[BND] Kane's Beverage News Daily

Increased Gen Z Drinking Sustained, Boomers' Drinking Moderates

The drinking rate among Gen Z legal drinking age (LDA+) consumers across 15 key markets has stabilized at 74%. This rate, up from 66% three years ago, is now nearly identical to the total adult population drinking rate of 76%. That's according to IWSR’s twice-yearly Bevtrac survey of consumer behavior.

In the US, the overall beverage alcohol participation rate remained unchanged at 70%. Participation among the Gen Z LDA+ population climbed slightly to 71% (up from 68% two years ago).

Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting to Retire

Brown-Forman Corp. announced Lawson Whiting has decided to retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective upon the appointment of a successor. The Brown-Forman Board of Directors has initiated a search pursuant to its succession process that will consider internal and external candidates.

Australia's Vintage Smallest in 25 Years

The 2026 vintage was the smallest in over 25 years at 1.27 million tonnes, according to Wine Australia’s National Vintage Report 2026. While adverse seasonal conditions affected production in several regions, the scale and pattern of the decline suggest that market factors were the primary driver. Four of the past five Australian vintages have been below the long-term average, with the five-year average (2021–2025) falling to 1.61 million tons – 84,000 tons below the 10-year average. This mar

Penn Wood Winery Assumes Management of Equivine Farm

Penn Woods Winery said it will take over the management of Equivine Farm, an historic horse farm, 13 acres of vineyards and a bookable country retreat with guest accommodations overlooking the farm’s rolling countryside, vineyards, and ponds in Chester County, Penn. Brian Dickerson, a viticulture specialist, decided to retire after a freeze wiped out blooms and in some cases grapevines throughout the mid-Atlantic. That left Equivine without someone to manage the vineyards. Penn Woods lost over

How Napa Valley Wineries Are Surviving

Fifty percent of Napa Valley wineries are losing mney, Wine Business Monthly noted. That means the other half are making some money, VinePair said, and set out to learn how they are surviving. Here's a precis of tips:

Pellenc Acqiores P&L, Tom Beard

Pellenc America industry leaders P&L Specialties and Tom Beard Co. are officially joining the Pellenc America family. This strategic alignment unifies three of the most trusted names in wine production technology, creating a single, comprehensive source for premium winery equipment. * Pellenc America is a global winery and vineyard equipment company serving the full spectrum of wine production, from artisan wineries seeking high-end destemmers and sorters to very large operations.

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