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Drinkubator

‘We’ve spent £700,000 developing the app’: Virgin Wines bets on mobile retail

‘We’ve spent £700,000 developing the app’: Virgin Wines bets on mobile retail

Why does this matter? Virgin Wines' £700k investment in AI-powered mobile commerce demonstrates how beverage retailers are leveraging personalization tech and mobile-first strategies to compete in DTC wine sales. Highlights Virgin Wines has launched its first mobile app, marking a significant development in the company’s digital strategy, backed

Fernet-Branca owner invests in ‘alcohol-removal’ tech

Why does this matter? Major spirits company invests in beverage tech startup Altr, whose alcohol-removal technology addresses the fast-growing low/no-alcohol trend expected to add $4B in value by 2028—directly relevant to BevTech founders exploring innovation opportunities in this space. Highlights Italian spirits group Branca International has made a

What’s happening to Chicago’s beer scene?

What’s happening to Chicago’s beer scene?

Why does this matter? This article reveals critical market dynamics affecting craft beverage startups, including emerging alternative business models like contract brewing and shared production facilities that BevTech founders should consider. Highlights Chicago breweries have been facing closures and mergers this year in a situation that is signalling the disappearance

Ex-Campari CEO launches Liquid Ventures for low-and-no

Ex-Campari CEO launches Liquid Ventures for low-and-no

Why does this matter? Former Campari CEO launches Europe's first venture builder focused on low/no-alcohol beverages, directly targeting the BevTech startup ecosystem with both investment capital and brand-building infrastructure. Highlights Three Italian industry experts have launched Liquid Ventures, a venture builder and investment platform focused on low-

Can the UK spirits industry survive another duty hike?

Can the UK spirits industry survive another duty hike?

Why does this matter? UK duty hikes are forcing craft spirits producers to pause investment, close facilities, and pivot strategies toward premiumization, DTC channels, and exports—critical market dynamics for BevTech founders navigating regulatory pressures and margin compression. Highlights The UK’s alcohol duty increases have caused producers to shut

Whitebox revenue up 100% YOY as new serves debut

Whitebox revenue up 100% YOY as new serves debut

Why does this matter? Fast-growing RTD cocktail startup Whitebox achieved 100% YoY revenue growth to £4.1M while scaling to 8M cans/year production and 1,000+ retailers, providing concrete growth benchmarks for beverage founders. Highlights Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail maker Whitebox has added two full-strength serves to its range: a

How water hyacinths are fuelling gin production in Cambodia

How water hyacinths are fuelling gin production in Cambodia

Why does this matter? Showcases innovative bioethanol production technology that addresses both sustainability and supply chain challenges for craft spirits producers, demonstrating potential alternative feedstock solutions for beverage manufacturing. Highlights Spirits producer Mawsim derives the ethanol for its gin from an unusual source, local water hyacinths, which could prove to