China’s—and arguably the world’s—largest alcohol retail chain, 1919 Group, has announced plans to close approximately 1,500 stores, citing a misalignment in business philosophy with some of its franchise partners. Read More
Companies
LVMH’s Wines & Spirits division recorded the sharpest decline in recurring operating profit among all its business units in the first half of 2025, as cognac sales slumped in key markets despite a modest rebound in champagne and still wine. Read More
Diageo, the global spirits giant behind brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness, announced on July 16 that CEO and board director Debra Crew has stepped down from her role with immediate effect. Read More
In a rare public disclosure, the GM of the liquor supply chain company under state-owned conglomerate C&D Inc. shared its 2024 sales revenue. Read More
Following sweeping changes brought about by zero wine tariff, who are Thailand's top wine importers leading the charge? Read More
Moët Hennessy has named a seasoned Asia hand in Hong Kong to revive its North Asia business amid slumping Cognac sales and 1,200 job cuts.
Read More
At a Shanghai ceremony presided over by the city’s mayor, global giants from aerospace to fashion pledged US$3.68 billion to deepen ties with China — and ASC Fine Wines stood out as the only wine company making a bold new bet. Read More
A total of 34 listed companies — including leading brands such as Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Martell — will be exempt from anti-dumping tariffs as long as they sell their products in China at or above agreed minimum prices. Read More
New data from 2024 reveal a steep 29.3% drop in total duty-free sales, reflecting both weakened consumer sentiment and the fading allure of Hainan’s “tourism + duty-free” model. Read More
King Power, Thailand’s duty-free monopoly at five major airports, is seeking to terminate its long-term concession contracts early, saying a collapse in Chinese tourism and the government’s scrapping of wine import duties have severely undercut sales and made its business unsustainable. Read More
