LVMH-owned Polish vodka brand Belvedere has released a 30% ABV coffee-flavoured expression
The new spirit combines Belvedere rye vodka with the taste of roasted organic robusta coffee beans
The liquid is said to carry flavours of roasted coffee beans
The name Dirty Brew pays homage to the ‘cheeky and irreverent nature’ of the ‘dirty coffee’ technique
which involves adding a shot of espresso to a liquid to darken it
François-Xavier Desplancke
we are creators with a simple philosophy: innovate with purpose
culmination of this vision – subversively sophisticated and yet elegantly crafted.”
Desplancke described the expression as a blend of the luxury spirits space with the “intricate artistry of coffee craftsmanship”
The expression is packaged in a matte black bottle with gold accents
The flagship Belvedere is typically bottled at 40% ABV
while Dirty Brew carries a lower ABV of 30%
It will be available in Selfridges from Friday 18 April and Zapp from Thursday 8 May
It is priced at £38 (US$50) for a 700ml bottle or £4.80 (US$6) for a 50ml miniature
The expression will also be served in a number of on-trade outlets from May
Belvedere recently partnered with Formula One to become the championship’s official vodka
The brand has released a number of expressions in recent years, including its Organic Infusions range, a discontinued malted rye spirit drink, and a ‘rare’ vodka from a single harvest
Belvedere is part of LVMH’s wine and spirits arm
alongside Scotch brands Glenmorangie and Ardbeg
The luxury conglomerate’s spirits sales plunged by 14% in 2024
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Home News Article
A bowls club is taking strides into its future — while seeking more information about its past
is based at the Beaumond Gardens pavilion which it shares with neighbouring team Flowserve
New member John Williams has been working on bringing the club up-to-date
including increasing its online and community presence as well as developing a new management system to help arrange the club’s fixtures
He said: “As I went through the season I kept asking questions about the history of the club
“It prompted me to ask what else there was
There was no real management system in place
It sparked an interest in finding out more about the club’s origins
although few records appear to have been kept
The earliest current known record of the club dates back to 2002
in Advertiser cuttings from that year and the following
detailing the creation and opening of the new pavilion
reads: “Conservative Bowls Club member Mr Bill Littleover (76) of Hatton Gardens
said there was more room and the building looked good inside and out.”
which incorporated and extended on a dilapidated shelter from 1953
was to be used primarily by the Conservative and Newark Ladies clubs under the management of Newark Northern Bowls Club alongside its green at Sherwood Avenue
It is believed the Conservative Bowls Club had been established some time before the new pavilion opened
Anyone with information or memories of the club is welcomed to share them with the Advertiser via news@newarkadvertiser.co.uk
The Belvedere Bowls Club is also looking to its future
and said: “It helps with wellness as well as keeping fit
you’re out there for two hours walking up and down maybe 20
“Although its a simple game there’s a technical aspect that you don’t really know about until you get into it.”
It also offers an opportunity for socialising and making new friends in a relaxed environment
A coaching day has been organised for May 13
with anyone interested in trying out the sport encouraged to come along and learn the ropes
The club offers social and competitive play
Bowls has suffered from declining membership in recent years
due to being associated with older generations and a decline in traditional working men’s clubs and pubs which often promoted the sport
Belvedere is looking to revitalise interest and insure the sport’s longevity in the community
Words: Rebecca Hardy
We speak to CFO Wolfgang Bergmann about Roblox
and the venue’s new visitor centre project
The Belvedere in Vienna features 800 years of art history
and 300 years as one of the Austrian capital city’s most spectacular landmarks.
Its vast landscaped gardens connect two historic palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Here, visitors can see the world’s largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt. The museum also shows other prominent works of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present.
and music by both Austrian and international creators are on show at Belvedere 21
This iconic modernist building is just a short walk away.
told blooloop: “The Belvedere is one of the oldest museums in the world
housed in a World Heritage Site and a Baroque jewel
“Spanning eight centuries of art history
the collection is connected to both historic and modern structures
allowing us to preserve history and showcase contemporary art in the iconic Upper and Lower Belvedere as well as in the modern Belvedere 21.”
Bergmann joined the Belvedere eight years ago
“My career journey has followed a path from the ‘good’
as head of public relations at Caritas from 1988 to 1996
and head of communications at the Archdiocese of Vienna from 1996 to 1999
where I also founded Radio Stephansdom; to the ‘true’
as general manager of the daily newspaper Der Standard from 2008 to 2016
“Ultimately it has led to the ‘beautiful’,” he says
I have been the chief financial officer of the Belvedere Museum.”
Additionally, Bergmann holds a masters in theology, is the author of three books including fiction and non-fiction titles. He was notably the initiator of The Kiss NFT. The project released a limited edition of 10,000 non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
each assigned a unique section of the beloved image
This project illustrates the Belvedere approach
which leverages digital technologies to support its work in exhibiting
thus cementing its position as a world-leading institution
we remain committed to our mission of preserving and celebrating the past while embracing digital transformation,” Bergmann says.
