Japanese beer giant Kirin Holdings is in talks with Ankur Jain, founder of Indian beer company B9 Beverages, to exit its investment in the firm. Read More
Asia
The Thai government has reversed a controversial afternoon alcohol ban following outcry from bars, restaurants and tourism groups. Read More
K-pop star G-Dragon’s latest venture into the beverage market has become one of South Korea’s biggest drink success stories of the year. Read More
Thailand’s food and beverage sector has been thrown into turmoil after a significant amendment to the Alcohol Control Act came into effect last week, introducing consumer penalties for drinking during restricted hours — a first in the country’s legal history. Read More
At the flagship Hyundai Department Store in Seoul, a limited-edition bottle of Macallan whisky sold out in under ten minutes. In the lobby, young customers queued for what many described as a “different kind of shopping experience.” Read More
Wine25Plus has generated ₩500 million (US$365,000) in sales within just seven months of launching its “Négociant Direct” programme. Read More
China’s most traditional spirit is going abroad — but not quite the way it seems. New trade data shows millions worth of baijiu are being exported, then re-imported back home. Hong Kong is snapping up top-shelf bottles, South Korea is awash with cheap liquor, and the industry’s “globalization” push might just be one giant loop. Read More
California Wines staged its first-ever Buyers Marketplace: Asia Edition in Seoul last week, marking a major step in its efforts to deepen ties with the region’s growing wine markets. Read More
ProWine Mumbai is set to stage its biggest edition yet this year, with more than 180 exhibitors from 21 countries and a record 6,000 trade visitors expected to attend, underscoring India’s rapid rise as one of the world’s most attractive wine and spirits markets. Read More
Korean liquor giants including Lotte had teamed up with celebrity chefs to unlock opportunities for alcoholic drinks. Read More