In numbers

EUR6bn

The value of annual Champagne sales passed the EUR6bn (US$6.41bn) mark for the first time in 2022, up 5% on 2021. Volume sales grew 1.6%.

1,000

Stonegate Pub Co. – the UK’s largest pub operator – is reportedly looking to sell more than a fifth of its estate to pay off mounting debts.

3.2%

There were signs of pressure on US spirits sales volumes in December, according to figures from the country’s National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). The data, which covers 17 states and jurisdictions in the US, showed spirits volumes (sold in nine-litre cases) fell 3.2% year-on-year.

US$82.6m

US rapper Flo Rida has been awarded $82.6m in damages after successfully suing Celsius Holdings for violating the conditions of an endorsement deal.

100

PepsiCo is reportedly planning to cut jobs across its operations in North America. More than 100 posts could be lost within the New York-based beverage business and Chicago- and Texas-based snacks and packaged-foods headquarters.

In Brief

Russia business buyer to be found “before summer”, Carlsberg CEO says

Carlsberg hopes to have found a buyer for its business in Russia “before summer”, with a view to having an agreement in place by the end of June, CEO Cees ‘t Hart has said.

Pernod Ricard denies claims of Delhi retail law breaches

Pernod Ricard has pushed back against “allegations” the French giant broke rules governing relationships with retailers in the Indian city of Delhi.

Nestlé unveils animal-free dairy Cowabunga beverages

Food and beverage major Nestlé is to trial a line of animal-free dairy drinks in six US grocery outlets under the Cowabunga brand.

UK seltzer brand Dash raises funds to fuel European push

Zero-sugar canned-water firm Dash has completed a Series A funding round to the tune of GBP8.7m (US$10.4m), as the UK-based group eyes expansion in Europe.

Further reading from around the GlobalData network

TS Lombard: What to expect from the Chinese economy in 2023 (and beyond)

The drinks industry briefing