Editor's letter

Welcome to the new edition of Just Drinks’ quarterly digital magazine

When it comes to what we eat and drink, more of us are increasingly demanding transparency from the companies behind the products we buy. That’s a trend seen across all age groups but, importantly for product developers and marketeers, it’s particularly witnessed among those under 40, who expect credible information about what they put in their baskets.  

This issue’s cover story looks at the upcoming changes to labelling laws in the EU, where, from next month, wine labels will need to include full nutritional information, including on calories and allergens. 

Elsewhere, with COP28 on the horizon, we dig into hop growers’ moves to develop new breeds amid concerns about the impact climate change could have on production and we explore how Scotch distillers are tackling their water use. 

And, with AI seemingly on everyone’s agendas, we hear from major Coke bottler Coca-Cola HBC, which describes the rise of the tech as “like an iPhone moment”. 

Dean Best, editor