Liquor Industry News 02-07-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
Based on the Flipboard collection "LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 02-07-26" curated by Mark Lenzi, here is a summary of the featured stories:
Market Trends & Economic Reports
- RTD Growth Amidst Spirits Decline: While overall U.S. spirits sales fell by 2.2% in value in 2025, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails remain the sole category showing growth. This shift is attributed to consumers seeking "cheap drinks" and more affordable options due to economic concerns.
- The "Sober Shift": A growing number of beverage industry professionals, including bartenders, are choosing sobriety even after "Dry January" concludes, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward alcohol-free lifestyles.
Corporate Acquisitions
- Gallo Acquires Four Roses: In a major industry move, E. & J. Gallo Winery has agreed to purchase the Kentucky-based Four Roses Bourbon distillery from Japan’s Kirin Holdings for approximately $775 million.
International News & Wine Values
- Extortion Scandal in Mexico: The mayor of Tequila, Mexico, was arrested for allegedly extorting major distillers in a scheme involving the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
- Chilean Wine Values: Wine Spectator highlighted eight top-rated Chilean wines, noting that the region offers value and terroir comparisons similar to those of California.
CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), AFNA™ Wine Certified. Beer Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, California Sustainable Ambassador, Associates Degree from Whiskey University, Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief
Franklin Liquors is a family-owned vintage 1978. https://www.franklinliquors.com/
Founder of the Franklin Wine Club https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/
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