IBP WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE
ALDI LAUNCHES
SUPERMARKET FIRST OWN-LABEL
ALUMINIUM WINE
BOTTLE ALDI IS LAUNCHING THE UK’S FIRST SUPERMARKET
OWN-BRAND ALUMINIUM WINE BOTTLE. ARRIVING IN
STORES IN APRIL, THE COSTELLORE PINOT GRIGIO (£5.99,
75CL) DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AND IMPRESSIVE
SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS.

The innovative aluminium bottle
weighs just 95g, almost 75% lighter
than a standard glass bottle, and
is fully recyclable. This significant
weight reduction translates to a
considerable transport saving of over
five tonnes (the equivalent of a small
elephant) per truckload.

This launch comes hot on the heels
of Aldi being crowned ‘Sustainable
Drinks Retailer of the Year’ at The
Drinks Retailing Awards2, highlighting
the supermarket’s commitment to
sustainable practices. This award
acknowledges Aldi’s ongoing efforts,
including the introduction of a super-
lightweight bottle in partnership with
Lanchester Wines, and two own-brand
wines in paper bottles.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial
Officer at Aldi UK, says, “Our buying
teams are constantly exploring ways to
offer greater value and greener choices
for our customers. Shoppers are looking
18 for ways to make a difference, and
we’re proud to be leading the way with
innovations like this aluminium wine
bottle, building on our commitment to
sustainable packaging.”
Aldi partnered with Broadland
Drinks, a company dedicated to
providing climate-friendly packaging
for the drinks industry, on this
supermarket-first initiative.

Catherine Smith, Commercial
Director at Broadland Drinks, added,
“We’re delighted to partner with Aldi
on the launch of the aluminium wine
bottle. This initiative fits perfectly
with our ambition to reduce our own
carbon footprint and work with our
retailers to make their businesses
more sustainable. We know the
biggest factor in a bottle of wine’s
carbon footprint is the bottle itself, so
by switching from glass to aluminium,
we can help meet the rising demand
for alternative lower carbon formats.”
INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | MAY 2025



WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE
Scotch Whisky Association Celebrates Increased Legal Protection
The SWA has unveiled an interactive map showcasing the breadth of legal
protection for Scotch Whisky around the world.

Scotch Whisky is specifically protected in a number of different ways around the
world, including as a Geographical Indication ‘GI’, through bilateral agreements
between the UK and third countries, through Certification Trademarks or Collective
Trade Marks, and in the domestic legislation of some countries. These protections
mean that the description ‘Scotch Whisky’ can only legally be used on whisky wholly
produced and verified in Scotland under the terms of the Scotch Whisky Regulations
2009 and Product Specification for Scotch Whisky.

Considered the ‘gold standard’ of protection, GI status provides a robust legal
framework for action against any infringement. It allows court proceedings to be
initiated against counterfeiters, with the possibility of damages, seizure, and even
destruction of fake products.

The trade association successfully registered ‘Scotch Whisky’ as a GI in Azerbaijan
at the end of last year. It was the latest market to grant Scotch Whisky GI protection
and joins over 85 others in providing this specific level of legal protection.

Different types of protection for Scotch Whisky do not deliver the same level
of protection or the same effectiveness, with some markets offering one type of
protection or another but little enforcement. The SWA’s Legal Affairs team works
closely with in-market advisors to determine the best form of protection for
Scotland’s national spirit.

Alan Park, Director of Legal Affairs at the Scotch Whisky Association, said, “Scotch
Whisky’s global reputation means that there are many who want to take advantage
of it by suggesting that their products are Scotch Whisky when they are not.

Strengthening protection around the world and taking action to prevent the sale of
fake products to protect Scotland’s national spirit is a key priority for the SWA.”
Stock Spirits Expands UK Presence
Stock Spirits Group has bolstered its foothold in the UK with the acquisition of
The Drinks Company, a local independent spirits importer and distributor.

The deal includes all employees, premises, and contracts of The Drinks Company,
Stock Spirits said. It also brings Sierra Tequila’s UK distribution under the group’s
direct control.

Stock Spirits Group CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures described the purchase as a
“strong strategic fit” and the “next logical step” in achieving its “ambition to build a
broader European footprint”.

Pan-European Stock Spirits also manages its distribution in Poland, Czechia, Italy,
France, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Established in 1996, The Drinks Company, operates across the UK, the Republic of
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the travel retail sector. Stock Spirits confirmed it
will gain access to these markets and channels as a result of the acquisition.

The Drinks Company directors Bill Oddy and Denise McArdle said, “We have
already worked together for several years and the full integration of the businesses
is a natural progression that will surely benefit our customers, staff and consumers.”
Alongside the announcement, Stock Spirits also revealed its appointment of Rob
Curteis as general manager of its UK operations.

Curteis, who has over 20 years of experience in the global spirits industry, has previously
held senior roles at William Grant & Sons, Proximo UK, and Quintessential Brands.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com
Campari Warns
of Possible
Tariffs Impact
Campari Group has warned of a
potential impact from tariffs on
its EBIT this year.

Campari said it expected a possible
€90-100m hit from the 25% tariffs
on Canadian, Mexican and EU
imports for the 12 months of 2025.

The US has levied tariffs on
goods from Canada and Mexico.

President Trump has yet to
announce tariffs on EU imports
and it is unclear what would be
included in any measures.

The US President said he is
lining up a tariff of 25% on EU
goods to be announced “very soon”.

Campari’s €90m-100m estimate
does not account for any “potential
mitigation actions” that may be
taken by the business, that “are
currently under assessment”, the
Espolon Tequila maker said.

From March, Campari said it
“expected” a possible €35m impact
for the year from tariffs for Canadian
and Mexican imports into the US.

Campari’s net sales grew 2.4%
organically and 5.4% on a reported
basis in 2024 to €3.07bn.

Pernod Ricard
Buys Full Control
of St Petroni
Vermouth Pernod Ricard has acquired
the remaining shares in
St Petroni vermouth owner
Vermutería de Galicia.

Pernod Ricard first invested in
Vermutería de Galicia in 2020,
buying a majority stake in the
Spanish business.

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