Core Insights - The 12th edition of World Class India by Diageo is expanding to include bartenders from South Asia, reflecting the rapid diversification of India's cocktail culture [1][7] - The role of bartenders in India has evolved significantly, with a focus on ingredient-led menus and disciplined service, matching global standards [3] - World Class India emphasizes education, mentorship, and flavour-led thinking, moving away from spectacle to enhance the quality of bar experiences [5][10] Industry Developments - The bar scene in India is increasingly shaped by neighbourhood cocktail spots and bartender-owned spaces, focusing on flavour clarity and guest experiences [1] - The programme aims to create common standards and global recognition for Indian bartenders, helping them gain visibility and acknowledgment [4][10] - The 2026 edition includes an extensive roadshow across 11 cities, engaging bartenders through hands-on workshops and discussions [8] Company Initiatives - Diageo India is committed to improving the bar culture by providing training and exposure through the World Class programme, which translates competition experiences into higher-quality consumer experiences [10] - The programme is shaped by its alumni, with past winners returning as mentors, fostering a cycle of knowledge and skill development within local bar ecosystems [6] - Diageo India operates one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev in India, with a focus on sustainability and responsible consumption [12]

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. is expected to report a decline in earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in consumer demand and margin pressures [2][5]. Financial Performance - Analysts anticipate a profit of $2.66 per share for the upcoming quarter, which represents an 18.2% decrease from $3.25 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the full fiscal year, the expected EPS is $11.50, down 16.6% from $13.78 in fiscal 2025, but projected to rise by 8.3% to $12.45 in fiscal 2027 [3]. Stock Performance - STZ stock has underperformed significantly, with a 40.1% decline over the past 52 weeks, contrasting with the S&P 500 Index's 11.1% gains [4]. - The stock also underperformed compared to the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which saw a 2.2% loss during the same period [4]. Market Sentiment - Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for STZ, with 10 out of 24 analysts recommending a "Strong Buy" and an average price target of $169.18, indicating a potential upside of 21.1% from current levels [7]. - The company expresses cautious optimism regarding future growth despite the volatility in consumer demand and mixed market results [5].

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. will report its financial results for the third quarter ended November 30, 2025, on January 7, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for January 8, 2026, to discuss the results and future outlook [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Reporting - The financial results will be posted on the company's investor relations website after the U.S. markets close on January 7, 2026 [1]. - A live conference call will take place on January 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET, featuring discussions led by the President and CEO, Bill Newlands, and the Executive Vice President and CFO, Garth Hankinson [1][2]. - Access to the conference call will be available via a dedicated phone line and a listen-only webcast on the investor relations website [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy [3]. - The company aims to build beloved brands and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing large consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in the U.S. retail sector [3]. - The product portfolio includes high-end imported beers like Corona Extra and Modelo Especial, a variety of wines, and craft spirits such as Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey [4]. Group 3: Sustainability and ESG Strategy - The company emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations as an agriculture-based entity, integrating its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy into its business model [5]. - Constellation Brands focuses on environmental stewardship, community investment, and promoting responsible alcohol consumption as part of its long-term business strategy [5].

Core Insights - The Good Craft Co. (TGCC) by Diageo India has received an award for Excellence in Creating a World-Class Platform to Promote Indian Craft Spirits at ProWine Mumbai 2025, marking a significant achievement in its first year [1][2] Company Overview - TGCC was launched in September 2024 to provide a platform for Indian craft spirits, connecting makers with consumers and fostering a vibrant community [3] - The platform has hosted various educational sessions at The Flavour Lab in Bangalore, focusing on sustainability, food circularity, and India's liquid heritage [4] Community Engagement - TGCC has collaborated with independent craft brands and hosted workshops led by experts, enhancing its role as a collaborative space for the Indian craft community [5] - The platform has showcased over 60 live ferments and innovative cocktail techniques, contributing to the exploration of India's diverse craft landscape [5] Future Plans - TGCC plans to open the Good Craft Co. Flavour Market in Ponda, Goa in 2026, which will be one of the largest destinations for Indian craft spirits, featuring a craft distillery, nanobrewery, and immersive experience center [6] - The Flavour Lab will continue to expand its offerings into other craft spaces such as coffee and chocolate, further enriching India's flavour narrative [6] Diageo India Overview - Diageo India is a leading beverage alcohol company with a strong portfolio of premium brands and a significant manufacturing presence across the country [7][8] - The company focuses on sustainability and responsible consumption, contributing to the growth of the alcobev ecosystem in India [8]

Core Insights - The 2026 World Class U.S. program, starting on November 12, 2025, marks a new chapter focused on education, community, and the future of hospitality [1][4] - DIAGEO North America and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation are collaborating to evolve the World Class U.S. program into a year-round initiative aimed at empowering bartenders through professional development and community engagement [2][3] Program Details - Applications for the 2026 competition will open on November 12, 2025, allowing bartenders of all levels to compete for the title of 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year and a chance to represent the U.S. at the global finals in Dubai [4][13] - The partnership will introduce mentorship opportunities, expanded participation roles, and workshops designed to foster community among bartenders [3][5] Event Highlights - Each of the Top 15 finalists will receive a VIP pass to Tales Of The Cocktail 2026, which includes immersive tastings and expert-led education [5] - Key dates for the competition include application submission by January 12, 2026, announcement of the Top 100 in early March, and the national finals in Spring 2026 [13] Organizational Background - Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the hospitality industry through education and community support, hosting an annual conference in New Orleans [8] - DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol, with a diverse portfolio of brands sold in over 180 countries [9]

