DIAGEO
John Distilleries surpasses Rs 10,000 crore revenue in FY26; Sazerac become majority shareholder
In FY26, John Distilleries Ltd demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a revenue of Rs 10,820.10 crore and a net profit of Rs 11.6 crore, marking an increase from the previous year. The recent acquisition of a 66 percent stake by Sazerac has positioned it as the majority owner, replacing Paul John Fund LLC. Renowned for its acclaimed Paul John single malt whisky and Original Choice whisky, the company continues to thrive.
Paramount CEO Ellison asks CNN chief Thompson to stay after Warner Bros deal, source says
Paramount CEO David Ellison is negotiating with CNN CEO Mark Thompson to extend his contract and ensure editorial independence. Discussions have not yet finalized on the terms of Thompson's continued leadership. A new acquisition will merge CNN and CBS News under one ownership structure. Furthermore, Paramount must establish an independent board for maintaining editorial autonomy post-merger.
Johnnie Walker parent Diageo defeats false-labelling lawsuit over ‘100% agave’ tequilas
Diageo has been cleared of allegations claiming that its Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas were falsely labeled. A federal judge found insufficient evidence to support claims of consumer deception in the labeling. Plaintiffs argued that they would have chosen different products had they known the truth about the tequila labels. The ruling may be reconsidered according to the plaintiffs' attorney statements following the decision.
Happy Hours! UK trade pact brings scotch prices down in India
Scotch prices in India have decreased significantly for the first time following the India-UK free trade agreement. Major brands like Johnnie Walker Black Label and J&B are experiencing price reductions in various states. The agreement has halved the tariff on British whisky, leading to these lower prices. Companies are working to submit proposals for price adjustments in other regions as well.
Eye on India cocktail, Suntory eyes 10-15% stake in Allied Blenders & Distillers
Suntory Holdings, the renowned Japanese beverage company, is in discussions regarding a potential minority investment in Allied Blenders and Distillers. The goal of these talks is to form a strategic alliance that leverages the strengths of both entities within the whisky industry. By acquiring 10-15% of the promoters’ stake, Suntory aims to enhance its footprint in India's booming whisky market, amidst rising competition from other players.
Diageo India revamps McDowell's No.1 with premium identity
Diageo India is set to transform its iconic whisky brand, McDowell's No 1, by introducing a new formula that incorporates select imported Scotch, fine Indian malts, and top-grade grain spirits. This initiative seeks to elevate the mass-premium whisky segment, appealing directly to today's discerning consumers. Extensive market research has shaped this innovative relaunch, with a fresh packaging that resonates with millennials who prioritize quality and craftsmanship.
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Ryan Reynolds bought a stake in Aviation Gin in 2018 and oversaw its creative direction; 2 years later, Diageo acquired the brand in a deal worth up to $610 million
Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in Aviation Gin in 2018. He actively oversaw the brand's creative direction for over two years. Diageo then agreed to acquire Aviation American Gin in August 2020. The transaction involved an upfront payment and performance-based considerations.
Who is Rande Gerber? Inside the life and career of Cindy Crawford’s husband after their son Presley Gerber dies at 27
Rande Gerber, renowned as the husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford, carved out a remarkable path in both hospitality and the spirits industry. He gained fame by co-founding the celebrated tequila brand Casamigos alongside actor George Clooney. Married since 1998, the couple has two children, Presley and Kaia. Tragically, their son Presley passed away at the age of 27 on September 20.
Ryan Reynolds bought into Mint Mobile and turned himself into its unlikely spokesman; 4 years later, T-Mobile agreed to pay up to $1.35 billion for its parent company
Ryan Reynolds bought into Mint Mobile and turned himself into its unlikely spokesman; 4 years later, T-Mobile agreed to pay up to $1.35 billion for its parent company. Reynolds owned about 25% of the carrier and earned an estimated $300 million to $337.5 million from the sale. His role extended beyond ownership as his agency Maximum Effort created and starred in Mint’s ads, helping build the brand before T-Mobile completed the acquisition in 2024.
In 1994, George Foreman stopped fighting inside the boxing ring and put his name on a grill; five years later, one kitchen appliance deal paid him $137.5 million
George Foreman’s biggest business success came after boxing. He retired from the ring in 1997, then became the face of a kitchen grill that carried his name. What began as a celebrity endorsement grew into a major consumer brand. In 1999, Salton reportedly paid Foreman $137.5 million to buy out his rights. His second career showed how a famous name could become a valuable business asset.
In 2013, George Clooney started a tequila brand as a side project with friends; 4 years later, Diageo agreed to buy Casamigos for up to $1 billion
George Clooney’s Casamigos gamble became a billion-dollar success. In 2013, Clooney and friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman began making tequila for themselves. They never seemed to imagine how far it could go. Four years later, Diageo agreed to buy Casamigos for up to $1 billion. What started as a friendship project had quietly become a major spirits brand.
Qualitatively 'happy hours': India’s liquor problem is not what you think
India's food regulator has targeted popular alcohol brands for using neutral spirit and misleading ageing claims. Many Indian liquors are artificially flavored neutral spirits, not aged spirits as advertised. High import duties restrict access to better quality foreign spirits for consumers. Government policies and corruption also limit choices for budget-conscious drinkers. This situation prevents Indians from easily accessing superior quality alcoholic beverages.
Raids, shutdowns, warning labels - India's unprecedented food safety push
India's food safety regulators are intensifying checks on eateries and restaurants nationwide. This crackdown follows years of consumer complaints about hygiene and frequent adulteration scandals. Regulators are also pushing for front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods. This move has sparked debate and opposition from the country's large food industry. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is now considering stricter labeling requirements.
