TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby" or the "Company") (TSX: CSW.A) (TSX: CSW.B), a leading Canadian manufacturer, marketer and importer of spirits, wines and ready-to-drink cocktails ("RTDs"), today announced its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter ("Q4") and the year-ended June 30, 2026 ("FY26").

Record full-year results with 11% organic revenue growth, driven by continued RTD expansion and market share gains in spirits

Q4 Revenue of $71.1 million (-1% year-over-year) and Organic Revenue¹ flat

FY26 Revenue of $271.6 million (+10%) and Organic Revenue¹ +11%

Q4 Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $14.7 million (-5%)

FY26 Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $67.5 million (+5%)

Q4 Adjusted Net Earnings¹ of $7.4 million (-1%) (Reported +4%)

FY26 Adjusted Net Earnings¹ of $35.1 million (+15%) (Reported +22%)

Quarterly Dividend declared $0.25 per share, an increase of +4.2%

This press release comprises three announcements: Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results, Canadian Representation Agreement Renewal with Pernod Ricard, and Corby Board of Directors' Changes

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Q4 FY26 results: Revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 was $71.1 million, a decrease of $0.9 million or 1% compared to the same period last year. Organic revenue¹, which excludes the contributions in both the current period and the comparable period from non-core brands that have been disposed, was flat year-over-year driven by the following:

• Domestic case goods revenue of $57.7 million, down 2% year-over-year, impacted by the expected unfavourable impact of LCBO order phasing in Q4 (orders were pulled forward in Q3 in anticipation of an LCBO enterprise resource planning system upgrade). However, this was offset by the continued strength and growth in the RTD business, benefitting from the LCBO markup change in Ontario and expansion across Western Canada and Ontario with route-to-market modernization. In addition, Corby's spirits business continued to benefit from the removal of US-origin products from retail shelves in key provinces;
• Commissions of $7.3 million, down 5% year-over-year, impacted by overall softer performances from imported spirits and RTDs, and wines portfolio lapping higher comparative basis in the prior year. However, this was offset slightly by the inclusion of the Canada Dry Mott's Inc. ("CDMI") RTD portfolio through the recent representation agreement;
• Export case goods sales of $5.2 million, up 37% year-over-year, on strong shipment growth in the U.S. and U.K. as the comparative period was unfavourably impacted by shipment phasing in both markets.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, gross margin rate increased 140 bps to 49% despite Corby RTDs comprising a greater share of total revenue, benefitting from margin optimization within the RTD portfolio and export spirits.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, marketing, sales and administrative expenses were $23.7 million (flat year-over-year), despite unfavourable phasing impact in marketing expenses, reflecting targeted investment behind key brands and careful resource management to support the rapid growth of Corby's RTD business.

Earnings from Operations and Adjusted Earnings from Operations¹ totaled $10.9 million and $11.8 million respectively in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, representing year-over-year growth of 4% and 3%, respectively – a deceleration from Q3's pace, consistent with the anticipated Q4 softening as LCBO ordering patterns normalize and spirits market declines persisted.

Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 was $14.7 million, a decrease of 5% compared to the same period last year. Net Earnings was $6.5 million and Adjusted Net Earnings¹ was $7.4 million in Q4 FY26, an increase of 4% and decrease of 1% year-over-year, respectively.

Full Year FY26 results: Revenue for FY26 totaled $271.6 million, an increase of $24.9 million or 10% year-over-year. Excluding the impact of non-core disposed brands in both the current period and the comparable period, organic revenue¹ grew $27.1 million or 11%, a record revenue level for the company. The key drivers are:

• Domestic case goods revenue of $219.7 million, up 13% year-over-year, driven by the continued expansion of the RTD business across key provinces and market share gains in spirits partly due to the removal of US-origin products from retail shelves in key provinces;  
• Commissions revenue of $29.4 million, down 4% year-over-year, impacted by the represented wines portfolio lapping a higher comparison basis in the prior year. This was offset slightly by the inclusion of the CDMI RTDs portfolio through the recent representation agreement;
• Export revenue of $18.2 million, up 22% year-over-year, driven by new channel pipeline fill in strategic Eastern European markets, J.P. Wiser's growth in U.S., and improved volume-to-value conversion of Lamb's rum in the UK.