“By incorporating innovative media like gaming
we aim to make art more accessible and engaging for a younger
ensuring the Belvedere remains a vibrant and relevant institution in the digital age.”
The museum has recently opened Gustav Klimt ‒ Pigment & Pixel
which uses cutting-edge technologies to reveal new insights into Klimt’s working methods and artistic practice
the display shares newly discovered differences between the artist’s final work and his preliminary sketches
Visitors can also take a macroscopic look at the gold leaf details of the works.
A reconstruction of the lost Faculty Paintings
The works were destroyed during World War II before they could be put on display
the only photographs that remain are in black and white
Belvedere has partnered with Google Arts & Culture to recolour these images using AI. The museum is now exhibiting the resulting canvases in their intended position on the ceiling.
“The project of colorizing Klimt’s Faculty Paintings has restored the striking, vibrant appearance the works once had. It represents a significant contribution to scientific research and draws attention to these paintings for the first time in many years,” said curator Franz Smola.
“At the same time, it also helps to explain the scandal that the works caused with their unusual and provocative use of color.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Belvedere Museum (@belvederemuseum)
Bergmann says: “By continuously evolving and innovating in the digital space
the Belvedere is not only preserving its rich history but also breaking new ground in how art is taught and experienced in the digital age
The Belvedere plans to continue the growth of its virtual experiences and digital collections.
These include enhancing our virtual experiences and digital collections,” says Bergmann
“While our online collection already includes over 5,600 works available for free download in high-quality resolution as part of our Open Content program
our efforts with 3D digitization are a key element of this initiative
This will result in 3D models of the Belvedere collection’s objects being available to the public through the Online Collection
offering an immersive new way to explore our treasures.”
Highlights of the online collection include Klimt’s masterpiece The Kiss
as well as works by iconic artists such as Eugène Delacroix
“We are also leveraging platforms like Roblox to engage younger generations,” Bergman adds.
soft-launched in December 2024 and already played over 450,000 times
we are introducing our masterpieces to millions of players worldwide in an entirely new context
blending art with storytelling and gameplay
This is just one example of how we are pioneering digital museum learning in ways that connect with today’s audiences.”
The Belvedere is one of the first museums in the world to move into the Roblox universe
It has created Art Leap in collaboration with award-winning gaming studio Exclusible
Art Leap players go on an interactive adventure through four key works from the Museum’s collection
in addition to Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon at the Great St
Beautiful imagery and engaging gameplay tell the stories of these artworks through interactive mini-games and challenges
immersive environment is secure and child-friendly
ensuring a fun and fascinating experience for players of all ages.
said: “Art Leap represents a transformative step in how we engage new audiences with art.
“Our goal is to inspire younger generations to connect with culture in a way that resonates with their digital lives
By meeting them where they are—on platforms like Roblox—we are opening new doors to art and creativity.”
we will continue to integrate cutting-edge digital tools
such as augmented reality and mixed-reality applications
to offer even more interactive experiences,” says Bergmann.
“The upcoming sequel to Fantastic Palastics will further enrich our visitors’ experiences by allowing families to engage with art in a playful
The Fantastic Palastics launched as part of the Belvedere’s 300th anniversary celebrations
and was developed in partnership with The Brand Father and ORB
with support from AR development company 8th Wall
The game launched in 2023, and brings a cast of extraordinary creatures to the palace gardens. Visitors aged 8 and over are invited to join a game of AR hide and seek and find six animals
These creatures lived in Prince Eugene of Savoy’s menagerie
The web-based game is designed for smartphones
and takes children and families on a tour around the Upper Belvedere
which are available throughout the gardens
A Sphinx starts the game in front of the Upper Belvedere
before guiding the players in their quest.
By scanning the gardens with their devices
players uncover challenges and find the hidden creatures
they must feed their new friends and get them ready for the next 300 years.
The 300th anniversary in 2023 marked the completion of the Upper Belvedere palace in 1723. This was built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, and was home to the general’s art collection. Just five decades later, the place opened to visitors and became one of the first public museums in the world.
The institution celebrated the anniversary with a programme titled ‘The Golden Spring’
which asked ‘What was the museum of the past
and what might it look like in the future?’
Visitors could encounter Louise Bourgeois’s early painterly works
which shares long-form essays from 20 experts
These critical texts explore research on the history of the Belvedere
and a 300-year view of the evolving concept of what it means to be a museum.
The Upper Belvedere welcomed 1.3 million guests
which placed it as Austria’s most visited art museum
the Belvedere is undertaking a project to expand its facilities and is building a new
“The Upper Belvedere welcomed 1.5 million visitors last year
expanding the current facilities is a crucial step in ensuring the museum continues to provide a welcoming and functional experience for all visitors,” says Bergmann
epps Ploder Simon was announced as the project architect in 2024. The winning design expertly manages the requirements of the World Heritage site
while creating a functional and graceful space which guides visitors into the Baroque palaces
“The new visitor center will relieve the palace of all service functions such as ticketing
the overall experience within the Baroque palace will be significantly improved.”