Nepal billionaire’s Wai Wai maker faces FSSAI action in India over unhygienic Rajasthan factory
India has taken a strong stance on food safety, ordering a Nepali firm to stop production after discovering unsanitary practices in its factory. Investigators found that snacks contained broken noodles scavenged from the floor. The authorities seized large quantities of expired materials, leading to legal measures against the food business operator as part of a nationwide initiative to enhance food standards.
Buy, Sell or Hold: Morgan Stanley maintains overweight on Varun Beverages; Nuvama retains hold on Cyient
Morgan Stanley retained its Overweight rating on Varun Beverages with a Rs 557 target, while Nuvama maintained a Hold on Cyient and raised its target to Rs 1,050. Elara Securities retained its Buy rating on Nykaa and increased its target to Rs 475, citing premiumisation, stronger customer quality and growth in online beauty and personal care.
Varun Beverages to foray into alcohol biz, set up subsidiary
Varun Beverages is entering the alcohol business by incorporating a new subsidiary. The company has appointed Prathmesh Mishra as the chief executive officer. This new entity will focus on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and allied products. Varun Beverages will also establish a joint venture company in Tunisia. This diversification follows recent agreements allowing expansion into other drink businesses.
Varun Beverages forays into alcohol business, names ex-Diageo executive Prathmesh Mishra to lead new unit
Varun Beverages will enter the alcoholic drinks market with a new subsidiary. The company appointed a former Diageo executive to lead this new venture. This move signifies a significant diversification into a new product category. Varun Beverages also plans a joint venture in Tunisia for beverage production. These strategic expansions are subject to necessary regulatory approvals.
FSSAI suspends license of Marche Retail; restrains SDP Industries from selling ghee
The FSSAI has suspended Marche Retail's license for significant food safety violations. SDP Industries is now prohibited from selling all ghee variants due to adulteration concerns. The regulator also issued over 150 notices to major food companies recently. These notices addressed misleading advertisements and labeling non-compliances by prominent brands.
FSSAI sends more than 150 notices to food, beverage firms
India’s food safety regulator FSSAI has issued over 150 notices to food and beverage companies over misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling violations.
FSSAI issued 150 notices to food companies in recent months over misleading advertisements
FSSAI has issued more than 150 notices to food companies in recent months over misleading advertisements, false claims and labelling violations.
Carlsberg India posts strong volume growth in H1, IPO process underway: Global CEO Aarup-Andersen.
Carlsberg India achieved strong volume growth in the first half of this year. Its flagship Carlsberg and Tuborg brands drove significant gains in the Indian market. The company's premium 1664 Blanc beer also experienced robust growth after its launch. Carlsberg India has now moved a step closer to its planned stock market listing. A draft red herring prospectus has been pre-filed with Indian authorities.
FSSAI inspects Pernod Ricard plant, collects whisky samples in wider industry probe
Pernod Ricard's Bengaluru plant was inspected by India's food safety regulator, with officials collecting liquor samples and seeking documents as part of heightened scrutiny of the country's alcohol sector. Sources said the company was asked to improve hygiene and correct recycled-plastic markings, though no adverse findings have been issued against Pernod.
FSSAI revokes order against USL's flavoured spirit produced at Baramati plant
Food regulator FSSAI has revoked its order concerning United Spirits' Baramati unit product. This revocation follows discussions and engagement between the company and the food authority. United Spirits had challenged the initial order before the Bombay High Court earlier. The company maintained its product labels were compliant with Indian regulatory frameworks. The FSSAI had initially issued notices over alleged unauthorized flavor use.
School Assembly News Headlines, August 20, 2026: Top national, international, business, sports updates and thought of the day
School Assembly News Headlines: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has appointed new members to the influential parliamentary panel. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is pushing for quicker business visas and more equitable economic relations with India. Amid ongoing oil supply uncertainties, Indian and US fuel exporters are enjoying significant gains. In sports, KL Rahul reflected on India's recent victory in Galle, while Tejaswin Shankar aims for gold at the Asian Games.
Disney sues FCC over challenge to broadcast licenses, claims retaliation over 'Jimmy Kimmel'
Disney has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission alleging a First Amendment rights violation. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the agency's actions, stating broadcasters must operate in the public interest. This legal action follows an early review of eight ABC local broadcast licenses by the FCC. ABC had accused the agency of attempting to chill constitutionally protected free speech across media outlets.
School Assembly News Headlines, August 19, 2026: Top national, international, business, sports updates and thought of the day
School Assembly News Headlines: The trend of domestic donations to PM CARES has notably decreased, along with a downturn in foreign contributions. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court plans to establish a panel to scrutinize police responses during a recent protest. In other news, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred in Granada, Spain, resulting in minor injuries and structural damage. Celebrations for Virat Kohli's international cricket debut anniversary coincide with Rishabh Pant achieving a new Test milestone.
Diageo sheds nearly 2,000 jobs as 'Drastic Dave' leads overhaul
Diageo's workforce decreased over six percent year-on-year by June. This reduction occurred as the company began restructuring under its new CEO. Most job cuts across regional markets should be finished by September first. The company plans to lower prices and expand in growing categories. These changes are part of a one billion dollar savings initiative.
Diageo to rework whisky, rum brands after FSSAI red flag
The company said it had engaged with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over its updated guidelines and had taken measures to bring its products in line with the revised requirements. "We have engaged with the FSSAI to align on the new guidelines proposed by them and have since taken appropriate measures to align our products fully with the revised requirements," a Diageo spokesperson said.
Diageo agrees to reformulate India whisky, rum drinks after flavouring breach, sources say
Diageo has agreed to reformulate some of its best-selling whisky and rum brands in India after the food safety regulator banned them in some states over alleged violations involving added flavours, government sources told Reuters. The company will remove whisky or rum flavourings and introduce clearer front-of-pack labelling during the transition.
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