 million from ￡2.9 million, and gross profit plummeted to ￡684,000 from ￡1.6 million.
Distil added that administrative costs increased 12% to ￡489,000 while cost of sales increased 40% to ￡349,000. The company also reduced investment in brand marketing and promotion by 58% to ￡159,000.
Distil noted the ‘business remodel’ undergone in the first half of 2022; Goulding said the first half of financial 2023 ‘has enabled us to embrace the autonomy that [this] was designed to afford’.
Additionally, Goulding commented: ‘H1 has not been without its challenges, as the business continues to face wide-spread cost of goods increases in response to inflation and the war in Ukraine, as well as a UK duty increase on all alcoholic beverages.
‘Reflecting the economic climate, consumers globally remain cautious, the impact of which is being felt in the trade and is expected to continue in the short to medium term.’
However, he said Distil was ‘confident we will continue to build on promising wins within both the UK on-trade and export markets for the remainder of the year, demonstrating that we are successfully rebuilding from a stronger position.
‘We head into our biggest trading period having implemented price premiumisation across the portfolio and as a result of this, coupled with the work of the operations team to reduce cost of goods, we anticipate that we will begin to recover margins.’
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Wrexham Lager Welcomes New CEO
Staff – 10/12/2023 – Business News Whales
Wrexham Lager, the oldest lager brewery in the UK, has appointed James Wright as its new Chief Executive Officer, further strengthening its growth plans.
Wright brings more than 25 years of drinks industry expertise to the role, having worked both locally and internationally for major household brands including Red Bull, Corona Extra, and Lambs Navy Rum, as well as leading producer and distributor Halewood Wines & Spirits.
More recently, Wright was responsible for setting up Aber Falls Distillery – North Wales’s first whisky distillery – after identifying the opportunity in the region and the potential for establishing a Welsh whisky category and Geographical Identification. Under his leadership, Aber Falls Distillery went on to secure regional, national, and national distribution, as well as myriad awards for its gins, liqueurs, and whiskies.
A specialist in brand building and customer activation, product strategy and innovation, and routes to market, Wright is tasked with taking Wrexham Lager through what it set to be its most ambitious period of growth since its inception.
On Wright’s appointment, Mark Roberts, Chairman of Wrexham Lager, said: “James has an incredible track record of successfully building both product portfolios and standalone businesses. He knows how to develop national and international relevance for a regional brand, and we are excited for what the future holds under his leadership.”
James Wright, CEO of Wrexham Lager, added:
“There’s not many brands that can offer a backstory like Wrexham Lager and when you couple that with a quality product you have an incredibly compelling proposition for both consumers and the trade. We have a clear and exciting direction of travel and I’m looking forward to getting things in motion.”
Founded in 1881 by German immigrants and famed for being chosen as the only beer to feature on the Titanic, such was its quality, Wrexham Lager counts supermarket giants Tesco and Aldi amongst its listings. The brand has also been a key sponsor of Wrexham AFC since the 1990s, with the football club now famously under the ownership of Hollywood legends Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks in the world
Jessica Mason – 10/13/2023 – The Drink Business
The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks have been identified in a new list that outlines which tipples we favour most.
Starting at number 10 and counting down, the analysts at the investment advisors Insider Monkey drew from their deeper dive report of the ‘20 Most Consumed Alcohols in the World’. Here are the results of the top 10, counting down to the number one alcoholic drink of all.
10. Tequila
Global market size in 2022: US$14.7 billion
Tequila’s popularity has been on the rise for years, and in 2021 it surpassed whisky in retail sales. The analysts found that the growth in popularity of Tequila can primarily be attributed to a number of factors, including the expansion of the premium spirits sector as well as the introduction of new flavours, and a greater social media presence.
9. Gin
Global market size in 2022: US$15.3 billion
There are, reportedly, three main reasons for gin’s continued popularity – taste, versatility, and the variety now available. The UK is the largest exporter of gin in the world and, according to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data, gin exports from Britain hit US$879 million last year, up from US$651 million in 2021.
8. Rum
Global market size in 2022: US$17.4 billion
While rum sales are still dominated by major producers, many consumer preferences are said to be moving away from value options and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums instead. Made from fermented sugar cane juice, rum also provides a key function in cocktail culture.
