July 21st, 2025: Brown-Forman seeks help in Italy and other news
Brown-Forman found partner for Diplomático Rum trade advocacy, Edrington and Rémy Cointreau distribution in California, Proof & Co. Spiritis liquidation, IARD updates, Liguria's whisky and more...
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Happy Monday everyone!
Like every Monday, I expected to find just a few interesting news this morning. What I did not expect was my feed to be submerged with gossips about a rum distillery owner’s wife’s secret liaison being revealed by a random camera at a concert.
You can read it in the gossip columns, if you like, or, astonishingly… on The Drinks Business. I refuse to link to that rubbish, and frankly, I don’t think such content belongs on industry news sites.
Brown-Forman seeks help in Italy with Diplomático Rum trade advocacy
Having recently begun self-distribution for its brands in Italy, the multinational firm has now assigned its 2025 Diplomático Rum trade advocacy activities in the country to Mr Dee Still, a Genoa-based communication and sales company, which is backed by Italian distributor Timossi.
Article on BrandNews:
Diplomático Rum affida a Mr. Dee Still le attività di trade advocacy 2025
Edrington and Rémy Cointreau sign with Southern Glazer’s in California
Both firms have announced new distribution deals with Southern Glazer’s in one of the biggest markets for spirits in the US.
Articles by Ted Simmons on The Spirits Business:
Proof & Company Spirits enters liquidation in Singapore
After the Australian branch entered administration, the Singapore branch of the Asia Pacific-based spirits distributor is now ceasing operations in Singapore.
The reason given is “mounting challenges” within the region’s hospitality sector.
Article by Melita Kiely on The Spirits business:
AI labour vs human labour
This has nothing to do with spirits, but a lot to do with all of us.
Article by Lara Williams on Just-Drinks:
Stop hiring humans? Business leaders face AI labour arbitrage
Lobbying
IARD issued activity update
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking has issued an update on its recent Environment, Social & Governance campaigns and activations worldwide. A quick reminder: this not-for-profit organisation is formed by some of the largest multinational companies in the drinks industry.
This clearly is a sponsored article but, as has happened previously, it’s still worth keeping an eye on what they are doing, as some of their actions can affects the entire industry.
Article on Global Drinks Intelligence:
Drinks industry Environment, Social & Governance activations around the world in July ’25 – ESG
Something to read
The story of Mulino di Sassello, Liguria’s whisky producer
Dario is truly passionate about whisky and grains. He understands this world deeply and believes Italian whisky must find its identity through local grains and colours. You can learn his story from a master here, article by Alberto Milan on Il Giornale:
Da mugnai a distillatori. E la farina del loro sacco adesso diventa whisky
That’s all for today.
See you on Wednesday!