Findings at a recent IWSR forum highlighted the spending power of Asians in driving the global alcohol travel retail industry, whose size – if counted as a country – is said to be among the top five markets for most leading spirits producers.
Facial recognition software for alcohol sales, which removes the need for staff-approved age verification checks, is to be trialled in UK supermarkets for the first time, after waiting for age approval is identified as one of the top frustrations for shoppers.
The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will return from 8 to 10 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for its 11th edition, with 1,075 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions showcasing a plethora of wines, spirits and beers.
US-based drinks giant Constellation Brands, the owner of brands including Corona, Kim Crawford Wines and Ballast Point, has announced that Bill Newlands will take over from Rob Sands as its president and chief executive officer.