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IWSR: spirits ‘worst performing’ category in 2025

IWSR: spirits ‘worst performing’ category in 2025

Why does this matter? This comprehensive market analysis from IWSR reveals critical beverage alcohol trends—including declining spirits performance, RTD growth opportunities, and shifting consumer behaviors around premiumization and health—that BevTech founders need to understand for product-market fit and go-to-market strategy. Highlights Total beverage alcohol (TBA) volumes fell by

GLP-1 drugs reshape alcohol consumption and hospitality habits

GLP-1 drugs reshape alcohol consumption and hospitality habits

Why does this matter? GLP-1 drugs are driving measurable declines in alcohol consumption (23-39% of users) and creating demand for low/no-alcohol options, smaller portions, and transparency—presenting significant product innovation and market opportunities for BevTech founders. Highlights Millions of Britons using GLP-1 weight loss medications are beginning to alter

With MAHA and GLP-1 Winds at Its Back, Oobli Looks to Build Next-Gen ‘Sweetening Systems’

With MAHA and GLP-1 Winds at Its Back, Oobli Looks to Build Next-Gen ‘Sweetening Systems’

Why does this matter? Oobli's precision-fermented sweetener platform is partnering with major CPG players like Mars and Ingredion to reformulate beverage products, representing a significant B2B technology opportunity in the beverage reformulation space. Highlights Back in 2023, when Oobli started pushing out its line of sweet teas and

Wales approves deposit return scheme for drinks containers ahead of 2027 launch

Wales approves deposit return scheme for drinks containers ahead of 2027 launch

Why does this matter? Wales' deposit return scheme includes digital QR code technology (Polytag) for container recycling, creating both operational challenges and potential tech opportunities for beverage startups navigating cross-border compliance. Highlights The Welsh Parliament has voted to approve legislation establishing a national deposit return scheme for drinks containers.

Why Constellation buying a hop water brand is a shrewd move

Why does this matter? Major CPG acquisition signals non-alcoholic beverage innovation becoming mainstream, showing BevTech founders how big players are investing in functional beverages and alcohol-alternative categories with strong growth (22% in 2025). Highlights US drinks giant Constellation Brands invested in the hop water category five years ago, backing Hopwtr,

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman explore merger

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman explore merger

Why does this matter? Major M&A activity between two global spirits giants signals industry consolidation pressures and strategic shifts that could reshape competitive dynamics and tech investment priorities for BevTech startups serving the spirits sector. Highlights Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman have confirmed early-stage talks about a potential business

‘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