Brown-Forman Family Letter, Diageo Cuts 1,922 Jobs

Bloomberg: Brown-Forman family members wrote to board. Bloomberg reports two members of the family controlling Brown-Forman put objections to management in writing after the Pernod Ricard talks ended, suggesting governance pressure outlasted the deal. (mint, Bloomberg Business) Diageo discloses 1,922 job cuts over past year. Diageo's own disclosure shows a 6.4% headcount reduction, giving the trade a concrete figure for how the spirits slowdown is reaching the category leader's cost base. (WebProNews, The Fresno Bee) NIQ: RTDs take 38% of bev-alc innovation dollars. A new NIQ report puts ready-to-drink brands at 38% of category innovation spend from a smaller item count, a data point for how teams allocate new-product budgets. (Brewbound, BevNET) Gallup: US drinking rate flat, non-alc trial rises. Gallup reports the share of US adults who drink held steady against 2025 while adult trial of non-alcoholic options increased, a split read both moderation and stable-volume narratives can cite. (BevNET, Just Drinks, Brewbound) Also moving today: Diageo to reformulate India whisky, rum brands after FSSAI flavouring challenge | Company Business News (mint) Sazerac Just Confirmed a Major Kentucky Distillery Deal. Its Next Step Could Be Even Bigger (Inc., The Manual, CNHI News) Carlsberg India posts strong volume growth in H1, IPO process underway: Global CEO Aarup-Andersen. (Economic Times, @businessline, The Telegraph) De-alc business Strategic Beverage Services acquires BevZero US assets (Just Drinks) Get AlcBev in Five in your inbox every weekday: https://alcbevinfive.com