June 9, 2026: Scottish union claims for better infrastructures and more…
GBM Scotland’s calls for better roads and ferries, Diageo sells Indian facilities, Rémy Cointreau seeks new growth while Rémy Martin cuts purchases 20% in Charente, Martini bars and more…
The Spirits Post is an international press review about the spirits industry brought 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 an essential collection of news from these days’ press review.
From transport links in Scotland to the growing trend of Martini bars, I hope you enjoy today’s selection.
GBM Scotland claims for better connections across northern Scotland
“Good roads and reliable ferries” are essential for the Scotch whisky and tourism industries to help protect jobs and communities in the north of Scotland. Louise Gilmour, the Gmb Scotland secretary, called on the Scottish and UK governments to improve road, rail, and sea connections across the area during the union’s annual congress in Blackpool. “The industry is one of Scotland’s greatest success stories and does not exist in isolation,” she noted.
How could we not agree?
Article by Lauren Bowes in The Spirits Business:
Diageo sells Indian production site
Diageo’s Indian division is set to close one of its manufacturing facilities in Venkateshwara Nagara, located in the Malkajgiri district of Hyderabad.
News by Joe Rogers in The Spirits Business:
France
Rémy Cointreau promises a return to growth
Rémy Cointreau has announced a 35% decline in annual net profit, but it has promised a return to growth for the new financial year, driven by its “transformation plan.” Key aspects of this plan include a stronger focus on consumers, a relaunch in the US market, diversification in China, expansion in emerging markets, and an internal reorganization.
More details in this article in France24 (no author mentioned):
…meanwhile
Rémy Martin cuts purchases by 20%
One year after renegotiating contracts with its partner winegrowers and slashing delivered volumes by an average of 25%, Rémy Martin has announced a further 20% reduction in volume for the 2026 harvest due to the current shipping crisis. The company is the second-largest trader in Charente.
News by Thomas Brunet in Charente Libre:
Crise du cognac : Rémy Martin sabre à nouveau ses achats de 20 %
Mandatory survey for the temporary uprooting of vines in Charente
The Cognac industry has given itself two months to quantify the need for a temporary reduction in production potential—which could become permanent if combined with an additional subsidy—to avoid further cuts to annual yields.
News by Alexandre Abellan in Vitisphère:
Sondage obligé pour l’arrachage temporaire primé à 4 500 €/ha des vignes charentaises
Something to read
Martinis and Martini bars
I have recently been collecting materials for an article about long drinks, and I came across a statement by one of the most acknowledged mixology specialists in Italy. He observed: “Long drinks are on the rise thanks to their lower abv, but the Martini is on the rise too, for completely different reasons.” That is true.
When I read this article by Eleanor Yates in Drinks International, I thought you might appreciate it as well:
It leaves me wondering: do you think a dedicated Martini bar is a good idea? How durable could such a concept be, and how long-term should entrepreneurs think when opening one?
Let me know what you think.
I will see you in a few days.
Cheers 🍸