WASHINGTON, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. beverage alcohol industry remains in a continued contraction across core spirits and wine, according to first quarter SipSource^® data from Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). Cumulative inflation now including rising gas prices, tight inventories and consumer trade-down behavior continue to pressure all three tiers, although March 2026 provided a modest sign of improvement—particularly for wine revenue and on-premise channels—partially influenced by calendar timing and one additional shipping day compared to Q1 2025.

"The current environment reflects tighter portfolio management, ongoing SKU rationalization and more value-oriented consumer behavior," said SipSource analyst Danny Brager. "At the same time, spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) remain a bright spot—but in an increasingly crowded segment where innovation, positioning and disciplined execution matter more than ever," he continued.

Core spirits closed Q1 down -4.4% in volume and -5.7% in revenue on a 12-month basis, while wine closed the quarter down -8.3% in volume and -5.3% in revenue. The data also points to premiumization pressure in key categories: spirits are de-premiumizing across price tiers and several key segments, such as Tequila, with pressure in the $50+ range. While table wine's volume decline continues to fall faster than its revenue trend, the higher end price tiers are only performing "relatively" better than the lower end but still not growing, and significant discounting is still apparent at the higher end, raising fresh questions about the strength of premiumization in wine.

"SipSource gives the industry a clear picture of where pressure is persistent, where trends may be stabilizing, and where pockets of growth are emerging across categories, channels and price tiers," said Eric Schmidt, WSWA's Director of SipSource.

Spirits-based RTDs continue to significantly outperform broader beverage alcohol trends. The segment now represents a meaningful and growing share of the alcohol landscape, but with more than 750 spirits-based prepared cocktail brands in an increasingly crowded category, competition is intensifying as suppliers chase sustained consumer demand.

Distribution and Channel Trends

Points of distribution (POD) continued to decline in Q1, though the pace moderated from earlier periods. PODs were down -3.2% in the most recent period, compared with a peak decline of -5.0% back in 2025, reflecting continued SKU rationalization and inventory adjustment across retail and on-premise accounts. Total accounts remain down -0.5%.

Combined wine and spirits on-premise volume declined -3.0%, continuing to outperform off-premise, which declined -7.4%. Despite higher rates of inflation "away from home" compared to "at home," on-premise trends have improved gradually over the past year, while off-premise softness has remained more persistent.

Spirits: Value-Oriented Purchasing Continues

Total spirits ended Q1 down -5.1% in volume and -5.9% in revenue. The 130-basis-point gap between core spirits volume (-4.4%) and revenue (-5.7%) represents the widest spread recorded in SipSource data and underscores continued consumer movement toward lower-priced products. The $50–$99.99 tier declined -8.8%, while the $100-plus tier declined -9.3%.

Tequila and agave spirits, which expanded from 9.4% to 13.3% of core spirits volume over the past six years, declined -3.0% in volume and -6.6% in revenue in Q1. One year ago, luxury tequila revenue trends were growing at +4.2%.

Wine: Revenue Trends Improve Modestly While Volume Remains Soft

Wine revenue trends improved 80 basis points from the end of 2025, closing March at -5.3%, while volume remained down -8.3%. The sub-$5.00 tier, which represents 22.2% of all wine volume, declined -19.1%.

Wine segments posting positive revenue growth included wine-based cocktails (+11.8%), Prosecco (+6.1%), Champagne (+2.0%), Sauvignon Blanc (+1.1%), and Sake (+1.3%)

On-premise wine revenue declined -2.3%, compared with -6.0% in off-premise channels.

RTDs Continue to Outperform Broader Beverage Alcohol Trends

Spirits-based RTDs increased +30% on dollars and now account for 28% of total spirits volume in the off-premise channel. Wine-based RTDs increased close to +14%, while malt-based RTD—still the largest segment of RTD dollars—continued to decline, according to NIQ.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 20, 2026 — Parq Casino is gearing up to welcome the Soccer World to the West Coast by adding special food and drink features to the roster at the Downtown Vancouver destination (39 Smithe St.) starting in June.

Centrally located across the street from the world-class action that will unfold at BC Place as Vancouver plays host to soccer teams and fans from across the globe, Parq is playing it forward with special incentives for fans of the beautiful game throughout the tournament.