7. Cider
Global market size in 2022: US$17.9 billion
Cider has risen in popularity significantly over the last decade and can also flex with the seasons. In the UK, Insider Monkey outlines how cider continues to be a popular alcoholic drinks category with an off-trade value sales growth in the UK of 5.2% over the past year. Some 47.8% of all British households now regularly buy cider – up from 45.5% last year.
6. Vodka
Global market size in 2022: US$25.98 billion
Vodka continues to be the most consumed spirit in the US and has been since 1970. Around 78.1 million cases of the spirit were sold in America in 2021 and by 2022, 28.1 million 9L cases were sold globally.
5. Whisky
Global market size in 2022: US$64 billion
As millennials are increasingly beginning to experiment with different drinks and assisting in the rise of ‘cocktail culture’, the use of whisky as a premium ingredient has increased in bars. 2022 was hinted to be a great year for Scotch whisky and exports of Scotland’s native spirit hit US$7.5 billion last year, the highest figures ever. Whisky exports by volume also rose, with the number of 700ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion.
4. Baijiu
Global market size in 2022: US$95.21 billion
Baiju plays a prominent role in China’s drinking culture and has done so ever since the Ming Dynasty. It is most commonly distilled from sorghum, although other grains – including rice, wheat, corn, and millet – are also available in blends throughout the country. Last year, consumers in China consumed US$91 billion worth of baijiu, yet it still remains less well-known outside the nation.
3. Liqueurs
Global market size in 2022: US$128.9 billion
Liqueurs, which are essentially distilled spirits that are sweetened with sugar or syrup, and often also contain fruit, herbs, and oils, can be sweet or bitter depending on the flavours used.
2. Wine
Global market size in 2022: US$441.6 billion
The rising demand for premium and luxury wines has been reported alongside the growing popularity of wine tourism which have become key factors driving growth. According to the analysts, global wine consumption in 2022 was estimated to be at 232 million hectolitres, marking a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. Year-on-year, wine consumption around the world has decreased at a regular rate and yet this can be mainly attributed to the decline in China’s consumption, which has lost an average 2 million hectolitres per year since 2018.
1. Beer
Global market size in 2022: US$793.74 billion
Beer is the most consumed alcohol in the world. In fact, after water and tea, beer is actually the most popular drink in the world. According to reports, in the 2022 brewing year, global beer production ended up increasing slightly year-on-year by 1.3% to 1.89 billion hectolitres. However, the market is yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels, when production peaked at 1.91 billion hectolitres in 2019. The category has also evolved with consumer tastes as brewers look to satisfy the thirst of their audience. Plus, the overall demand for premium and low-calorie beers, the rising popularity of craft beer, and the continued expansion of distribution networks in emerging countries are all expected to continue driving growth in the global beer sector over the next few years.
Vinolok launches Duet collection for the spirit industry
Arabella Mileham – 10/16/2023 – The Drink Business
Closures company Vinolok has launched Duet, a collection of seven spirits stoppers that combine glass with a range of customisable natural wood to offer an elegant and sophisticated design.
Duet consists of seven distinctive designs (including six new shapes along with the original wooden closures from Classic Collection), which have been given individual names to make it easier to recognise and describe.
“The goal was to develop unique combination of these two materials with enhancing the pure glass aspect, accompanied by delicate wood parts,” the company said.
“The packaging of spirits is an essential part of its sales success,” the company argued, in which the bottle, composition, and design “should appeal to the target market, convey a unique selling proposition, differentiate the bottle from other brands, and be practical.”
Memorable design
Studies show that people make visual decisions in seconds (or even fractions of seconds), meaning that the bottle and packaging need to be eye-catching, attractive, and legible in order to grab the consumer’s attention. Brand owners are also increasingly looking for new ways to be innovative and original, choosing a bottle with a unique identity and a distinctive and memorable design.
“The trend in design is towards premium, unique shapes, accessories, and high-end packaging with incredible presentation. Customers want to buy products with exclusive designs that give a superior look and feel,” the company said. “Ultimately, innovative packaging influences the consumer experience, which can have a significant effect on sales.”
The new stoppers are available in two bottle-neck sizes (fitting 18.2, 18.5, 20.0, 21.5 and 23.0 mm) and in beige and dark brown,. These ?can be customized with printed, lasered or embossed logos, intricate patterns, or other design elements to give a wide array of customisation possibilities and decoration options to suit customers’ individual branding preferences. They are also recyclable, providing a responsible choice to spirits brands.
