James Mackay’s Post

Diageo to invest €100m in Dublin facility 👏 The British multinational beverage company have announced plans to invest €100m in decarbonising its St. James's Gate facility, which has brewed Guinness for 264 years. It is part of Diageo's mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for the site, with the investment being used to transform energy and water consumption. The alcohol giant aims to make it one of the 'most efficient breweries in the world by 2030'. Simon Harris, Prime Minister of Ireland, commented: "Guinness has been made in Dublin for over a quarter of a millennium, and today so many tourists visit the location while they are here. It’s not just a green transformation for St James’s Gate but a flagship transformation that will send a strong message to the world." "It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to businesses, big and small, to make the green transition, and to work in partnership to help achieve our climate goals.” Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, added: "I want to thank the Taoiseach and Minister Burke for their support for our ambitious decarbonisation plan for St James’s Gate as demonstrated by the support from our partners Enterprise Ireland." "We’re 260 years into our 9,000-year lease at St James’s Gate and this investment will ensure that Guinness has an exciting and long-term sustainable future. We are proud to lead the way on decarbonisation, both as a major Irish business and as an industry-leading company.” #News #Drinks #Alcohol #Beverage #Decarbonisation #Investment #Guinness #Strategy

JOHN MCDONNELL: TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA'S MANAGING DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL SPEAKS HIS MIND. I thought it would be good to let off some fireworks of our own just before America's Independence Day celebrations. In this week's blog on TRunblocked.com I interview John McDonnell, MD International of Tito's Handmade Vodka. This brand has achieved some remarkable success within Travel Retail and, under John's stewardship, is looking to continue its expansion. Everywhere. As always, this is a very candid, straight-talking and fast-moving interview. We cover a wide range of subjects - from the challenges faced by the company being a single product brand, to managing a host of different distributors globally, to digitalisation (or the lack of it) within Travel Retail, to under-spacing vodka vs gin and to a big NO to Tito's ever producing flavoured vodka. We also talk about Tito's highly original advertising campaigns which really capture the innovative spirit (yes, pun intended) and ethos of the business as well as Tito's range of charitable causes. There are also strong and valid messages to both travel retail operators and to the industry associations. As I said, this interview packs a punch and it makes not-to-be-missed viewing. https://lnkd.in/dpCZgr-a #TitosHandmadeVodka #JohnMcDonnell #TravelRetail #Airports #Airlines #CruiseLines #SpiritsCategory #VodkaVsGin #Distributors #Digitalisation #TitosInABigCan #TitosInAnyCan #MarthaStewartAndDryJanuary #ASUTIL #IAADFS #MEADFA #TFWA

Why are hawkers put in the unenviable position of doing ‘national service’ to fill bellies at low and unsustainable prices? These poor folks have to put in a real shift, toiling behind the kitchens while being on their feet for hours. They, like all of us, have to earn a decent living too. How many of us will want our kids to be hawkers? Instead of putting the burden on hawkers to help us cope with rising food prices , we should examine how we can optimise our spending so we are able to live within our means.

We're coming to the end of the first week of December and there are only 26 days until we usher in the New Year - so a busy time of year for all! 🏃♀️ Good luck to everyone running the Festive Fundraising Challenge! Alan Armstrong and his 'Hospitality Heroes' (including Sam Brown and Luci Cunningham) are running every day from the 1st to the 24th of December to raise £10k for Only A Pavement Away! • https://lnkd.in/eKtR5RHu? 🏡 Generation Z buyers are prioritising proximity to the local pub when choosing their first homes, according to research by Zoopla. 53% of those under 27 factor in the quality and distance of a pub when making decisions, compared to just 24% of all homeowners. Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association, added: “A good local offers so much more than just a quality pint; they can boost house prices and are also a sign of real social value in their communities.” • https://lnkd.in/e4JPdnAh 📈 Hospitality sales grew by 1.6% year-on-year in the 12 weeks to 19 November 2024, with growth accelerating to 2.3% in the most recent four weeks, according to Hospitality Data Insights (HDI). Independents and smaller operators led the way, while pubs, bars, and coffee shops showed promising gains too. 😍 Yesterday was Volunteer Day and we'd like to thank all the members of our Zonal family who have given up their valuable time this year to support the many events and activities organised by our charity partner, Only A Pavement Away. Did you know that Zonal offers two paid days per year to spend on charity work? • https://lnkd.in/gx2yJw8Z 💚 Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability when eating out, with 37% prepared to spend extra on brands with strong green credentials, according to a new report by Nutritics and CGA by NIQ. The Sustainability Matters report highlights how environmental practices impact customer choices, with 41% likely to pick venues based on sustainability efforts – rising to 64% among 18-34-year-olds. • https://lnkd.in/eFTiTWaW 🍻 Today is National Bartender Day and we will be raising a glass to all the incredibly hardworking bartenders up and down the country. Whether they pull the perfect pint, recommend a no or low alternative or shake up a deliciously inventive cocktail, join us in offering a big 'cheers' to these hospitality heroes! • https://lnkd.in/eGyiTwSm #HospitalityNews #HospitalityTech