The official action kicks off on Sat., June 13 when BC Place hosts the opening of the event with Australia facing Turkiye at 9 pm, with six more matches set to steal the sports spotlight in the city including Canada vs. Qatar (Thurs., June 18 at 3 pm); New Zealand vs. Egypt (Sun., June 21 at 6 pm); Canada vs. Switzerland (Weds., June 24 at noon); and New Zealand vs. Belgium (Fri., June 26 at 8 pm); as well as two more playoff matches on Thurs., July 2 at 8 pm (round of 32, opponents TBD) & Tues., July 7 at 1 pm (round of 16, opponents TBD).

The full lineup of soccer-friendly features and events that will take centre field at Parq Casino throughout the tournament include:

PARQ CASINO

Fans can watch all the games taking place live in Vancouver and in cities across North America on the 50-foot screen at the Level 3 Sportsbook Lounge, vie for Canadian team jersey giveaways during every match featuring the national team, groove to a live DJ spinning tracks for three hours following all the matches at BC Place and strike a pose in front of an Instagrammable photo wall. Guests can also quench their thirst at a Beer Garden by the escalators and enjoy daily Happy Hour from 2 to 6 p.m. with $6 drink features on tap. 

D/6 LOUNGE

The chic lounge and place to see and be seen offers plenty of opportunities for high-energy soccer viewing where every match unfolds in an electric atmosphere. Catch all the action on its Level Six rooftop patio or settle into the luxe outdoor lounge, fully transformed with big screen viewing and immersive soccer-inspired decor inside and out.

Fans can also sink their teeth into game-day food and drink favourites like the popular King River Wagyu Burger with caramelized onions, aged cheddar, black truffle dressing, and triple-cooked fries and pair each bite perfectly with a wide selection of hand-crafted cocktails and fully stocked lineup of local craft and import beer. Guests can also book a hidden private room at D/6 to host elevated sports bashes and celebrations during the tournament by clicking here.

THE VICTOR

As its motto says: ‘To The Victor Belong the Spoils’. To that end, the city’s favourite steakhouse gives fans a chance to soak up the action in a setting that matches each exciting moment in a lounge that delivers an elevated take on the viewing experience anchored by a bold, steak-forward experience. From expertly grilled cuts to ultra-premium selections paired with a bounty of fresh catches from the Pacific Northwest as well as sushi and a raw bar, The Victor is where the game meets the craft of dining.

Visitors and locals alike can indulge in The Victor’s signature sushi and premium cuts, all thoughtfully crafted and best paired with a glass of Champagne as the action of each exciting game unfolds in a refined setting where guests can cheer on their team and experience every big play and celebrate all the heart-stopping goals. The Victor also offers a private room with a striking backdrop with state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities that can be booked for intimate and exclusive game-day gatherings by enquiring here.

HONEY SALT

Fans of the beautiful game can gather and celebrate every play during a spirited, Canadian soccer-themed experience in the comfort of Honey Salt’s dining room or on its expanded streetside patio where they can share in the energy of the crowds as they pass by before and after each big match at BC Place.

Settle in and enjoy Honey Salt menu favourites like its signature Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich layered with creamy slaw and Durkee’s dressing alongside a lineup of game-day bites made for sharing and celebrating with fans, friends and family alike and a drink menu that includes a refreshing feature Sangria as well as smooth Canadian whiskies, hand-crafted cocktails and local craft beer.

To keep the celebrations going throughout the tournament, both home and away games, Honey Salt will also offer daily brunch service from June 12 to July 7, giving fans and visitors another opportunity to gather before heading to the matches and festivities downtown.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve tables at Parq Casino’s D/6 Lounge, Honey Salt or The Victor, click here.

CHICAGO, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant milestone for one of the most iconic names in cocktails, ANGOSTURA^®, the #1 bitters brand^*, today announced the U.S. launch of two premium cocktail syrups: ANGOSTURA Demerara Sugar Syrup and ANGOSTURA Spicy Honey Syrup.

For more than 200 years, ANGOSTURA has inspired cocktail creativity around the world with its signature bitters. Building on that heritage, the brand is expanding beyond bitters into a broader role in cocktail creation with premium cocktail syrups crafted for flavor and designed to bring ease and consistency to both classic and contemporary drinks.