In fiscal 2026, gross margin rate declined slightly by 92 bps to 49% due primarily to greater share of RTDs in total revenue, higher input costs for domestic spirits and lower commission income. However, this was offset by margin optimization within the RTD portfolio and export spirits portfolio.

Marketing, sales and administrative expenses were $80.0 million in FY26, an increase of $3.0 million, or 4% compared to the prior-year period, significantly below revenue growth, reflecting ongoing diligent cost management. Those investments reflect continued support for the growing RTD business, brand-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships for our spirits brands – notably the J.P. Wiser's multi-year Canadian partnership with the National Hockey League.

Earnings from Operations and Adjusted Earnings from Operations¹ both totaled $53.7 million in FY26, increasing by 16% and 12% year-over-year, respectively. Strong revenue growth and diligent cost management was partly offset by an RTD-skewed portfolio mix and channel mix impacts on gross margin (though RTD portfolio experiencing margin optimization).

Adjusted EBITDA¹ in FY26 was $67.5 million, an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year. The wine representation agreement with Vinarchy, signed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, resulted in lower amortization of upfront fees relative to when the brands were owned by Pernod Ricard in the same period last year, resulting in a slower growth rate in Adjusted EBITDA¹ compared to Adjusted Earnings from Operations¹. Average annualized cash flows over the life of the agreements are expected to remain broadly consistent.

Corby reported Net Earnings of $33.4 million and Adjusted Net Earnings¹ of $35.1 million in FY26, an increase of 22% and 15% year-over-year, respectively.

Corby's cash flow from operating activities totalled $37.1 million in FY26, a decrease of $7.7 million or 17% year-over-year, with stronger earnings from operations offset by increased working capital requirements and higher income tax payments. Working capital changes were driven by increased receivables due to evolving customer base and increased inventory to support RTD business growth. Higher income tax payments reflected increased required instalments and the absence of a prior-year tax refund. Despite this, Corby closed FY26 with a Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA¹ ratio (on a rolling 12-month basis) of 1.3x, illustrating the continued health of its balance sheet.

Corby's President and Chief Executive Officer, Florence Tresarrieu, stated,

"Fiscal 2026 was a pivotal year for Corby. We delivered double-digit revenue growth despite a challenging and volatile industry environment, driven by the continued expansion of our RTD portfolio and the resilience of our spirits business. Earnings growth outpaced revenue growth through disciplined cost management and strong commercial execution, underscoring the strength of our strategy, portfolio, and partnerships.

We also took important steps to further sharpen our portfolio and position the business for long-term value creation. The divestment of certain non-core ABG brands allows us to focus upon growing our position as one of the leading RTD players in Canada while the disposal of the Lamb's brand further aligned our portfolio with higher-margin growth opportunities and our strategic priorities.

Looking ahead, we expect FY27 to bring continued market uncertainty, including questions around the return of U.S. products to Canadian shelves and a more challenging comparison base following this year's strong performance. Even so, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet and supporting a sustainable dividend for shareholders.

We will achieve this through continued investment behind our core brands and building on the momentum of our RTD business, while maintaining disciplined cost management."

For further details, please refer to Corby's Management's Discussion and Analysis and interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the three-months and year-ended June 30, 2026, prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.corby.ca/investors.

MARKET TRENDS

Complete fourth quarter Ontario market data was not available at the time of reporting. Given Ontario's significance within the Canadian spirits & RTD market, excluding Ontario would materially affect the representativeness of national market results. Accordingly, Q3 has been used as the basis for assessing Corby's performance relative to the industry – please refer to the Q3 press release for market trend analysis.

QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

The Corby Board of Directors is pleased to declare a regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per Voting Class A Common Share and Non-Voting Class B Common Share of the Company, an increase of $0.01, or +4.2% from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share. This dividend is payable on September 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as at the close of business on September 11, 2026. The Board of Directors assesses the dividend on a quarterly basis. Prior to this announcement, the quarterly dividend was last increased concurrently with the release of Q2 FY26 results.

CANADIAN REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT RENEWAL

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited ("Corby") and Pernod Ricard S.A. ("Pernod Ricard") announced today that they have entered into an agreement concerning the renewal of the representation of Pernod Ricard's brands by Corby in the Canadian market.

Pernod Ricard is the world's second largest spirits company, with iconic, premium, international brands, including Absolut vodka, Jameson Irish whiskey, The Glenlivet single malt Scotch whisky, Beefeater, Monkey 47 and Malfy gins, Malibu rum, Kahlúa liqueur, Ballantine's and Chivas Regal blended Scotch whiskies, and Perrier Jouet and Mumm champagnes. The continued representation of Pernod Ricard's brands by Corby solidifies Corby's position as the second largest spirits company in Canada, providing Canadian consumers a world class offering of iconic Canadian and premium international brands.

"For two decades, Corby has been a trusted partner in building Pernod Ricard's brands in Canada, combining deep market knowledge, strong execution and a shared commitment to creating moments of conviviality. This renewal reflects our confidence in Corby and our ambition to continue growing our iconic brands together in this important market," said Conor McQuaid, Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard North America.

Under the existing representation agreement that was due to expire on September 30, 2026, Corby achieved the performance criteria and was eligible for an automatic renewal for three years. The agreement announced today provides that, as of October 1, 2026, Corby's exclusive right to represent Pernod Ricard's brands in Canada will continue for three years until September 30, 2029, with the potential for automatic renewal for a further two years thereafter, subject to the terms of the agreement. The companies expect to also announce the renewal of the production and administrative services agreements before the upcoming deadline. 

"This renewal reflects the strength of Corby's long-standing relationship with Pernod Ricard and Corby's proven ability to build its brands in Canada. It preserves Corby's exclusive access to a world-class portfolio of premium international brands, supports scale and competitive strength in the Canadian market, and provides greater visibility and continuity with respect to an important earnings stream. Following a thorough review, the Board believes the agreement is in Corby's best interests and provides a strong platform to create sustainable long-term value for Corby and all of its shareholders," said Lucio Di Clemente, Chair of the Corby Board of Directors.

Corby anticipates that the transaction will provide continuity and greater assurance with respect to earnings. "This renewal gives Corby continued access to some of the world's most recognized premium spirits brands and strengthens the breadth, scale and competitiveness of our portfolio. Together with our iconic Canadian brands, including J.P. Wiser's and Cottage Springs, the Pernod Ricard portfolio positions us to serve consumers across key categories and occasions, accelerate sustainable growth and create value for all shareholders," said Florence Tresarrieu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corby. By continuing Canadian representation of the Pernod Ricard portfolio of brands, this renewal allows Corby to maintain annual commission income as an important revenue stream ($29.4 million in fiscal year 2026) and will be secured through the payment on October 1, 2026 of an upfront fee of $18.7 million to Pernod Ricard by Corby from Corby's deposits in cash management pools.

As Pernod Ricard owns approximately 46% of the capital of Corby, the representation agreement was approved by the Independent Committee of the Corby Board of Directors, in accordance with Corby's related party transaction policy, following an extensive review of the agreement by the members of such committee, with external financial and legal advice. Based upon the advice received, the independent committee anticipates that the renewal of the agreement will be value accretive to Corby.

CORBY BOARD OF DIRECTORS' CHANGES

Corby also announced that Helga Reidel and Anne-Marie Poliquin will not stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Ms. Reidel is an independent director and Chair of the Audit Committee; Ms. Poliquin has served as a director and strategic advisor to the Board.

