December 18, 2025: Italy has imported more Tequila (100% agave) in 2025 and other news
Italy loves 100% agave, alcohol spending declines, Illva Saronno takes Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras, UK-South Korea FTA, Limoncello, robot dogs at Dewar&Son’s and more...
The Spirits Post is an international press review about the spirits industry tbrought to you by Eugenia Torelli, an Italian spirits journalist and judge. If this newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend, you can subscribe here to receive it directly in your inbox:
Hello everyone!
Here is my second news round-up of the week, starting with Mexico and tequila exports to Italy, which have grown significantly this year. I’ve found some official figures for you, but that’s just the start.
Let’s dive in.
Mexican tequila exports to Italy set to increase by 9.1% in 2025
According to data released by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), tequila exports to Italy grew by 9.1% between January and November 2025, consolidating Italy’s position as the eighth-largest global buyer.
A distinctive aspect of the Italian market is its focus on high quality and “100% agave” tequila, which accounts for 84.2% of total imports in 2025, compared to 78.6% in 2024.
News by El Tiempo Mexico (no author mentioned):
Tequila mexicano aumenta 9.1% sus exportaciones a Italia en 2025
And here are the figures I extracted and elaborated for you from CRT database:
Market insights
Alcohol spending declines despite improved confidence
According to IWSR’s September 2025 Bevtrac research, consumers across 15 markets are prioritising necessities over alcohol, despite improved financial confidence. The proportion of Gen Z who drink alcohol has stabilised at 74% (and is growing), while Millennials recorded their lowest engagement ever at 81%.
On-trade visits declined after a brief 2024 rally, with consumers choosing fewer categories and serves. Higher-income groups continue to trim their budgets, except in India and China. This report includes many other details, though I personally find it a shame there is no direct link to per capita income trends; since I started reading, I’ve had the nagging feeling that people are simply getting poorer.
You can build up your own mind by reading the details in IWSR’s official website:
Alcohol spend still stubbornly low, despite rising confidence levels
Illva Saronno takes Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras
Disaronno owner Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A. has just announced the acquisition of two historic Italian liqueur brands from Campari Group. The intention to sell was revealed a few weeks ago, and it now appears that Amaro Braulio is the only one of the three still on the market.
More details in Falstaff Italia’s article (no author mentioned):
UK-South Korea free trade agreement benefits Scotch whisky industry
The UK and South Korea have finalised a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which enhances market access for Scotch whisky, marking Britain’s fourth trade deal of 2025. The FTA provides permanent tariff-free access across 98% of products, and is expected to grow UK services exports by £400 million while legitimising e-contracts and digital technology.
The Scotch Whisky Association welcomed the improvements over the 2019 continuity agreement. Last year, Asia Pacific was Scotch’s most valuable export region at £1.57 billion—down 12.4% from 2023, but up 26.9% from 2019.
News by Nicola Carruthers in The Spirits Business:
Limoncello experiencing renaissance through spritz trend
Limoncello is seeing significant growth thanks to Spritz-style cocktails, transforming what was previously a flat category. Australian brand Ambra generated AUS$3 million in revenue with investment from cricketer Adam Zampa, while Villa Massa sold 135,000 cases in 2024.
IWSR confirms that the Spritz momentum is benefiting limoncello through its repositioning as an aperitif. Producers are innovating with new formats and launching non-alcoholic versions onto the market.
Shay Waterworth analyses the situation in Drinks International:
John Dewar & Sons introduces robot dogs to monitor Scotch Whisky maturation
Robot dogs are set to automate ethanol leak detection in Scotch whisky warehouses through trials with Bacardi at John Dewar & Sons near Glasgow. The Boston Dynamics “Spot” robot uses sensor systems designed by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland to detect ethanol vapour while following defined paths. Traditional visual monitoring by workers is considered less efficient at monitoring the “angel’s share” evaporation.
Article by Jamie Calder in The National:
Something to read
Which perspectives for Aged Spirits in 2026?
Just Drinks features an article on the future opportunities for aged spirits. Pernod Ricard CEO Alexandre Ricard and Brown-Forman’s Lawson Whiting share their views on the industry and the strategies needed to face the current climate.
Article by Richard Woodard in Just Drinks:
That’s all for today!
I’ll see you in the next says for more updates 😉
Cheers!