The expansion reflects growing demand for high-quality cocktail ingredients as bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts increasingly seek solutions that simplify preparation without sacrificing flavor.

• ANGOSTURA Demerara Sugar Syrup is a dark, full-bodied syrup layered with notes of toasted molasses, warm caramel, and a hint of smoke. Designed to complement aged spirits such as bourbon, rye whiskey, and dark rum, it enhances both classic and modern cocktails, especially the Old Fashioned, one of the most popular cocktails in the U.S.
• ANGOSTURA Spicy Honey Syrup delivers a bold balance of smooth honey sweetness and lingering chili heat. Ideal for tequila, mezcal, or whiskey cocktails, it brings depth and complexity to trending drinks such as the Spicy Margarita, one of the fastest growing cocktail trends across on-premise menus.

"These new syrups represent a natural evolution for ANGOSTURA," said Michael Fritts, ANGOSTURA Brand Manager, Mizkan America. "Today's bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts want high-quality ingredients that simplify preparation without sacrificing flavor. These premium syrups make it easier to craft and elevate cocktails with the quality and taste people trust from ANGOSTURA."

"For more than 200 years, ANGOSTURA has helped shape cocktail culture around the world," adds Ian Forbes, CEO, ANGOSTURA Limited. "These syrups extend that legacy by bringing the brand's flavor expertise and commitment to quality into a new cocktail ingredient category."

The addition of syrups allows bartenders and retailers to expand cocktail possibilities around the trusted ANGOSTURA brand while supporting premiumization across both on-premise and retail channels.

The new ANGOSTURA Cocktail Syrups are now available at select retailers nationwide.

11 May 2026 – The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will be unveiled as part of a live awards ceremony in Milan, Italy in early October. The most influential annual gathering of the global bars community returns to Europe, as 50 Best continues its mission to spotlight fresh, dynamic and inspirational cocktail destinations from across the world.

The much-anticipated reveal of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 and the coveted title of The World’s Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier, will take centre stage at a grand celebration featuring red‑carpet arrivals and a drinks reception. Marking the 18th edition of the renowned awards, the global drinks community will gather in Milan to celebrate the trailblazing bars and bartenders whose passion, dedication and skill continue to push cocktail culture to new heights worldwide.

The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 will be shaped by the confidential votes of the gender-balanced Academy, comprising more than 800 industry professionals, journalists and cocktail experts, handpicked by the 29 Academy Chairs for their unrivalled insight and expertise. Professional services consultancy Deloitte independently oversees and verifies the results, ensuring a robust and credible process. Additional information on the voting methodology is included at the end of this press release.

Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “Milan provides a fitting backdrop for The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, a city renowned for its rich cocktail heritage and thriving bar scene. Home to some of the industry’s most respected and innovative talent, it sets the stage to bring together the international bars community to celebrate creativity, excellence and the achievements of the world’s finest bars and bartenders, while inspiring discovery among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.”

In the lead‑up to the ceremony, 50 Best will not only announce the venues that have ranked between No.51 and No.100 but also the recipients of two special awards that recognise the outstanding achievements of one bar and one bartender over the past year:

● Michter’s Art of Hospitality. The Academy are each invited to nominate the venue where they experienced the single most outstanding display of hospitality during the voting period

● Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. The bars who rank on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 are asked to identify one fellow professional who, over the course of the last 18 months, has done the most to advance the art and practice of bartending

Earlier this year, bars from all over the world, whether they feature in the list of The World’s 50 Best bars or not, were invited to submit themselves for two special awards, the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award and the Best Bar Design Award. The winners will be revealed at the live awards ceremony in Milan. Last week, entries opened for the 50 Best Bars Scholarship, an initiative designed to support the next generation of industry talent. The scholarship offers one trailblazing young bartender the opportunity to broaden their horizons through two unique stages at Line, Athens and Tres Monos, Buenos Aires. The recipient of the 50 Best Bars Scholarship will also be announced during the ceremony in Milan.

Cocktail lovers across the world are invited to join the live countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, through the 50 Best YouTube channel.