José Andres has become a household name not only from his amazing restaurants but also for his charity work with World Central Kitchen... I'll be rooting for his new endeavour to be successful! #strategy #moment #strategicthinking #strategicplanning #marketintelligence #strateg #strategy #strategicpartnerships #strategicthinking #businessconsulting #strategydevelopment #strategyandtransformation #businessconsulting #strategicplanning #consumers #businessmodel #bethechange #fundraising #cashisking

iLaw is thrilled to have played a key advisory role in a recent £4.6m fundraising round by MOTH Drinks - B Corp™, which was led by Beringea. The investment will enable MOTH, the UK's leading ready-to-drink (RTD) premium cocktail brand, to expand its team, boost marketing efforts, and accelerate its growth into the U.S. market. Justin Ellis, Director at iLaw, commented: “I’m delighted that the team at iLaw has been able to help MOTH with their latest fundraising round. We’ve been working with MOTH since their first round three or four years ago, and it’s always a joy to see clients develop and achieve success. It’s even better when we can contribute to that success in some small way. And it’s an added bonus when the product is a range of full-strength, ready-to-drink cocktails that just happen to taste superb.” Since launching in 2021, MOTH has established itself as a major player in the UK RTD (Ready To Drink) cocktail market, now holding a 41% market share of the premium RTD category in UK supermarkets. The brand’s products are available in over 3,000 stores, and with its first office soon to open in the U.S., MOTH’s expansion shows no signs of slowing down. Samuel Hunt, co-founder of MOTH, expressed his excitement about this next chapter, noting, “This investment is a crucial step in our journey. We’re thrilled to expand our footprint in the U.S. and bring our bar-quality cocktails to even more consumers.” Harry Thomas, Portfolio Director at Beringea, added: “🍸 Rob Wallis and Sam Hunt have built a remarkable business. MOTH has not only become one of the UK’s most exciting emerging brands, but they’ve also begun establishing a foothold in the U.S., creating vast opportunities for growth. We’re excited to be part of this next phase.” Beringea were advised by Marriott Harrison and Shoosmiths. Full Article here: https://lnkd.in/dv-qeUpt #Investment #Beverages #FundraisingAdvisory #CorporateLaw Image Courtesy of MOTH Drinks

"In light of the recent news that Diageo, owner of Guinness PLC, is pulling out of Nigeria and has sold its 58% equity in the business to Singapore-based Tolaram. What is your thought on this, and what does it portend for the immediate future?" Diageo's decision to withdraw from Nigeria and sell its stake in Guinness PLC to Tolaram indicates that it sees better opportunities elsewhere or perceives challenges in the Nigerian market that outweigh the potential benefits. This move might reflect a strategic shift in Diageo's global portfolio or a reassessment of its investment priorities. Very clearly, Diageo has fashioned a more profitable way to derive income from Nigeria without having to deal with the harsh operating environment for businesses. For Tolaram Group, they probably see this acquisition as an opportunity to solidify their presence in Nigeria. They already operate in Nigeria primarily through their subsidiaries in various industries, such as Dufil Prima Foods Plc, which produces the popular Indomie instant noodles, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port project. The acquisition of Diageo’s stake in Guinness PLC indicates that they see value in the Nigerian market and are willing to invest in it. Tolaram may bring a different perspective and strategy to the table, potentially leading to changes in how Guinness PLC operates in Nigeria. It could also signal increased competition or consolidation within the Nigerian beverage industry. While Diageo's exit raises questions about the attractiveness of the Nigerian market for multinational companies, Tolaram's investment suggests continued interest and opportunities for growth in the region. #EbenNuggets