The Belvedere strives to operate sustainably and integrates environmental
and cultural responsibility objectives into all of its activities
This quality mark reflects the institution’s commitment to ambitious environmental protection and quality standards
The new building will align with the sustainability strategy
This upholds the Belvedere’s pledge to support Austria’s climate goals in its renovations and new building projects
“The design for the construction aims to achieve a Gold Standard in sustainability,” says Bergmann
“The visitor center will also act as a large climate buffer for the palace
improving conditions inside and substantially reducing energy consumption.”
In addition to the development project at the palace site, The Belvedere is working with Salzburg Museum to launch a new space in the centre of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
This major project is renovating the Salzburg Museum’s site at the historic Neue Residenz
a new extension in its second courtyard will house the new Belvedere Salzburg
“While many of Austria’s cultural institutions are traditionally concentrated in the capital
this project represents a significant step in engaging more directly with the federal states,” says Bergmann.
“It not only promotes greater access to cultural heritage for a broader audience but also strengthens regional connections and demonstrates our commitment to cultural diversity and the decentralization of art and culture in Austria.”
This commitment to accessibility is at the core of The Belvedere’s activities.
“We believe that culture should be accessible to everyone
and digital content are all designed to serve a broad and diverse public
“Our goal is for every visitor to leave feeling enriched—whether through new insights
We seek to actively engage and empower our community
inspiring and educating for generations to come.”
“One of the biggest challenges is balancing the evolving demands of culture
and technology while remaining loyal to both our local community and the broader tourism sector,” Bergmann concludes.
“As one of the largest cultural institutions in Austria
the Belvedere must navigate the complexities of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation and new digital technologies
This dynamic process involves continuous investment in both our physical infrastructure and digital platforms
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Rumours have swirled on the passing of Patron’s coffee-infused tequila
but could Belvedere’s coffee-flavoured vodka fill the void
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Audible gasps are frequent on the ES Best Shopping desk
when we hear news of an exciting new launch
or when something completely commonplace has happened
Yet never has a gasp from our Shopping Editor (rippled with delayed reactionary gasps among the team) sent such shockwaves through the office as the one she made after learning that Patron’s delectable coffee-infused liqueur was set to be discontinued
Best premixed espresso martinis that are a ready-to-drink delight
Citing a desire to focus on the brand’s core products
Bacardi announced the devastating decision in late 2021
And so fans remain confused as to the future of Patrón XO Café
One thing’s for sure: if its days are numbered
the 30 per cent ABV spirit is crafted to be served straight-up
which is normally used as part of a cocktail for a sweeter
It’s Kahlúa’s super sweet flavour when served straight-up that makes a smooth yet dry coffee-infused liqueur like Patrón XO Café such a surprising and grown-up treat
But can Belvedere’s take on a coffee liqueur
Best aperitifs for a delicious pre-dinner tipple: From liqueurs to canned cocktails
Best liqueurs: The ES Best Shopping Guide to the tastiest tipples to buy now
An ultra-dry liqueur for true coffee lovers
ultra-refined way to sip something straight-up
Unlike its fellow caffeinated counterparts
the premium vodka-based option hits the palate with a bang
It delivers a hearty kick thanks to the bold taste of roasted organic robusta beans
which blends perfectly with the brand’s iconic organic Polish rye vodka
While tasting notes include decadent toffee
the overwhelming flavours are those of vodka and coffee
the 30 per cent ABV beverage consequently almost has a whisky-like scent
which soon dissipates into swirling aromas of coffee
Adding it to an espresso martini would be doing it a disservice
LVMH owned Belvedere has joined Formula 1 as its Official Vodka Partner for the sport’s 75th anniversary season
marking its first partnership in global motorsport
Belvedere Vodka has signed on as the Official Vodka Partner for Formula 1’s 75th anniversary season
The deal will see the brand integrated into F1’s hospitality spaces
as well as hosting events such as an Official Afterparty at the Australian Grand Prix
said: “I am immensely proud of the partnership between Belvedere and Formula 1
added: “Formula 1 has always been the symbol of prestige
which is why we are so thrilled to welcome Belvedere as our first Official Vodka Partner.”
