Group 1: Alcohol Price Trends - Alcohol prices in China have been declining for several months due to weak consumer demand and a selling spree, with August prices down 0.2% month-on-month and 1.9% year-on-year [4] - The price drop affects both imported wines and domestic brands, including the renowned Chinese liquor, Moutai, which has seen prices fall to 1,700 RMB on online platforms [4] - The overall decline in alcohol prices indicates a widespread issue across the industry, impacting various segments [4] Group 2: Diageo's Board Appointment - Diageo has appointed John Rishton as a non-executive director, effective November 1, 2025, bringing over 40 years of industry experience [6] - Rishton has held significant positions, including CEO of Rolls-Royce and president of Royal Ahold, enhancing Diageo's leadership with his extensive background [6] - The addition of Rishton is expected to inject new vitality into Diageo [6] Group 3: ASC Fine Wines Expansion - ASC Fine Wines has announced a major team expansion plan, recruiting over 12 positions across various business areas in mainland China and Hong Kong [8] - The investment in talent aims to enhance the company's ability to support customers and suppliers, preparing for the next phase of wine culture development in China [8] - The new sales managers have expressed confidence in meeting the growing demand for quality wines in the region [8] Group 4: Pernod Ricard's Strategic Shift - Pernod Ricard USA has announced a significant market strategy shift, focusing on ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and high-potential brands [10] - The company has established two new departments to drive growth, despite a recent 6% decline in sales in the U.S. market [10] - Pernod Ricard aims to achieve an organic growth target of 3%-6% from 2027 to 2029 while planning to save 1 billion euros in costs over four years [10] Group 5: French Wine Production Forecast - France's wine production is projected to reach 3.74 billion hectoliters in 2025, a 3% increase from 2024, but below the five-year average of 13% [12] - Regional production shows significant variation, with Burgundy expected to grow by 45% and Jura recovering with a 200% increase [12] - However, regions like Alsace and Languedoc-Roussillon are facing declines, indicating ongoing challenges in the industry [12]