Good Morning, and Happy Friday, It's March 13, 2026.

Mercer Wine Estates Acquires Matthews, 3 Related Brands

Mercer Wine Estates, a multi-generation, family-owned winegrower with deep roots in Washington State agriculture, said it is acquiring four leading Washington wine brands – Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, and Single Barrel. 

Consumer Spending on Bev/Al Slipped 1.1% in Year

The US beverage alcohol market across the On- and Off-Premise reached $222 billion in the latest 52 weeks, down -1.1% from the year prior – an environment shared by moderation, macro-economic strain, and shifting demographics, NIQ reports. 

UK Police Find 90 Pallets of Fake Wine, Prosecco in Warehouses Across Essex

The value of the U.S. system of alcohol beverage regulation was demonstrated once again when when British police, in a coordinated sting, discovered 90 pallets of counterfeit wine and Prosecco valued at 500,000 GBP (about $666,560 U.S.) in warehouses scattered acrss Essex, England. 

Rum Declining in Mainstream, Growing at the Edges

Across Total On-Premise spirits, Rum’s share slipped to 8.8%, down 0.4pp, with value (-2.3%) and volume (-6.8%) declining. 

Champagne Hits the Target, Cuts Carbon Emissions 25% Since 2003

Champagne's goal of cutting its carbon footprint. which totalled 580,583 tons of equivalent CO2 in 2003, has been met, Pierre Naviaux, head of the Comité Champagne sustainability department, says.

Heineken 0.0 Unveils 1st 0 Alcohol, 0 Calorie, 0 Sugar Brew

Heineken® is doubling down on its leadership in the non-alcoholic beer category with the launch of Heineken 0.0 Ultimate: a new alcohol-free brew with zero alcohol, zero calories, and zero sugar

Calif. Winegrape Growers List Advocacy Goals

California Association of Winegrape Growers has three major objectives for Advocacy Day, when its members visit their representatives in the California Legislature. 

Jägermeister Partners Across 4 College Athletic Programs

Jägermeister announced a collegiate sports partnership supporting four powerhouse athletics programs – Michigan, Florida, LSU, and Oregon.

Bacardi Rum Campaign Features New Music From Tainy

Bacardi Rum announces a new chapter of its global "Do What Moves You" campaign, celebrating Latin culture and the infectious rhythms that move us, inspired by Puerto Rico and powered by one of music's biggest hitmakers, Puerto Rican artist and Grammy Award–winning producer, TAINY.

Frame of Mind Launches as a New Wine Portfolio to Match the Mood of the Moment

Treasury Americas launches Frame of Mind, an innovative wine portfolio that expands upon the enormous consumer enthusiasm for Pessimist red blend from Paso Robles.

57% Drink Sparkling Water Before Noon: Survey

A new survey from Waterloo Sparkling Water finds that Americans are increasingly starting their day with a refreshing twist: Sparkling water is becoming a bona fide morning ritual, especially among younger adults focused on wellness, low‑sugar choices, and feel‑good routines.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. – Joel