alcoholic beverages

Business

Not even the EU knows if wine and spirits will be hit by US tariffs

With less than a day to go before the new EU-US tariff regime takes effect, the European Commission still doesn’t know for sure if the wine and spirits sector will be exempt.

31/07/2025

Business

China hits Europe’s brandy exports with duties but adds exemptions

Beijing decided to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 34.9% for the next five years starting on Saturday, following an investigation into brandy imported from Europe.

04/07/2025

Europe in Motion

Which EU country pays the most and the least for food, drinks and tobacco?

As inflation remains at 2.6%, Denmark was the most expensive country for bread and cereals, as well as for fish, while Romania is the least expensive for fruits, vegetables and potatoes.

30/06/2025

Partner content

Working together to promote a better and healthier drinking culture in Europe

Partner content presented by spiritsEUROPE

Across the EU, discussions are taking place in various fora as to how best to address harmful alcohol consumption as part of broader efforts to improve public health and promote prevention measures.

13/06/2025

wellbeing

Which country is home to Europe's heaviest drinkers?

Alcohol consumption in the EU has declined by 0.5 litres between 2010 and 2020. Bucking the trend, several countries have increased their consumption.

05/04/2025

Health news

EU ‘light’ wine moniker raises concerns over misleading labelling

A loophole in the EU’s proposed rebranding rules for no- and low-alcohol wine products could make these beverages appear more appealing than intended, sparking concerns about public health risks.

03/04/2025

Europe News

EU uncorks new era for no- and low alcohol wines with new naming rules

‘Alcohol-free’, ‘0.0%’ and ‘alcohol light’ are the new standardised denominations proposed by the European Commission for no and low-alcohol (NoLo) wine products in a bid to enhance their appeal.

28/03/2025

Economy

European alcohol industry faces €13bn blow from Trump’s 200% tariffs

Trump’s threat to impose a 200% tariff on European alcohol rattled markets, sending Campari, Pernod Ricard, and LVMH stocks tumbling. The U.S. accounts for €13.1bn in EU beverage exports, with wine and spirits most at risk.

13/03/2025

Food and Drink

How absinthe became fashionable again in Europe

As the (over-age adults of the) world celebrate International Absinthe Day, we’re taking a look at the history and present popularity of the emerald-coloured drink.

05/03/2025

Business

Heineken shares climb as brewer announces strong profits and buyback

The Dutch brewer will buy back €1.5 billion of its shares over the next two years after recording better-than-expected revenue growth. Heineken nonetheless warned of "ongoing macro-economic challenges".

12/02/2025

Business

Northern Ireland hotel takes a punt on €1,200 cocktail – who’s buying?

The Merchant Hotel's new tipple has been described as a "masterpiece of Irish whiskey" - but is there a market at €1,200 a pop?

12/02/2025

Business

Diageo plc warns of profits falling by millions if US tariffs go ahead

Diageo plc could be severely impacted by an escalating trade war in North America, as the market is currently its biggest source of net sales.

04/02/2025

Climate

Why drinks like prosecco and Guinness are at risk from climate change

Heavy rains, droughts and storms exacerbated by climate change are putting making the production of traditional alcoholic drinks more difficult.

03/02/2025

Business

Diageo rules out sale of Guinness brand and stake in Moët Hennessy

Media reports suggested Diageo was considering asset sales to boost growth, cashing in on high demand for Guinness.

27/01/2025

Brussels, My Love?

Brussels, my love? Poland's New Year's resolution

In this edition, we ask if Poland's Donald Tusk can steer Europe to safety as he takes on the rotating presidency of the EU's Council; and whether the extraordinary interventions of Elon Musk make him the king of free speech — or a threat to democracy.

11/01/2025

Europe in Motion

Which European country is set to excel in the Dry January challenge?

Initiatives such as Dry January and Damp January gain increasing popularity, with millions of people said to be taking part across Europe.

08/01/2025

wellbeing

Dry January: How drinking alcohol can affect your health

Alcohol has been linked to over 200 health conditions, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, and more.

06/01/2025

Health news

US top doctor calls for cancer warning labels on alcoholic drinks

The recommendation isn’t legally binding, but could help bring public awareness to the health risks associated with alcohol.

03/01/2025

Europe in Motion

Cheering for 2025? Sparkling wine production in EU fell by 8%

Despite an 8% decrease in sparkling wine production and exports in the EU in 2023, Italy's Prosecco topped EU bubbly wine exports, surpassing French Champagne.

31/12/2024

Healthcare

How raising prices on cheap booze curbed alcohol deaths in Scotland

Scotland saved lives by raising prices on cheap supermarket alcohol, but the policy isn’t a silver-bullet solution.

30/10/2024