As part of its succession planning, the Board has approved a reduction from nine to seven directors following the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board believes this size supports effective oversight and an appropriate mix of skills, experience and independence. It remains within the range authorized by the Company's articles and approved by shareholders at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

"On behalf of the Board and management, I thank Helga and Anne-Marie for their significant contributions to Corby," said Lucio Di Clemente, Chair of the Board. "Helga strengthened the Company's financial oversight as Chair of the Audit Committee, and Anne-Marie provided valuable strategic counsel. We are grateful for their dedicated service."

Mr. Di Clemente will serve as interim Chair of the Audit Committee until the Board appoints Ms. Reidel's successor following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The management proxy circular will identify the Board nominees and will be available on SEDAR+ and the Company's website.

QUARTERLY CONFERENCE CALL

Corby management will host a conference call on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (EST) to review and discuss the financial and operational results for the Q4 and FY26 periods. Corby welcomes stakeholders, investors, and other individual followers to access the conference call by dialing 1-437-900-0527 or toll free 1-888-510-2154 before the start of the call, or by joining via webcast at Corby Spirit and Wine Limited – Q4 Earnings Call. Following the conclusion of the call, a playback of the conference call will be available for 7 days by calling 289-819-1450 or 888-660-6345 and entering passcode 79687 #. A replay of the webcast will also be posted on Corby's website under the "Investors" section at www.corby.ca/investors.

26 August 2026 – Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia, has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, chosen by the esteemed voters of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy. This is the first of two special awards that will be announced ahead of the reveal of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier.

Each member of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, which comprises more than 800 anonymous industry experts, is invited to nominate the bar that delivered their most outstanding hospitality experience during the voting period, recognising the integral role hospitality plays in shaping the guest journey. The award will be presented at a live ceremony taking place in Milan on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Founded in 2016 by French-Vietnamese entrepreneur Jean Trinh, Alquímico has evolved from an ambitious cocktail bar in Cartagena's historic centre into one of the world's most celebrated drinking destinations. Housed within a beautifully restored three-storey mansion on Calle del Colegio, the venue showcases Colombia's rich biodiversity through excellent cocktails while driving meaningful change for local communities, earning international recognition for a truly innovative approach to drinks, sustainability and social impact.

Spread across three immersive floors, Alquímico's concept offers a unique perspective on Colombian ingredients, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling while building sincere connections and supporting philanthropic projects across the region. The vibrant ground floor highlights produce sourced from farming communities affected by conflict, with cocktail sales contributing to regional development projects, including a school planned for 2026. On the second floor, proceeds from classic serves reimagined through a Colombian lens support a bartender academy and youth music foundation for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Serves on the lively rooftop are inspired by ingredients grown on the team's own farm while contributing to local reforestation efforts. Historic architecture, warm lighting and vibrant energy bring Cartagena's heritage and contemporary creative spirit to life throughout the space.

At the heart of Alquímico's success is a hospitality philosophy rooted in generosity, education and genuine human connection. The team is renowned for turning service into storytelling, with bartenders guiding guests through the ingredients, the people behind them, and the bar’s wider impact. This deeply personal approach, paired with exceptional attention to detail and a truly authentic sense of purpose, creates a benchmark experience that is celebrated as much for the warmth of its people as for the quality of its cocktails.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: "Beyond its extraordinary cocktails and vibrant setting, Alquímico has redefined what world-class hospitality looks and feels like. We couldn’t be happier to extend the warmest congratulations to Jean and the incredible Alquímico team on this thoroughly deserved recognition. For them, hospitality is not simple service, it is the art of making people feel seen, valued and part of a larger story. By sharing the richness of Colombian culture, ingredients and communities with such authenticity, Alquímico delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.”