Belvedere’s partnership follows LVMH’s recent 10-year deal with Formula 1
which has already seen Moët & Chandon return as the sport’s Official Champagne
The deal marks a major expansion of the luxury group’s presence in F1
with other LVMH-owned brands—including Hennessy and Louis Vuitton—also integrated into various aspects of the sport
The move comes at a time when LVMH is seeking to reinforce its dominance in the luxury drinks market amid declining sales
has been under pressure due to slowing demand
Recent reports show that LVMH’s drinks arm has continued to weigh on overall company performance
with revenue down 4% in 2023 and further declines reported into early 2024
This has prompted leadership changes within Moët Hennessy and a strategic shift to bolster high-end brand positioning
LVMH’s wider challenges are not limited to alcohol. The luxury sector as a whole has been struggling, with reports indicating that the market lost around 50 million customers in 2023 due to economic uncertainty and shifting consumer priorities
By leveraging high-profile partnerships like Formula 1
LVMH appears to be doubling down on brand visibility and exclusive experiences to maintain its status in the ultra-premium sector
With LVMH embedding itself further into F1
the sport is increasingly becoming a showcase for luxury brands—both on and off the track
Formula One has announced Belvedere as the first-ever official vodka partner of the series
This is the latest deal to form part of the ten-year contract that Formula One agreed with LVMH Group last year
It also makes Belvedere the first brand controlled by the luxury goods conglomerate to partner with the series that was not named in the original announcement
Moët Hennessy and Louis Vuitton were the three brands specified initially
Belvedere’s designation as ‘official vodka’ of Formula One follows the recent trend of increasing commercialisation in the series, which began with KitKat being named the series’ first official chocolate bar in November 2024
“Formula One has always been the symbol of prestige
which is why we are so thrilled to welcome Belvedere as our first official vodka partner,” said Stefano Domenicali
president and chief executive of Formula One
“Together we share the same dedication to quality and the pursuit of exclusive moments
This announcement once again confirms the strong connection with LVMH
Their willingness to fully embrace the spirit of Formula One excites us and makes us proud of this partnership.”
president and chief executive of Belvedere Vodka
added: “I am immensely proud of the partnership between Belvedere and Formula One
where milliseconds forge legends and engines roar with untamed energy
Belvedere Vodka arrives not just as a partner
but as the embodiment of the festivities and the entertainment
“Formula One isn’t just about speed; it’s about spectacle
there will be always a reason to honour the excitement of the sport
Belvedere will host an official after party at this year’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix
which is being title sponsored by fellow LVMH-owned brand Louis Vuitton
Looking to unlock more exclusive insights and strategic connections in the motorsport industry
The BlackBook Motorsport Forum is the destination that connects and inspires top decision-makers and leaders across global motorsport. Join us in London on 27th March 2025 to dissect the critical balance between on and off-track performance, exploring areas such as technical innovation, sustainability and commercial success. Discover more here
Former F1 and Le Mans racer Jochen Mass passes away aged 78
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Building on the landmark 10-year Global Partnership between Formula 1 and LVMH
Formula 1 is excited to announce Moët Hennessy luxury spirit
as the sport’s first-ever Official Vodka Partner
The collaboration marks Belvedere’s first foray into global sports
and connects two brands celebrated for their heritage
Formula 1 and Belvedere will create one-of-a-kind experiences and give fans the unforgettable taste of an F1 race
READ MORE: Moët & Chandon returns as the Official Champagne of Formula 1
Belvedere Vodka is produced in one of the world's longest operating Polish distilleries
with distillers drawing from a 600-year Polish vodka-making history to artfully craft rye into an extraordinary vodka of distinct taste and character
Belvedere will host an Official After Party of the Australian Grand Prix
an exclusive event that will redefine high-end entertainment and nightlife and bring together the world’s most renowned DJs
Belvedere Vodka will be served in hospitality spaces throughout the season
including in Paddock Club and the F1 Garage
further adding to the incredible energy of the circuit
said: “Formula 1 has always been the symbol of prestige
which is why we are so thrilled to welcome Belvedere as our first Official Vodka Partner
Together we share the same dedication to quality and the pursuit of exclusive moments
“This announcement once again confirms the strong connection with LVMH
Their willingness to fully embrace the spirit of Formula 1 excites us and makes us proud of this partnership.”
READ MORE: Louis Vuitton joins Formula 1 and becomes title partner of the Australian Grand Prix
added: “I am immensely proud of the partnership between Belvedere and Formula 1
Formula 1 isn’t just about speed; it’s about spectacle
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© 2003-2025 Formula One World Championship Limited
Poland’s Belvedere Vodka is targeting the luxury sector with its Belvedere 10 release
CEO François-Xavier Desplancke reveals how sustainability
quality and connection are creating a highly desirable brand
*This feature was originally published in the June 2024 issue of The Spirits Business magazine
so I say to people ‘just call me FX’,” François-Xavier Desplancke tells me
“that’s my nickname.” The Frenchman is eager to put the conversation at ease from the get-go – and it soon becomes apparent this quality is inherently in his nature
he holds the position of president and CEO of Belvedere
but his career spans two decades with the vodka brand’s parent company
“It’s a privilege to have been with Moët Hennessy for 20 years,” he continues
“It’s a privilege to witness the passion we have about our brands
about the journey you can have with a luxury brand; it’s quite amazing
Desplancke has held numerous roles at the company during his tenure
where he spent more than four years working as general manager of the Nordics
where he looked over 23 countries as managing director of Central and Southern Europe
Additional positions included managing director of Moët Hennessy CEE
PDG (president director general) of Moët Hennessy Diageo France
“I was always passionate about food and drink
about wine – I am French after all,” Desplancke explains
“My first job was part of the Moët Chandon family
It’s a family business with so much history
We are inspired by 600 years of vodka-making tradition in Poland
“We make our vodka in one of the oldest operating Polish distilleries
and together we are really passionate about bringing Belvedere Vodka to consumers.”
