The Asian and European markets have stepped up in the fine wine sector, according to the latest Liv-ex data.  Considering buyer geography for fine wine, the insight provider said that European purchase value was up 48.2% in 2025 compared to 2024. Likewise, Asia was up almost 20%.  Liv-ex predicted that this would continue throughout 2026. “The Asian market is showing…

Private labels are seeing continued growth in the EU and the UK, according to Circana’s latest report.  Tracking France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK, the insight provider found that private labels now account for 42% of all consumer packaged goods (CPG) value sales.  This statistic rises to 44% in supermarkets, where the shops act as the most influential channel for private…

Viña Concha y Toro has announced the merger of its European, Nordic and UK-based teams into one regional business, with a new trading name which has been in place since 1 July. Now known as VCT Europe, the merged regions form part of a plan to exploit growth opportunities, focusing on consolidating. Simon Doyle, general manager, Europe said these “synergies…

Asahi Europe & International has lined up a three-year investment plan as it looks to take on rivals in the lighter beer segment. The €20 million (£17.3 million) spend will target the lighter style, which the company said has been dominated by its Mexican & US competitors. As part of the push, the company has rolled out a campaign for Peroni Nastro Azzuro’s newly released…

Accolade Wines brand, Hardys, has returned to TV advertising, with its ‘Certainty’ campaign. The activation, which will continue until May 7, is expected to reach 20 million adults in the UK. The campaign features national TV, video on demand and YouTube ads, including TV slots during ITV’s Coronation Street and The Chase. According to the company, the advert showcases a couple at different stages of…

Diageo has agreed to buy Philippines-based rum brand Don Papa. The multinational drinks company will pay EUR260 million with a further potential consideration of EUR177.5 million through to 2028, subject to the brand’s performance. John Kennedy, president, Diageo Europe and India, said: “We are excited by the opportunity to bring Don Papa into the Diageo portfolio to complement our existing rums. This acquisition is in…

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Co (CMBC) has announced plans to offload its Eagle Brewery in Bedford to Spanish brewer Damm. Eagle will become Damm’s first brewery outside of mainland Europe. As part of the agreement, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, the Eagle Brewery’s beers will remain part of CMBC’s portfolio. A spokesperson for CMBC said the beers “will continue to…