Core Insights - The 2025 Edition of Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year Bourbon is launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, featuring a cask strength of 102.8 proof (51.4% ABV) and a retail price of $199.99 per 750mL bottle [1][2][3] Product Details - The bourbon is crafted from a historic 21% rye mash bill and showcases flavors of cherry, vanilla, and oak, with a finish of toasted oak and cherry [3][4] - The packaging is inspired by Art Deco design, reflecting the 1920s aesthetic, and includes interactive elements like a QR code for a themed celebration [4] Awards and Recognition - The Remus Gatsby Reserve has received multiple prestigious awards, including platinum and double platinum medals at the ASCOT Awards and recognition as one of the "50 Greatest Bourbons" by the Robb Report [5] Company Background - Ross & Squibb Distillery, part of Luxco, is known for producing high-quality bourbon and operates several distilleries, including those in Indiana and Kentucky [7][8]

Jack Daniel's Brand Positioning and Market Share - Jack Daniel's is the number 1 American Whiskey and the most valuable global spirits brand in the world[68] - Jack Daniel's has a 37% market share of Global TDS (Total Distilled Spirits)[71] - The company is positioned to capture global growth of American Whiskey[73] Strategic Priorities for Jack Daniel's - Portfolio Development: Reach new consumers and occasions through innovation and premiumization[78] - On-Premise Evolution: Re-establish leadership in the channel through bartender advocacy and consumer call[80] - Operational Excellence: Win at the point of purchase and point of consumption[82] - Meaningful Difference: Win the hearts and minds of consumers by inspiring them to live life on their own terms[82] Marketing and Campaign Performance - The largest campaign in brand history is being launched in markets representing 74% of Retail Sales Value[133, 134] - US PR efforts for a newly launched product drove over 314 million in media reach, including more than 97 million influencer and social impressions[152] Global Market Opportunities - Mexico: U S Whiskey is gaining a 10% share of Total Whiskey with a 10-year CAGR (Value)[211, 212] - Brazil: U S Whiskey is gaining a 24% share of Total Whiskey with a 10-year CAGR (Value)[217, 218] - Europe: Jack Daniel's has a 15% market share of STD+ Whiskey in key markets[223, 224]

Key Insights - Early trading activity shows significant movements in technology and pharmaceutical sectors, with mixed global sales reports [2] - Tech giants like IBM and AMD are experiencing notable gains due to strategic partnerships and upgrades [3][4] - Positive clinical trial results from Johnson & Johnson bolster confidence in the pharmaceutical sector [6] - BofA Global Research has realigned sector ratings, indicating a more bullish outlook for healthcare [7] - Constellation Brands reports strong earnings despite a decline in sales [10] - Mercedes-Benz faces challenges with a significant drop in sales, particularly in the U.S. and China [11] Technology Sector - IBM's stock rose 4.3% after announcing a partnership with Anthropic to integrate AI models into its software, with early tests showing a 45% productivity gain [3] - AMD's shares surged 4% following a Jefferies upgrade to a "Buy" rating and a new price target of $300, driven by OpenAI's plan to purchase AMD equipment worth $80-100 billion [4] - IREN Limited's shares increased by 6.2% after securing multi-year contracts for NVIDIA GPU deployments, projecting over $500 million in annualized revenue by Q1 2026 [5] Pharmaceutical Sector - Johnson & Johnson reported positive results from its Phase 2b study of icotrokinra for ulcerative colitis, achieving a 63.5% response rate at the highest dose [6] - The company reaffirmed the safety profile of its drug Tremfya, supported by data from the ASTRO study [6] Sector Ratings - BofA Global Research upgraded the Healthcare sector to Overweight from Underweight, reflecting a more optimistic outlook [7] - The Utilities sector was downgraded to Underweight from Overweight, and Consumer Discretionary was moved to Market Weight from Overweight [7] Consumer Sector - Constellation Brands' shares rose 3.3% after beating earnings expectations with adjusted EPS of $3.63, despite a 15% decline in sales to $2.48 billion [10] - Mercedes-Benz reported a 12% year-over-year decline in Q3 sales, with significant drops in the U.S. (17%) and China (27%) [11]

Group 1 - Constellation Brands, Inc. reported its second quarter fiscal 2026 financial results, with a conference call scheduled for October 7, 2025, to discuss these results and the company's outlook [1] - The company is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy [2] - Constellation Brands aims to build beloved brands and anticipates market trends to deliver value to consumers, shareholders, and employees, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing large CPG companies in the U.S. [2] Group 2 - The company's product portfolio includes high-end imported beers like Corona Extra and Modelo Especial, a variety of wines such as The Prisoner Wine Company and Robert Mondavi Winery, and craft spirits like Casa Noble Tequila [3] - Constellation Brands emphasizes sustainability and responsibility in its operations, integrating an ESG strategy focused on environmental stewardship, community investment, and promoting responsible alcohol consumption [4]

Core Insights - The Diageo World Class competition celebrated its 16th year, showcasing bartenders from 51 countries competing for the prestigious title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025 [1][3] - Felice Capasso from Norway was awarded the title, recognized for his innovative cocktail presentations and passion for bartending [3][4] - The competition included various challenges that tested the creativity and skills of the bartenders, highlighting the evolving cocktail culture [5][9] Company Overview - Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol, with a diverse portfolio of brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness, sold in nearly 180 countries [13] - The World Class program aims to inspire better drinking habits and enhance the careers of bartenders through education and mentorship [12] Industry Impact - The World Class competition serves as a platform for innovation in the bartending industry, nurturing talent and setting trends for the future [9] - The event is recognized as a significant celebration of the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of skilled bartenders in creating high-quality cocktail experiences [8][9]