Liquor Industry News 02-25-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
The Flipboard magazine "LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 02-25-26," curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features the following key stories and industry updates:
- U.S. Export Slump: A U.S. Census report reveals that wine and beer exports collapsed by $472 million in 2025, marking a significant 26% drop compared to 2024.
- Regulatory Changes in the EU: The European Council has adopted new definitions for no-alcohol wine and updated labeling requirements as part of a modernized framework to support the EU wine sector.
- Workforce Culture Concerns: New data indicates that nearly 25% of professionals in the drinks trade are considering leaving the industry due to issues with harassment and discrimination.
- Direct-to-Consumer Restrictions: A feature on Rhode Island’s wine shipping laws highlights how the requirement for "in-person" winery orders continues to limit consumer choice.
- Viticulture Research: A study by UC Davis and the USDA is evaluating the effectiveness of calcium sprays in protecting wine grapes from the sensory damage caused by wildfire smoke.
- Travel and Beverage Insights: Travel writer Rick Steves shares why he avoids draught beer (from the tap) when visiting Belgium, opting for bottled selections instead.
CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), AFNA™ Wine Certified. Beer Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, California Sustainable Ambassador, Associates Degree from Whiskey University, Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief, American Single Malt Expert from American Single Malt Commission
Franklin Liquors is a family-owned vintage 1978. https://www.franklinliquors.com/
Founder of the Franklin Wine Club https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/
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