June 27th, 2025: Gen Z re-engaging with alcohol and other news
IWSR new report about Gen Z, Caffo Group 1915 acquires Cinzano from Campari, Cognac updates, Fiji rum and more...
Hello everyone, here is what I find worth reading today, plus something nice to explore during the weekend ;)
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Let’s get to the news.
Gen Z is re-engaging with alcohol
The cost-of-living crisis and the broader moderation trend are leading to reduced alcohol spending in many countries. However, according to Bevtrac, IWSR's (International Wine and Spirits Research) longitudinal consumer sentiment tracker, Gen Z consumption has actually increased since its lows in April 2023. A report was released yesterday, and I recommend reading it directly from the source:
Disposable income is pushing consumers in developed countries to prioritise essential items over alcohol. Last year, a friend in the industry told me, "People are getting poorer; we need more socialism this time." I don't know if socialism is the solution, but a better distribution of wealth would certainly help the industry.
Here’s what’s happening in the EU, just to give you an idea:
The full review spans 142 pages, but you can stick to the abstract or read the Statement of Interpretation/Key Messages at the bottom of the page.
Low-income households, children, youth, and women are among those disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis. So, please, remember that if your association is lobbying for the industry’s interests, consumers should be at the heart of your interests.
Then, a personal opinion: timing is probably playing a role when it comes to Millennials and Gen Z. As Millennials are (statistically, perhaps) busy raising young children and focusing their expenses on them, Gen Z are gradually beginning to explore alcohol consumption. Does this make sense to you? Let me know what you think.
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Acquisitions
Caffo takes Cinzano
Caffo Group 1915, owner of brands like Amaro del Capo (Italy’s largest exported amaro) and Petrus Boonekamp, just annouced a deal with Campari for the acquisition of the vermouth and sparkling wine brand Cinzano.
This is probably the most important acquisition in Italy in the recent years.
You can read the news on VinoNews24:
Want to read it from the Campari side? Article by Olly Wehring on Global Drinks Intel. here:
Campari Group commences ‘portfolio streamlining’ with Cinzano, Frattina divestment
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France
Cognac producers cannot wait for diplomacy
The Préfecture de la Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine et Fédération des Interprofessions Bassin Viticole Charentes-Cognac gathered on June 25th to discuss the situation. Alexandre Abellan is reporting on Vitisphere:
Official press release here, on the UGVC website.
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Something to read
Fiji rum
Rumporter published a few articles about Fiji rum, related to Maison Ferrand’s operations in the area.
Here is a more comprehensive one by Fabien Humbert:
You can learn something more here:
And here is the head of Maison Ferrand:
Hope you find it an interesting read for the weekend ;)
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See you on Monday!