OWC An award-winning UK wine and spirits merchant is set to close after 59 years, having fallen into administration. Friarwood Wine and Spirits, founded in 1967, is a family-run business that has built a reputation for its close relationship with some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards and wineries in regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône, and Tuscany. The independent merchant supplied Michelin-starred restaurants, caterers, top hotels, and private members' clubs across the UK.
OWC Australia's wine grape crush has fallen to its lowest level in more than 25 years. Wine Australia reports that the 2026 vintage was the smallest in over a quarter-century, reflecting a combination of weak global demand, challenging weather, and structural changes across the industry. Growers continue to face difficult decisions about vineyard management and profitability. A tale we have heard elsewhere.
OWC Canned wine is becoming mainstream. Once associated primarily with younger consumers, premium canned wines are now gaining broader acceptance thanks to convenience, sustainability, and improved quality. Producers are increasingly positioning canned formats alongside traditional bottles rather than as a novelty product. The Global market for Canned Wines was valued at US$ 13.25 Billion in 2025 · Annual market size is expected to reach US$ 23.22 Billion by 2034.
OWC Japan has officially overtaken Mexico as the main source of international beer across Australia, according to tracking data. The shift, which was outlined in the Endeavour Group's State of Hops Report has revealed that the beer available in Australia is inching closer to Japanese options and more international styles. The data reveals that premium international beer sales consistently outperform standard domestic beers in urban area's. Mexico still retains a foothold across the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia, however there is purportedly a push towards Japanese Lager brands, which have been seen to be gaining ground.
OWC Campari is stepping up efforts to defend Aperol, the driving force behind its growth in recent years, as copycat spritzes and rival aperitifs vie for a slice of the booming market. At home in Italy, where competition is fiercest, the spirits group has launched a promotional campaign and a loyalty programme for trusted retailers. The Aperol brand is Campari's biggest earner, accounting for about 26% of revenue. Sales helped the company stay resilient last year as the sector dealt with weakening consumer demand.
OWC BrewDog co-founder James Watt has made an offer to buy back the craft brewer just months after its sale to Tilray Brands. Watt says former Equity for Punks investors would receive shares in BrewDog free of charge if his bid succeeds. Around 20,000 investors bought into BrewDog’s Equity for Punks crowdfunding scheme over the years, but their shares became effectively worthless when the business collapsed before its sale.
OWC Stonegate Group, Britain’s biggest chain of bars and pubs, is being investigated over concerns about possible “unfair” treatment of landlords who run more than 3,000 of its venues. The owner of the Slug & Lettuce and Be At One chains could be fined up to 1% of revenue, more than £16m, if it is found to have breached the “pubs code”, legislation governing how pub-owning companies treat their tenants. Fiona Dickie, the pubs code adjudicator (PCA) who oversees the rules, said she had been in discussions with Stonegate for months in relation to a “small number” of cases but was aware of other complaints and was now seeking further information. The investigation comes weeks after a survey of pub tenants by the PCA found that Stonegate was considered by far the worst company to lease a pub from, with a satisfaction rating of 43%. The next worst was Punch Pubs, with a rating of 61%, while Admiral Taverns and Greene King scored 79% and 78% respectively.
OWC The ASCOT Awards (American Spirits Council Of Tasters) recently crowned Aberlour A’bunadh as its 2026 Best In Class Scotch Whisky. This non-age-stated single malt, a cult classic since 1997, is renowned for its cask-strength presentation and exclusive maturation in first-fill sherry casks, delivering luscious dark fruit flavours. Judges praised its high ABV yet easy drinkability, noting complex layers of dried fruit, nuts, oak, nougat, delicate smoke, dark chocolate, and candied ginger. Pronounced ah-BOON-ah, this 146-year-old distillery's offering is considered excellent value. It now vies for the ultimate "Best In Show" title, promising a rich, unapologetic sherry bomb experience for enthusiasts.
OWC William Grant & Sons’ Glenfiddich Distillery has redesigned its global travel retail (GTR) range, including a single malt finished in Port pipes. The Voyage Collection is a new range of four exclusive single malt expressions created specifically for GTR. The collection includes Warehouse Eight Solera, 12-year-old Rum Cask Finish, 15-year-old Sherry Cask Finish, and 18-year-old Port Cask Finish. Notably, the latter is the brand’s first expression finished in Port pipes. Created by Glenfiddich malt master Brian Kinsman, The Voyager Collection is said to honour key moments that have redefined single malt and continue to inspire its ongoing maturation.
