$DEO

Diageo North America appointed a new CMO, who previously worked at PepsiCo and AB InBev. The executive expressed enthusiasm for her new role. Diageo confirmed the appointment but did not provide additional details.

Indian officials are reviewing Scotch imports by Pernod Ricard and Diageo, focusing on duty eligibility under a UK trade pact. United Spirits, Diageo's Indian unit, reported searches by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence but stated no operational impact. The pact reduces duties on specified Scotch categories, with rates depending on classification and conditions.

Indian tax officials are investigating Pernod Ricard and Diageo for potentially misclassifying Scotch imports to pay lower tariffs under the India-UK trade pact, according to industry sources. Both companies are cooperating with the investigation, which involves bulk Scotch concentrate imports. The probe follows recent office visits and searches, with the tax department arguing that duty relief does not apply to bulk concentrates.

Diageo's Cardhu Distillery is under investigation by SEPA for a toxic spill of caustic soda into a River Spey tributary in April, potentially killing 3,000 creatures. Diageo is cooperating with the investigation and has implemented updated controls. SEPA may take enforcement action. Diageo was previously fined £1.2m in 2022 for emissions permit failures.

Strike action at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland has been suspended for mediation talks. The company is reviewing 72 roles there and plans to cut 2,000 jobs globally. Diageo reported after-tax profits of £595m in 2025 and £736m in 2024, according to its latest accounts.

Workers at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery are escalating strikes over proposed redundancies, according to Unite. The union warns of severe operational and safety impacts, with no whisky produced since late September. Diageo rejected cost-saving proposals, citing flexibility needs. Key brands include Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff.

Diageo (DGE.L) will close its Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Maryland on November 1, affecting 174 employees. The decision is part of a $1 billion restructuring plan. The brewery, which opened in 2018, attracted 2 million visitors and produced 700 experimental beers. Diageo cited operational review and long-term priorities for the closure, emphasizing continued commitment to the Guinness brand.

The Zacks Beverages-Alcohol industry, including Anheuser-Busch InBev, Constellation Brands, Brown-Forman, and Molson Coors, is exploring growth through innovation in ready-to-drink cocktails and low/no-alcohol beverages. Gen Z's drinking habits and tariffs pose challenges. The industry's Zacks Rank #107 indicates strong near-term prospects, with a 12.5% return over the past year. Diageo (DEO) and AB InBev (BUD) are highlighted for their strategies and earnings growth.

Unite the Union members at Diageo's Cameronbridge distillery are escalating strike action, with more dates added until 22 October. The dispute involves planned job cuts at the facility, part of Diageo's global restructuring. Unite alleges insufficient consultation and safety concerns. Diageo reports a 2025 after-tax profit of £595 million, down from £736 million in 2024, and expects no product availability disruption.

Diageo (DEO) is closing its Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore by year-end, citing rising costs and shifting demand. The facility, opened in 2018, focused on experimental beers. Diageo is investing $1 billion in global savings, including 2,000 job cuts. The closure affects 174 Aramark employees; Diageo established a $250,000 community fund. Chicago's Open Gate Brewery will remain the sole U.S. Guinness brewery.