Canada | Mr Trump’s punitive tariffs may have rendered Canadians a service. In an effort to make consumers “buy Canadian”, the government has reached a deal with the majority of provinces to allow Canadian booze to flow more freely across the country. Presently, Ontario breweries and distilleries, for example, cannot sell directly to customers in other provinces.

Moosehead’s Presidential Pack to see Canadians through Trump's term

Canada | Buy Canadian. The New Brunswick-based brewery launched a Presidential Pack – 1,461 473ml cans of Canadian lagers, or one can of beer a day for the next four years of Donald Trump’s presidential term, media reported on 7 March.

Canada pulling stock is worse than tariffs, says Jack Daniel’s

USA | The CEO of Brown-Forman, which also makes Jack Daniel’s, has said that the decision by state-owned Canadian retailers to remove American alcohol from shelves to protest against President Trump’s trade policies is more damaging to the company’s finances than the actual tariffs.

Canada | What pulled the US and Canada back from the brink of a potentially damaging trade war? Was it a last-minute call between Mr Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau? Or was it Canada’s feisty response on Sunday, 2 February, which would have seen American alcohol pulled from shelves? In any case, late on Monday 3 February, Canada agreed to reinforce its border with the US to clamp down on migration and the flow of the drug fentanyl. The tariffs are paused for one month.

American whiskey growth stalls in US: Brown Forman cuts costs

USA | It is not just Scottish whisky that has lost sales in 2024: Demand for American whiskey in the US has softened too. After growing steadily between 2010 and 2022, whiskey volume sales fell by 1 percent in 2023 to 31 million 9-litre cases. In 2024, the decline could have been more pronounced.

Constellation Brands stock plunges after earnings miss

USA | How crazy is this? Constellation Brands had its roughest day in over a decade, with the stock nosediving by 17 percent on 10 January. What had happened? Basically, Constellation had missed net sales estimates, booking only USD 2.46 billion in revenue (or -0.3 percent over the same period in 2023). Analysts had projected USD 2.53 billion for its third quarter, which ended on 30 November. It did not help that its net income was USD 616 million, up 21 percent year-on-year.

Who will take over Boston Beer after Jim Koch? His wife

USA | For years, when someone asked Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch what his succession plan was, he would quip: “Don’t die”. However, on 25 December, Mr Koch, 75, disclosed to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that his wife, healthcare entrepreneur Cynthia Fisher, 63, who sits on the company’s board, will inherit his controlling interest worth more than USD 650 million.

Anheuser-Busch to contract brew for Pabst

USA | Has Anheuser-Busch suddenly found a new best friend? Or why would it contract brew for rival Pabst? On 2 January, Pabst Brewing entered into a contract brewing agreement with AB-InBev, starting in the first quarter of 2025.

US top doctor calls for cancer warnings on alcohol labels

USA | Perfect timing. Even before a committee report on alcohol guidelines is out, America’s Surgeon General has called for cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages, following new research that links alcohol to seven types of cancer. However, Congress must pass a law before any of the Surgeon General’s recommendations could become law.

Diageo puts Cîroc Vodka on the block

USA | British spirits firm Diageo is allegedly seeking a buyer for Cîroc Vodka, the brand formerly co-owned by the now disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to Bloomberg, on 19 December, Diageo is currently sussing out if there is any interest from beverage companies and buyout firms. Bloomberg added that the considerations “may not lead to a transaction”.