The range comprises: ?Vinolok? Block, formerly known as Woody, the original solid wood and glass closure; Vinolok? Drum, which has a core of glass surrounded by a rounded ring of wood, making it a good ?fit for barrel-shaped bottles; the similiar Vinolok? Loop, in which the wooden ring is blunter and more squared; Vinolok? Echo, which comprises two round slices of wood with a glass centre; Vinolok? Cone, a ring-shaped wooden top that has a core of glass, rising from a base that widens upwards; Vinolok? Lake, which has a upper glass disc above a wooden ring below; and Vinolok? Hover, whose wooden disk “floats effortlessly” above the bottle, “like a leaf or a petal gently floating in the air”, the company said.
How to make an alcohol-free cocktail, according to an expert
Eloise Feilden – 10/16/2023 – The Drink Business
What do salt, ice cream and Stevie Wonder songs all have in common? They’re the perfect ingredients for making an alcohol-free cocktail, as Eloise Feilden finds out.
The world of alcohol-free drinks is on the up, with more mainstream players and independent brands tapping into the category as consumer demand grows.
No- and low-alcohol sales in the world’s 10 leading markets surpassed US$11bn in 2022, according to IWSR figures, with volumes poised to grow at a CAGR of +7% between 2022 and 2026.
Noah Villeneuve, whose “chequered 20s” led him from the music industry to life in the on-trade as a sommelier, now heads up creative development at Club Soda, a no- and low-alcohol drinks retailer in London’s Covent Garden. He gave us some of his top tips on how to make alcohol-free cocktails which taste just as good as their boozy counterparts.
1. Add Salt
“Salt goes a really long way in cocktails,” Villeneuve says. Salt acts as a natural flavour enhancer, and “really binds everything together in terms of non-alcoholic”.
Making up for the lack of alcohol is one of the biggest challenges with mocktail making, as taking away the key ingredient can often leave a drink feeling thin or lacking in complexity. Alcohol itself is a flavour enhancer, so replacing it with something like salt can make up for its absence.
“It’s a really important thing to use in alcohol-free because you’ve got to look to other places” to find flavour, Villeneuve says.
And it doesn’t end with salt, according to the former sommelier, “outsourcing things like vinegar and different styles of acid and non conventional cocktail ingredients” is key to a good recipe.
“People are always quick to say ‘I noticed a lack of alcohol here’, so what can you fill the void with?”
2. Mine the classics
“Riffs on classics” are an easy way to go when it comes to creating cocktails. This is the origin of most of the world’s cocktails, alcoholic or not, so is often the best place to start.
“It’s hard to come across a unique idea at this point,” Villeneuve says.
Club Soda’s cocktail menu includes twists on classic cocktails like the Espresso Martini and the Pina Colada.
3. Inspiration is everywhere
Beyond traditional cocktails, inspiration can come from anywhere, and Villeneuve likes to get creative with his flavour combinations.
“I’ll find inspiration around a cocktail from the weirdest things,” he says. “It’s not necessarily classic cocktails, it can just be one ingredient.”
His main source of inspiration? Ice cream flavours.
“I have a big ice cream fascination. I was in Barcelona a few months ago and tried a coconut and coriander gelato, and I thought: That is incredible. I’m making that into a drink.”
When he’s not taking flavour ideas from dessert menus, Villeneuve often turns to music, inventing puns on song titles which work well with specific ingredients.
The ‘i just called to say i love brew’, inspired by the classic Stevie Wonder song, combines Three Spirit Social Elixir, Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout, Good Koffee Green Kakao, All The Bitter Aromatic and sea salt.
Club Soda’s Beatles-inspired ‘baby you can drive my sidecar’ contains Lyre’s American Malt, Lyre’s Orange Sec, Sprigster, Supasawa, All The Bitter Orange and sugar.
4. Take your time
“It’s a real test of patience,” says Villeneuve, so it’s ok not to get it first time round. “”With alcohol, just because there’s so much more history of recipes, it’s way easier to nail a recipe first or second try. With alcohol-free, you have an idea of what will work and then you go to make it and it doesn’t always pan out that way,” he explains.
The two main things needed to succeed in the end are “practice and education”.
“It’s about understanding the products really well and what goes in them,” he says, in just the same way as a bartender in a traditional bar would.
