Can Mezcal Keep Its Authenticity As It Goes Mainstream? →
Mezcal is experiencing a heyday as big brands such as Bacardi, Diageo, and Pernod Ricard invest in brands. Traditionally, Mezcal is a very localized spirit, made by hand using species of Agave native to Mexico. As big brands ramp up production, will Mezcal hold onto its unique character, or will it go the way of Tequila, highly regulated and consistent?
The Bordeaux Négociant System Experiences Upheaval →
Being a négociant has become a capital intensive job in recent years. This has caused a new theme of outside investment to quietly arise. As prices soar and soar, is the négociant system increasingly at risk?
AB-InBev Invests In RateBeer.com, Causing Concern For Small Brewers →
The popular beer reviewing website, RateBeer.com, is now partially owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Small brewers who post their beers to the website are greatly concerned the site will no longer be objective and transparent. Requests to have their beers taken down have so far been disregarded.
Sparkling Wine Continues To Grow In Popularity →
Sparkling wine is capitalizing on trends in consumer culture, such as the shift from materialism to an appreciation for experiences. Not simply for the millennial generation, sparkling wine has increased in popularity across all age groups. It remains to be seen whether this is a lasting change in the market or will be confined to the current time.
Consumers Buy Beer By The Label →
66% of craft beer consumers are likely to buy beer based on the label. With an abundance of choice, having eye-catching labels and packaging has become an important element in snagging a customer.