The super-premium vodka is crafted from Polska rye at the Polmos Żyrardów distillery
allowing 100% traceability of the raw materials
“What I love about Belvedere is the excellent interactivity that we are doing to serve the long-term vision,” says Desplancke
“The creativity we are doing is always to serve the desirability of the brand
That is the main goal: to be the most desirable brand of vodka in the world.”
In recent years Belvedere has taken bold steps to reach this goal. In 2022, the brand worked with Oscar award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi
who directed Belvedere’s campaign starring James Bond actor Daniel Craig
the former 007 star can be seen dancing through Paris in sequences designed to show how life might look away from the cameras
Belvedere held nothing back when the campaign initially aired
before London’s bustling Piccadilly Circus
“It always goes back to brand desirability,” Desplancke says
to inject unique creativity in our marketing campaigns
And something that is crucial for us as well is to make sure that we are leading with creativity
The Daniel Craig campaign was a fantastic example of that
It had a ‘boom’ effect; it was everywhere on social media
Filmmaker Waititi returned to work with the brand again this year when he directed Belvedere’s latest campaign
starring Grammy Award-winning artist and rapper Future
and to be unexpected,” Desplancke explains
and we are very proud to have him work with us.”
The three-minute short film opens with Future driving a Rolls-Royce down a dusty road at sunset, and ends in a dilapidated ‘hacienda-turned-nightclub’, where Future and Waititi are seen sharing a coded handshake, which unlocks access to a bottle of Belvedere 10
It is extremely poignant for Desplancke to feature Belvedere 10 in the latest campaign
The expression launched in 2023 as an ultra-premium line extension for the brand
The liquid is made from a single harvest of organic Dankowskie Diamond rye
grown in a single field on an estate in northeast Poland
It follows a 10-step production process – including quadruple distillation – which is carried out annually
before the liquid is left to rest for 10 months
it’s the new iconic luxury vodka that we are very proud of,” Desplancke continues
what we learned was when you don’t know where to go
So we went back to how Polish people distilled vodka at that time
Even the bottle of Belvedere 10 has worked hard to push the boundaries of design
with chiselled facets to generate a diamond-like appearance in homage to the Diamond rye used in distillation
“We are going further than a regular bottle
What was missing for me was to have an experience in terms of emotion with the brand,” Desplancke says
The CEO describes Belvedere 10 as one of “two key pillars” in the brand’s portfolio
which also includes a number of flavour-infused bottlings
The other pillar is the brand’s flagship bottling: Belvedere Vodka Organic
To allow time and attention to be focused on these two bottlings
the decision was made to cease production of Belvedere Heritage 176
Belvedere Vodka was officially certified organic in 2023
organic vodka is very important to us,” Desplancke says
moving to sustainability is not a choice for us
It’s obvious how it’s impacting our suppliers
so we are proud to be so efficient on energy.”
Do consumers place value and purchasing decisions on the brand’s organic claims
So it’s a journey; there’s no black-and-white answer.”
Belvedere has set itself high-reaching targets to improve its sustainability
Its goals centre on five key pillars: reducing the brand’s environmental impact; sustainable farming; involving local communities; responsible consumption; and social engagement
the vodka brand has cut its energy-related CO2 emissions by 42%
Desplancke highlights the brand’s “unique biomass facility”
Belvedere launched its biomass-capture facility on site at its Polish distillery
the distillery has been able to produce 100%-renewable energy since 2022
“The next step is to support our farms because we are very close to our farmers,” he adds
“This is very close to my heart because we partner with our farmers for many years
and it is very important for us to work closely with them to help them on a joint sustainable transition
Desplancke is confident these efforts will all play a part in elevating Belvedere ever closer to having “desirability” status
Belvedere is seeing “balanced distribution” across continents
“We are well balanced between the US market
and the APAC [Asia Pacific] market,” he continues
“We are seeing some interesting trends coming from emerging markets
So you have to present the right proposition to them
Instead of saying ‘China is not for vodka’ or ‘Thailand is not for vodka’
it’s about finding their preferred way of consuming spirits by being locally relevant
And that is the beauty of the Moët Hennessy network
as it ensures proximity to our customers and rapid response to local needs” Desplancke says
is there fresh opportunity for vodka to find more favour among consumers
but Desplancke has a much bigger picture in mind
“We don’t only look at the vodka category at Belvedere,” he explains
“We are looking at the super-premium spirits category
Gin is a small part compared with some of those other categories
dynamism in the vodka category is important.” It does
“to which we constantly respond with innovation and excellence
keeping the desirability of the brand at the core of everything we do.”