🚨 New Episode Out Now! 🚨 Our host Pam Leinmiller speaks with Valerie M., the Marketing Director at Edrington, about their competitive landscape in the ultra-premium spirits industry. Key Takeaways from the episode : 🏴 Edrington, a Scottish company owned by Scotland's largest charitable trust, owns well-known brands like The Macallan. -🇺🇸 The US spirits market operates on a three-tier system: suppliers sell to distributors, distributors to retailers/restaurants, and then to consumers, requiring targeted marketing strategies for each tier. 📊 Bourbon, a rapidly growing category in the US, attracts experimental consumers, while Scotch, bound by geographic sourcing rules, has traditional and loyal drinkers. 🌐 Recommendations from trusted sources are crucial for purchase decisions, with staff training and education essential for promoting Edrington’s products. 🌱 Edrington emphasizes responsible drinking, quality over quantity, and its charitable trust ownership reflects a commitment to giving back and high-quality offerings. 📈 Different strategies for new versus established brands and various product categories are needed, requiring dynamic and adaptable marketing programs considering product placement, lifecycle, and consumer engagement. Tune in now to get a deep dive into the world of premium spirits #marketing! 🍸🥃 🎧 - https://lnkd.in/g6S2mxfM #Edrington #supplychain #emergingbrands #consumer #innovation #beveragemanufacturing #industry

This month is #BCorpMonth! With Bosque Gin I Certified B Corp ®, we've been on this journey for several years (almost 3 years since we got certified), reaffirming and deepening our commitment day by day to this movement. This year's B Corp Month celebration has over 8,000 companies in the movement; the expansion of the global community is evident. What makes us and other B Corps different is that we hold ourselves accountable and consistently work towards a triple bottom-line business – with people valued as much as profit – and our cumulative impact on the planet. We consider the effect our business decisions have on all our stakeholders – our employees, consumers, trade customers, suppliers, along with the wider communities we operate in. We believe in companies created and founded on purposes. We believe in sustainable and conscious business. Do you find it hard to spot the products that are creating a positive impact when you’re shopping? That’s what #BCorp Certification is for. In Argentina, we are part of the new edition of La Anónima's Góndola B. In Spain, Italy, and the US, we are bringing Bosque Gin I Certified B Corp ® to hotels, restaurants, shops, and supermarket shelves with one of our best partners: Compagnia dei Caraibi. This movement is about practicing conscious and positive impact business but in a networked way. Sistema B B Lab La Anónima Compagnia dei Caraibi AMAE Lounge Las Balsas Relais & Chateaux #BcorpMonth #BCertified

It’s been an exciting – and humbling – few weeks watching your support pour in for Spirits of Virtue.   With just one day left before we close our Seedrs fundraise campaign, we’d like to give you a little recap of some recent developments that have got us excited.   With demand for non-alcoholic spirits soaring, things move fast. Since our raise began, our Glen Dochus Scottish Blend has become the first non-alc whisky alternative to enter the Japanese market; we’ve announced our ground-breaking range of tea-based zero-proof spirits, Teasons; and a flavoured gin substitute we make for Asda has been named Non-Alc of the Year.   Furthermore, we’ve very recently been approached by major retailers from the US, Europe and Asia, all tasked with introducing non-alcs into their outlets.   With our extensive range of zero-proof whisky, vodka, gin, rum and tequila alternatives, we’re ready to meet the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options. There’s never been a better time to invest. Join us – https://bit.ly/SoVraise – as drinking cultures evolve for the better. #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry #crowdfunding #investmentopportunities