Paola Oviedo & Jean Trinh, Co-Founders and Owners of Alquímico, say: “Winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is deeply meaningful because it recognises a belief that has guided Alquímico from the beginning: hospitality is an act of care. For us, that means not only caring for guests, but also supporting our team, producers and communities. This vision is reflected in our Hospitality School in Cartagena, created with Colectivo Canta, where we help young people develop values such as empathy, teamwork, discipline and respect through music and hospitality. This award celebrates everyone involved and affirms that hospitality can be a powerful force for positive change.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, says: “Congratulations to Jean Trinh, Paola Oviedo and the entire team at Alquímico on receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2026. They have created something truly special in Cartagena, bringing warmth, generosity and genuine care to every guest. On behalf of everyone at Michter’s, we are delighted to celebrate this wonderful achievement.”

The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience. Cocktail lovers across the world are invited to join through the 50 Best YouTube channel at 20:00 Milan time on the 7 October 2026.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly-released 2026 list of The World's Most Admired Whiskies published by Drinks International celebrates leading distilleries from around the globe. For the fourth consecutive year, Michter's, the Louisville-based maker of bourbon, rye, and American whiskey, has ranked number one on the top-50 list.

The rankings, which are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 25 countries, represent the ultimate accolade in the global whisky industry. The annual Drinks International ranking is widely considered the definitive list of the world's best whiskies.

In a complex period for international trade and geopolitics, the team at Michter's has focused on variables within their control: the quality of the liquid and the time spent engaging with trade and consumers alike. 

Michter's Executive Vice President Matt Magliocco stated, "Our entire team is thrilled and grateful for Michter's to be voted The World's Most Admired Whiskey for a fourth consecutive year. Everything we do centers upon striving to make the highest quality whiskey, which requires taking a lot of extra steps throughout the production process that are more expensive but critical to the ultimate flavor and taste profile. To see how much people are enjoying Michter's means the world to us."

Andrea Wilson, Michter's Master of Maturation as well as its COO, said, "While the underlying chemistry and physics of making exceptional whiskey can be surprisingly complex, our goal is simple: to produce fantastic products that people enjoy. This recognition from the academy of experts convened by Drinks International is the most meaningful testament possible that we are on the right track. We feel tremendous gratitude and a constant inspiration to keep improving."

According to Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, "Michter's continues to raise the bar each year. I commend Matt and the rest of the team for successfully and consistently delivering world class whiskey at a time when the wider industry is struggling.

"When we started this ranking we never expected one brand to string together such an impressive winning run, but every trade show I attend there's a crowd around the Michter's stand, which I think illustrates perfectly the respect this brand has among whisky professionals globally."

Michter's Master Distiller Dan McKee commented, "The greatest part of my job is being able to share a glass of Michter's with people who really enjoy it. Whiskey brings us together in a way that few items on earth can. These past few years have taken me from Miami to Melbourne and just about everywhere in between. For Michter's to be named the number one Most Admired Whiskey in the World for four consecutive years is beyond anything I could ever have imagined. It's an honor for which I and all of my colleagues here at the plant feel extraordinarily grateful."

Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter's operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter's is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter's has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter's Pennsylvania. It also has educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

Michter's has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter's highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey.

For more information about the Drinks International Most Admired Whiskies List, including the full 2026 report, please visit: Drinks International.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- Big Rock Brewery Inc. (TSX: BR) ("Big Rock" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has unanimously appointed David Kinder, President & Chief Executive Officer, to the Company's Board of Directors, effective August 12, 2026.

Since joining the Company as President & Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, Mr. Kinder has led the execution of the Company's strategic priorities, including operational improvements, growth initiatives and increasing market demand. The Board believes that deep understanding of the Company's operations, customers, employees and long-term strategy will be a valuable addition to the Board's diverse breath of knowledge, experience and perspective.

Stephen Giblin, Chair of the Board, commented: "David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders. We welcome him as a director and look forward to his contributions to our strategy and governance."

Mr. Kinder brings over 36 years of experience in the industry, including leadership roles in ABI/Mill Street Brewery (VP Operations), Amsterdam Brewing Co.,(VP Operations) and Coca-Cola (GM and Global Roles). As President & Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the Company's overall strategic direction, operational performance and growth initiatives.