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alongside a debut goal from Emily Firman and a rocket from Molly Hassall. \n\nWigan Athletic Women 5
Latics Women ended the calendar year in style following a 5-0 victory over Burnley Belvedere at the Robin Park Arena
while Molly Hassall and new signing Emily Firman found the back of the net.
New signing Sophie Whelan made her debut in midfield
Amelia Knowles kept her place between the sticks after a run of show-stopping performances.
Latics opened the scoring early after a brilliant piece of skill
Nini Dada threaded a beautiful ball into the box
giving Hodson room to round the keeper and slot the ball home.
After the Burnley Belvedere goalkeeper spilled her shot
finding her off her line and calmly knocking the ball into the net.
The Tics were a well-oiled machine throughout the first half
stringing passes together and creating key plays out of nothing
The midfield link-up between Dada and Izzy Worswick acted as both a first line of defence and attack
adding a much-needed element of versatility
Whelan pulled the strings nicely to keep things ticking over in the engine room
captain Abbie Moore replaced Libby McCoy for her long-awaited return from injury
easily getting the ball upwards and technically excelling.
Hodson got her second of the day on the hour mark; a cool strike into the bottom left-hand corner after isolating herself in the box.
It didn’t take long for Firman to open up her account
Our new number 20 did well to keep the ball in play by the corner flag before shifting the ball onto her strong foot and pulling the trigger
The strike rose above the net and dipped over the head of the goalkeeper
giving Emmerson Boyce’s side their fourth.
making it seven goals in two games for the 16-year-old.
Latics Women now sign off for the Christmas break but will look to continue their winning ways at home against Lostock St Gerards on Sunday 5 January 2025
Wengen hotel reviewAll listings featured on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors
This new hotel from the French group Beaumier is something different for old-school Wengen
in a beautiful corner of the Bernese Oberland overlooked by the iconic triptych peaks of the Eiger
So many of the hotels in this storied belle epoque village tend towards heavy door keys
but this one’s a crisp contemporary renovation inside the bones of two classic hotels that date back to Wengen’s early 20th-century heyday and beyond
A bit like the Comodo has done for the Austrian spa town of Bad Gastein
Wengen’s only five-star hotel looks set to shine a new spotlight on the village and the region
not much has changed since the days when this was the Wengener Hof
There’s still the same six-storey sherbet lemon facade in the Swiss historicist style
with yellow-shuttered balconies overlooking the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley that inspired Tolkien’s Rivendell
floral prints and heavy red carpets are all gone
There’s now an angular concrete fireplace and a 360-degree lobby bar in soft larch; the old winter garden is filled with guests tapping away on Macbooks in little nooks
It’s now a place of moss-green furnishings and mismatched vintage black-and-white
with a very pure sort of mod-boutique style – from the airy Waldrand restaurant up to the 36 rooms
It’s early to say, but certainly, the target clientele seems to be design-conscious, Monocle-reading types. Either way, a departure from Wengen’s core clientele, which skews old-school and features lots of repeat-visit families, who tend to learn on its genteel beginner slopes.
Family suites and connecting rooms are available, as is babysitting. The team can arrange access to the local ski school, including the ski kids club.
The heating system using locally sourced wood pellets is rare in an area that tends to use much less sustainable heating oil. The restaurant sources within 100km and reduces food waste wherever possible (we had chips made with unused bread with our cocktail one day). The staff wear jackets by Zurich brand Round Rivers, made with recycled river plastics.
Both buildings have brand-new accessible elevators and accessible rooms with Jungfrau views. There are also step-free entrances to both.
There are upcoming plans for year-round experiences, from mushroom foraging to pasta making, as well as everything from ice climbing in winter to paragliding in summer. There will be a concept store in the former Belvedere lobby, with the team in talks with the Monocle brand about curation.
Yes, and it will be even more so come May. This is a beautiful part of the world, and for all that we love the prevailing sense of local tradition, Wengen was crying out for an opening like this.
which manages 51 hotels and Napier barracks
A company managing hotel accommodation for thousands of asylum seekers has been axed by the Home Office due to performance concerns and replaced by the firm that ran the Bibby Stockholm barge. As a result the 51 hotels it runs will close.
In a late-night statement the Home Office said it had removed Stay Belvedere Hotels (SBHL), which manages 51 hotels across England and Wales and Napier barracks in Folkestone, Kent, from government asylum operations.
The Home Office confirmed last week that Napier barracks will close in September. It is not known when the 51 hotels will close. Asylum seekers in those hotels will be moved into existing accommodation rather than opening new ones.
Australia-based Corporate Travel Management (CTM), which was criticised for its running of the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, is coming onboard instead.The barge cost more than housing people in hotels.
