Sophie Arundel

London

Staff Writer at The Drinks Business

Featured in: Favicon

bloomberg.com Favicon

financialpost.com Favicon

bnnbloomberg.ca Favicon

thedrinksbusiness.com Favicon

thetab.com Favicon

leaderpost.com Favicon

leeds-live.co.uk Favicon

wonderlandmagazine.com Favicon

wine.co.za Favicon

thegryphon.co.uk + 2 more

Articles

How to upgrade your spritz this summer

1 week ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

A heatwave scorching the UK can only mean one thing: its spritz season. db speaks to top bartenders about how you can elevate the classic serve – and what to try if you’re after something beyond Aperol. The appeal of the spritz lies in its versatility. Whether you’re after something low-alcohol or a serve with more bite, the format can flex to suit the mood.
The return of the London supper club

2 weeks ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

From boozy networking to craft cocktails and tailored experiences – the corporate dinner just got a makeover. The familiar sound of old Uni friends catching up gets louder and louder as friends, family members and colleagues fill the sun-drenched space that is Pique Café in Clapham Junction. As the atmosphere builds and the tables fill, ‘the boys’ ensure everyone has a cucumber liqueur cocktail in hand – an excellent way to ease into a night full of food and wine festivities.
Radio X releases ‘Beer-Proof Parka’ ahead of pint-soaked Oasis reunion tour

2 weeks ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

With over two million pints expected to fly at Oasis gigs this summer, Radio X is stepping in to save fans from a lager shower – all while raising money for charity. On 4 June, Radio X (an alternative/indie rock music station) launched a limited-edition ‘beer-proof parka’ in anticipation of a pint-slinging summer of music, with the Oasis reunion tour expected to soak more fans in lager than the average British downpour.
What the drinks trade can learn from Rhode’s $1 billion playbook

2 weeks ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

Beauty and booze may seem worlds apart, but the US$1bn acquisition of Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand offers lessons for drinks marketers. From scarcity strategies to creator-led engagement, here’s what the sector could take note of. When e.l.f. Beauty acquired Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand Rhode in a deal worth up to $1 billion two weeks ago, it raised more than just eyebrows across the beauty industry.
Top 10 drinks launches from June

2 weeks ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

From white wines in Rioja to craft beers in Yorkshire, db rounds up the new launches we’ve had our eyes on this month. VIÑEDOS DE SONSIERRA MALVASÍAWhile better-known for its reds, Rioja’s white wines are gaining ground as producers revisit heritage varieties. Bodegas Sonsierra has launched its first varietal Malvasía, using grapes from vines planted in 1947 on a high, southfacing terrace in San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
Inside Familia Torres' drive to decarbonise wine

3 weeks ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

Since 2008, Familia Torres has funnelled millions into cutting emissions. With a new milestone reached in 2024, Miguel Torres tells db how the winery is doubling down on its commitment to reach net zero by 2040. A climate wake – up call in the cinemaFor Miguel A. Torres, the turning point came in 2007 – not in a vineyard, but in a cinema. “I remember it very well,” he recalls.
Ancient vines find new voice in Chile's emerging Río Laja Valley

1 month ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

Chile’s Laja Valley, home to centuries-old vines, is being repositioned as a new frontier for the country’s wine tourism sector. A long-overlooked corner of Chile’s south is gaining attention as a promising new wine region. The Río Laja Valley, with over 150 years of winemaking tradition, is now emerging as a viticultural and tourism destination, thanks to renewed efforts by local producers and wine tourism specialists.
Wine vending machines land in Provence, stirring debate among French producers

1 month ago | news.wine.co.za | Sophie Arundel

Roadside wine dispensers are rolling out across Provence, offering motorists the chance to buy chilled bottles with just a credit card and QR code – no sommelier in sight, The Times recently reportedThe vending machines, branded Cave O Vin, can hold up to 1,000 bottles, kept at a steady 14°C. Developed by French firm Espace Drive, they aim to provide vineyards with an automated retail solution that operates around the clock.
Why is Gen Z really drinking less? It's not what you think

1 month ago | news.wine.co.za | Sophie Arundel

Ask an industry executive why Gen Z is drinking less and you’re likely to hear the usual generalisations: “They care about health,” or “They want premium experiences.” But these answers, argues Bourcard Nesin, senior beverage analyst at Rabobank, are overly simplistic – and often wrong.
Screen time, not health fears, behind drop in alcohol sales, says Asahi CEO

1 month ago | thedrinksbusiness.com | Sophie Arundel

Gaming, streaming and social media are eating into alcohol’s share of consumer leisure time, says the head of Japanese drinks giant Asahi. The global decline in alcohol consumption has more to do with digital distractions than health concerns, according to the boss of one of the world’s largest brewers.