“When people talk about gin and rum, they have an understanding of how those are made. Therefore you know what mouthfeel it’s going to have, what texture, what weight, what acidity, what structure it brings to a drink,” Villeneuve says. “In alcohol-free if you don’t know that, you’re going to get let down pretty easily because you go to put it in a drink you think it makes sense for because of its colour and smell, and it just doesn’t work that way.”
5. Trial and error
Even for a professional like Villeneuve, cracking the code on certain alcohol-free cocktails takes time, and a fair few mistakes.
“Ultimately, a lot of the drinks I’ve come up with have have been multiple iterations,” he says.
“It’s not one size fits all. I like to keep it fresh and not have a formula for every time — having a new strategy really makes it useful to keep your creative juices alive.”
He notes: “It’s about always challenging yourself and always putting yourself out of your comfort zone. I constantly try and adopt techniques that I’m not familiar with that I have to learn whilst I’m doing it, to make myself uncomfortable.”
CGA by NIQ | Recent trends sees mild velocity dip with regional variations
?Staff ?– 10/17/2023 - CGA by NIQ
CGA’s BeverageTrak solution combines powerful datasets to provide a view of how brands and categories are being consumed, when and at what price. Featuring day and daypart tracking, this enables sales and marketing teams to measure performance and activation ROI to develop effective strategies.
Total U.S.
The latest two weeks in the US On Premise have seen a slight dip in velocity, with trends of -1% in the week to September 30 followed by a flat latest week. Value velocity for total US is currently -2% down vs the same week last year. This is due to ticket counts -4% lower than 2022, whilst average check values remain slightly up (+2%). Trends are variable by state – New York (+5%), Florida (+1%) and Texas (+1%) are all positive vs last year, while Illinois (-3%) and California (-7%) are slightly down vs the same week in 2022.
Florida
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +1% year-over-year (comparing the same week one year prior)
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now -1% vs September 30, 2023
Illinois
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now -3% year-over-year (comparing the same week one year prior)
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +6% vs September 30, 2023
California
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now -7% year-over-year (comparing the same week one year prior)
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +1% vs September 30, 2023
New York
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +5% year-over-year (comparing the same week one year prior)
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +3% vs September 30, ?2023
Texas
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now +1% year-over-year (comparing the same week one year prior)
? ? ? ? ?Sales velocity is now -3% vs September 30, 2023
Andrew Hummel, Client Solutions Director - North America, said: “In the US On Premise, recent performance shows a mild dip in activity over the past two weeks. Despite no major holidays or events to influence the recent trends, the daily performance has remained relatively stable. In spite of this, the varying performance levels observed from state to state as well as day to day suggest some degree of regional differences in consumer behavior and unpredictability in the On Premise performance. For hospitality businesses, operators, and suppliers alike, the ability to comprehend and adapt to this variability in consumer behavior is invaluable. Such adaptability can open up opportunities to navigate challenges and establish a strong foothold in a dynamic market.”
CGA’s On Premise Impact Report is a fortnightly sales report evaluating the most recent $ sales velocity performances across the US and different sales dynamics across the different states. To find out more about the full subscription of reports, including analytics, download more information here, and the latest On Premise snapshot can be found here, or contact Andrew Hummel at [email protected].
On-trade sales ‘may never’ return to pre-pandemic levels (Additional Coverage)
Ron Emler – 10/16/2023 – The Drinks Business
Bar owners and restaurateurs are facing even tighter pressures on their businesses due to a sea change in social habits following the Covid-19 pandemic. Of all the major markets, only Asia’s on-trade is truly bouncing back.
A new report from the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) shows that the hoped-for return to the normality of drinkers flocking back to their favourite on-trade watering holes after Covid lockdowns has not taken place and, worse still, might never do so.
IWSR says that “beverage alcohol consumers are showing a clear preference for home consumption versus visiting the on-trade, with signs that behaviours learned during the Covid-19 pandemic have become entrenched” in people’s social habits.
Put simply, the “cocktails at home” culture that took off during the pandemic is now so strong that a rebound to 2019 levels in the on-trade looks a distant hope.
People have discovered that they can enjoy their favourite brands, and possibly even trade up the quality scale, at a far cheaper price than in bars and restaurants.
Although there was a spree of “revenge hospitality” in 2022 as bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels reopened, in most major markets the on-trade has yet to return to the sales levels it achieved in 2019.