This is the first time the Home Office has axed a major provider in its 10 years of outsourcing asylum accommodation contracts worth £2bn a year.
Read moreSBHL is a subcontractor of Clearsprings Ready Homes
one of three companies that have contracts with the Home Office to provide accommodation for asylum seekers
Home Office sources confirmed that officials told Clearsprings to terminate the services of SBHL
The Home Office said the decision to cancel its contract with SBHL was prompted by concerns about its performance and behaviour as a government supplier but did not provide any more detail about its concerns
There will be a transition period to new arrangements but the timescale for this is not known
The contract for managing SBHL’s hotels will be transferred to existing providers Mears and Serco along with CTM
Most of the hotels are in London but there are also hotels in Bournemouth
the minister for border security and asylum
we have improved contract management and added more oversight of our suppliers of asylum accommodation
“We have made the decision to remove Stay Belvedere Hotels from the Home Office supply chain and will not hesitate to take further action to ensure Home Office contracts deliver for the UK.”
A spokesperson for SBHL said: “SBHL has been informed of the decision to end its contract to supply temporary accommodation to asylum seekers in the UK and is in the process of holding discussions with appropriate partners.”
A document published by the Treasury’s new Office for Value for Money (OVfM) says companies that have been contracted to find hotels for asylum seekers have “made record profits in recent years
There are more than 38,000 asylum seekers in hotels
A total of 5,847 people have arrived so far this year
said: “When the camp first opened it was clear that the site was in chaos and no one had the experience to run a mass accommodation site for 500 people
This culminated in the catastrophic mismanagement of Covid safety protocols leading to a mass outbreak of 197 Covid cases.”
said: “Handing over contracts with Stay Belvedere Hotels to the company that managed the Bibby Stockholm barge begs the question whether there will be any positive change
the government must work towards ending all privately contracted accommodation.”
It must properly fund and support local authorities to house people in our communities
so every penny of this public money is spent on protecting refugees and strengthening services that all of us rely on.”
Parliament’s cross-party home affairs committee is conducting an inquiry into the provision of asylum accommodation
More than 100 pieces of evidence from NGOs
lawyers and accommodation providers have been published
most of them highly critical of the current state of this accommodation
The deal comes as part of the overall long-term tie-up between F1 and LVMH
Motor racing’s prestigious Formula (F1) has announced premium brand Belvedere as the sport’s first official vodka partner
building on its tie-up with luxury goods conglomerate LVMH ahead of the 2025 season
The deal comes as part of an overall long-term sponsorship deal between F1 and LVMH
The 10-year deal begins with the 2025 season and will run through 2034
Belvedere will host an official after-party for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne later this month
including in the Paddock Club and the F1 Garage
F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali has said: “Formula 1 has always been the symbol of prestige
“This announcement once again confirms the strong connection with LVMH
Their willingness to fully embrace the spirit of Formula 1 excites us and makes us proud of this partnership.”
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Belvedere is the fourth LVMH brand to become an official partner of F1 since the announcement of the pair’s tie-up
watch brand Tag Heuer was unveiled as F1’s new timekeeping partner supplanting Rolex
while fashion house Louis Vuitton has become an official F1 partner and the title partner of the 2025 season-opening Australian Grand Prix
luxury champagne brand Moët & Chandon was announced as the official champagne of F1
gaining a presence at every race across the F1 calendar
as well as the title sponsor of the Belgian Grand Prix
F1 has secured other several commercial partnerships
including a title sponsorship extension for the Singapore Grand Prix with national carrier Singapore Airlines through the 2024 season
MSC Cruises will again put its name to a trio of grands prix – in Austria
UK-based F1 team Mercedes-AMG Petronas has announced lifestyle accessories brand Mous as an official supplier for the upcoming season
Mous has launched an official Mou x Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Backpack
which will be used by the team’s engineers
The pair will also collaborate throughout the season to develop a range of premium travel and tech accessories
featuring exclusive designs based on the team
chief commercial officer at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1
said: “Mous stood out as the ideal partner
the team secured Adidas as an apparel partner in a deal that will see the German sportswear brand manufacture a range of clothing for the team
including sportswear and team apparel for Mercedes drivers
Adidas will also produce footwear and accessories as part of the range
The 2025 F1 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16 and will end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7
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With its world-famous black run and cinematic mountain views
there couldn’t be a better place than Wengen for this chic new Beaumier Group opening
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I have been to dozens of ski resorts, and typically the airport transfer is the lowlight of the week, as a packed coach lurches around zig zag bends, presenting the ultimate challenge in motion sickness. Arriving at Wengen in Switzerland is
that is the ultimate ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ experience
