News
Grocery Merger Could Reshape Retail
Kroger has announced plans to purchase Albertsons in a move with the potential to transform the grocery industry across much of the country. “Kroger plans to invest in lowering prices for customers and expects to reinvest approximately half a billion dollars in cost savings from synergies to reduce prices for consumers,” said the announcement issued by Kroger in October of 2022. The plans are drawing scrutiny from federal and state lawmakers, including a Senate antitrust panel. Current plans call for the merger to be finalized in early 2024. If the merger goes through, it would bring together 4,996 stores across 48 states and the District of Columbia, outnumbering Walmart locations.
Exports are Up
Retaliatory tariffs on American spirits in the U.K. and E.U. were suspended in 2021 and 2022. The results are finally being seen in export figures. Between January and August, 2022, U.S. spirits exports increased by 22 percent and American whiskey exports increased by 20 percent versus the same period one year prior.
Premium Spirits Spending Continues Despite Inflation
Inflation continues to impact consumers around the world. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re trading down. In October 2022, DISCUS reported luxury brands (priced $50 per 750ml bottle or higher) grew 23 percent in Q2 2022 over Q2 2021. Luxury tequila grew the most, followed closely by American whiskey, continuing a major growth trend in both categories over the past five years.
Events
ADI International Spirits Competition
Thinking of submitting to ADI’s 2023 International Spirits Competition? Now is the time. Submissions are now open, with Early Bird Registration discounts available until February 3, 2023. Submissions close on March 3, 2023. Visit www.distilling.com for full details, including fees, registration forms, and COLA waivers.
ADI 2023 Las Vegas
Mark your calendars now for ADI’s 20th annual conference and vendor expo August 23-24 at the Mirage Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t miss the largest gathering of craft distillers and their suppliers in the world. Workshops will be held on August 21-22, and the 2023 Gin Summit will take place August 25. Registration will open in Q1 of 2023. Visit www.distilling.com for full details, including registration, hotel information, and more.
