Two of China’s publicly traded drinks retailers, VATS Liquor and Liquor Easy, reported first-half losses as weaker spending and falling prices for major spirits brands put pressure on sales, prompting efforts to cut costs and reduce inventory. Read More
Markets
Chinese baijiu producer Guotai has launched two whiskies made using traditional baijiu fermentation methods and matured in bourbon casks, joining a growing number of domestic spirits companies seeking growth beyond a pressured baijiu market. Read More
Beer sales in India jumped 17% in the April-June quarter as rising taxes on spirits widened the price gap between the two categories, industry data show. Read More
French wine production in 2026 is expected to fall to one of its lowest levels in 30 years, with major regions including Champagne and Burgundy seeing sharp declines that could push new-vintage prices higher. Read More
A Chinese national who orchestrated a scheme to smuggle beer into Singapore by declaring shipments as food and industrial machinery was sentenced to 164 days in jail after failing to pay a S$560,000 (US$437,000) fine, authorities said. Read More
Police in Bandung, Indonesia, have seized 6,624 bottles of alcoholic beverages suspected of bearing counterfeit excise stamps, the latest in a series of cases highlighting tax evasion in the country’s alcohol trade. Read More
Wang He’s HK$11.26 million offer would make him the Chinese wine producer’s largest shareholder as it expands into an already troubled spirits market. Read More
Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Haut-Brion miss the top award, Latour is absent altogether, and conflicting estate counts add to questions over Michelin's new wine hierarchy. Read More
French wine group Delaunay Vins & Domaines has secured B Corp certification, joining a small group of wine businesses recognised for meeting standards covering social and environmental impact, governance and corporate accountability. Read More
Barons de Rothschild completed picking in just two weeks as extreme heat accelerated ripening - but frost, drought and five heatwaves are expected to slash the region’s output. Read More