IWSR’s consumer tracking into 15 of the world’s leading markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, UK and the US) shows that of these only Mexico has made a complete recovery in the on-trade.
Sales in China, India and Brazil, the giant emerging markets that the international premium drinks producers are targeting for much of their future growth and profitability, continue to fall well short of their 2019 levels, as they do in the UK.
Globally, IWSR says, on-trade accounted for 35% of total beverage alcohol (TBA) volumes in 2019; that figure slumped to 23% in 2020, before a partial recovery to 28% in 2021 and 29% in 2022.
Add the current depressed sales levels to the burdens of soaring cost price inflation for food and drink, rapidly rising staff wages, extra utility costs and the additional problem of meeting higher interest rates and a pattern emerges of more businesses struggling to survive.
Raising prices for consumers is virtually the only way to recoup those extra costs and the report points out that on-trade pricing in the US has risen at nearly double the rate in retail outlets.
In Brazil, where beverage alcohol prices have gone up in the on-trade at nearly double the rate of the off-trade, 53% of drinkers say they are going out less. They are voting with their wallets and switching to drinking at home.
Richard Halstead, COO Consumer Insights at IWSR, warned: “High costs – of energy, staff, food and drink – are making life very hard for the on-premise in many countries now. There are expected to be further closures in 2023 as a result.”
Drinkers in Europe and America are showing the most reluctance to return to bars and restaurants.
IWSC notes a strong variation between the Old World – where drinking at home is “being used as an economising measure in the cost-of-living crisis” – and Asia where entertaining outside the home is more deeply-seated in cultures.
Drinkers in Europe and America are showing the most reluctance to return to bars and restaurants.
Some 59% of American consumers said they were going out less – and IWSR believes that “negative perceptions” of the on-trade have been exacerbated by pandemic behaviours, when consumers became more aware of the increased costs associated with going out for a drink.
“The trend around going out is polarised across key markets, with consumers in most regions recalling net withdrawal from the on-trade,” says Halstead..
“Asia is the only region showing net positive sentiment towards going out.
Consumption at home, he says “is being used as an economising tool in many markets to allow consumers to maintain relationships with premium brands. But this is not the case in Asia, where the on-premise revival remains in full swing.”
The data, compiled in the spring, shows about three fifths of consumers in North America, parts of Europe, South Africa, and Australia saying they are going out less. However, in China and India, around half say they are going out more.
That bodes well in terms of hopes of stronger recoveries in the giant emerging markets. ?However, initial reports suggest that trade in China’s recent Golden Week was soft and the latest figures from LVMH showed the pace of growth there decelerating.
Abstinence up but 18-24s more likely to binge drink
Melita Kiely – 10/11/2023 – The Spirits Business
Younger legal-drinking-age adults in the UK are more likely to drink at high-risk levels compared with the rest of the population, a survey has revealed.
The data comes from ‘The Sober Myth: Are Young Adults Really a Generation of Non-Drinkers’ survey by UK charity Drinkaware, which works to reduce harmful drinking.
The survey questioned 5,213 peopled aged from 18 to 24 years old across the UK between 2017 and 2023.
While the results show there is a rise in non-drinking among this age group, four in five young adults still drink alcohol and are more likely to binge drink or drink at high-risk/dependent levels compared with those aged over 25.
The 18-24 age group has the highest rate of non-drinking, which has risen from 14% in 2017 to 21% in 2023.
Noting this, Karen Tyrell, Drinkaware’s chief executive, said: “These positive trends are welcome, but we must be careful that they don’t mask some of the more concerning drinking behaviours that still exist.
“Young people are still more likely to binge drink than other age groups and suffer from memory loss and depression, linked to their drinking.
“We must ensure that young people’s drinking habits are not ignored and they are properly addressed as part of any new alcohol strategy. We need to normalise conversations around alcohol, making it easier for people to speak up and get help if they are worried about their own or others’ drinking.”
Regarding memory loss, young adult drinkers are more likely to experience memory loss (40% compared with 19%), morning cravings (14% versus 4%), and failure to meet their usual responsibilities (24% compared with 12%).
While young adult drinkers are more likely to drink alcohol on a night out with friends (84% versus 74%), they are less likely to drink alone at home (43% compared with 52%).
Earlier this year, SB interviewed Henry Ashworth, the CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), who stressed the importance of following data when it comes to implementing responsible drinking measures.
Until the next newsletter!
Federico Hernández - The Rum Lab