All articles by Richard Woodard
Unaged Spirits Commentator
Richard Woodard
Stock Spirits swoops amid questions about premiumisation
The distiller’s pair of deals in European spirits come against a backdrop of pressure on consumer spending.
Scotch needs aspiration but ‘luxury’ prices aren’t the only answer
A cooling of prices at the luxury end of the Scotch whisky market should make distillers consider how they meet market their brands.
How Diageo flourished under Sir Ivan Menezes
Stripping away the emotional impact of Menezes’ death, any fair assessment of his time at the top of Diageo would have to characterise his tenure as successful.
How Scotch has influenced Nordic whisky – but only up to a point
Nordic distillers are open about how they took their inspiration from across the North Sea but their whiskies are very much their own.
India’s expanding palate offers antidote to complex spirits market
India’s spirits market remains a complex place to do business but, as incomes expand, tastes are becoming more varied, writes Richard Woodard.
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Skrewball’s unusual back story offers cheer – but can Pernod Ricard drive brand further?
There’s comfort in knowing success in US doesn’t have to conform to a fixed formula. But will Skrewball thrive elsewhere?
M&A shows rum has momentum but category has work to do
There are still challenges for what can be an immensely confusing and frustrating category, writes Richard Woodard.
White rum very much has its place in category’s renaissance
Rum’s revival is driven mainly by aged rums at high price points. But white rum can capitalise on drinkers’ renewed interest in the category.
Latest export figures show Scotch is still firmly in whisk(e)y’s top spot
Remarkable export stats dispel the myth that Scotch is somehow under siege from rival whisk(e)y origins.
Distillers must focus on the positives to thrive in no and low
Thinking in terms of conventional beverage alcohol categories for no and low could be unhelpful and restrictive.