Wengen is a car-free Alpine village that can only be reached by tourists via a charming cog railway
named ‘Wengernalpbahn,’ which is painted on it in graphic yellow and green
On board you’ll be treated to the most magnificent
While many ski villages have lost their quaint magic to a rowdy après crowd
it’s not surprising that the French hotel group Beaumier decided to open the first five star resort in Wengen
restoring two neighbouring “Andersonian” grand dames in the shadow of the Jungfrau as Grand Hotel Belvedere
however Wengen has a landscape so majestic it’s long been associated with mythical storytelling
J.R.R Toklein stayed at the original Grand Hotel Belvedere
and it is thought that the valley inspired his fantastical Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings
The surrounding area has been the home of a Bond villain’s lair (in On Her Majesty's Secret Service
released in 1969) welcomed wizards for the filming of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and was the birthplace of Princess Leia
as the galaxy Alderaan was filmed here in Revenge of the Sith
the Jungrau region has had an Emily In Paris-like endorsement by Netflix
starring in the South Korean Blockbuster series Crash Landing on You
which has caused the area to attract many Asian visitors
who now even have to pay for a photograph at one lakeside filming location
However, you won’t find a backdrop more spectacular than my balcony at the Grand Belvedere hotel, which has charming white ornamental railings, sunny yellow scalloped awnings, a prime view of the valley below, and is soundtracked by nearby church bells. Yes, I spent longer than I wish to admit out here documenting my Perfect Moment ski look
Alpine decor can easily tip into naff territory
however the Grand Hotel Belvedere manages to tap into a nostalgic cabin aesthetic
The interior design team Complete Works cleverly played into the duality of the two restored hotel buildings — the first has a more modern
while the second (which is due to open in May 2025) is more classical
with a historically protected lobby with restored wood carvings
hand-painted frescoes and original chandeliers
This blend of contemporary and tradition gives guests the chance to experience two different Alpine worlds within one resort
Each room is designed to be like your own wood-lined cabin
Panoramic windows and strategically placed balconies make the view the star of the show — even my bathroom had a hatch-like window
so I could still see the mountains while showering
nestled up in the roof of the second soon-to-open building
are best for those who want a traditional Swiss Alpine experience
Wengen is perhaps best known for the longest World Cup downhill run in the world
Thrillseekers will enjoy launching onto the famed black run from a wooden starting hut where you tap your ski pass to have a World Cup-esque countdown and can hear adrenaline-raising rock anthems pumping from the nearby Start Bar as you propel into the challenging slalom — Meat Loaf’s A Bat Out Of Hell was my blood-pumping countdown track
Thrillseekers will enjoy launching onto the famed black run from a wooden starting hut where you have a World Cup-esque countdown and can hear adrenaline-raising rock anthems
Rather than formal service, the staff at the Grand Hotel Belvedere chat to you like you’re a friend — on the first night, one of the team’s avid snowboarders indulged my husband in over an hour of piste chat, plotting out where we should traverse over our two-day trip. They felt genuinely invested in our skiing adventures
asking what number we made it up to onto the speed check and which were our favourite runs
They certainly have the expertise to help you unlock the best mountain experience
however this hotel is so much more than a skiing bolthole
This was reflected in just how many of the guests weren’t decked out in skiwear at breakfast
showing you don’t need a ski pass to experience the magic of Lauterbrunnen
Given climate change is shortening ski seasons
it is wise that Beaumier is positioning this hotel as a year-long destination
attracting crowds long after the snow has melted
It has assembled an impressive menu of activities
sailing and mountain biking (to name a few) in summer
as the hotel also hosts history tours of the village
a cooking class where you make the perfect pear tarte tatin and authentic Swiss fresh pasta
Or there’s outdoor yoga with the option to take a savasana among the trees
We signed ourselves up for the mixology class
which was a fun alternative to the usual après drinks
where we hopped behind the Bergwald bar and made our own cordial
diffused apples and did a lot of stirring and shaking to whip up two of the signature locally-sourced cocktails on the menu — the Mountain and an Apple Brandy Sour
I also recommend you indulge in a fireside hot alpine cider at least once during your trip
taking a book from the hidden library nook
All of the menus celebrate local flavours and ingredients — the fine dining restaurant will open in May
while restaurant Waldrand is more relaxed with a shared menu of Alpine classics
Älplermagronen (a Swiss mac and cheese) is the ultimate crowd-pleaser
while the raclette-laden burger is just what I wanted after completing the Lauberhorn in zero visibility
The chef Will Gordon is vegan and while I’ll admit I had some real concerns about the plant-based cheese fondue
it completely surprised me and was a delicious
lighter twist on the indigestion-inducing classic
with raw green peppers and garden potatoes for dipping
was the cheese toastie packed with dijon mustard and pickled gherkin from the all-hours snack menu — the ultimate après bite or midnight snack
The only disappointment was that the spa isn’t opening its doors until June
which will be an ambitious brutalist structure jutting out from the hillside
an if-you-know-you-know brand which uses luxury Alpine ingredients sourced from Austria and Switzerland
it’s guaranteed to be the ultimate indulgence to tempt you away from mountain activities
It’s a good excuse for me to take another ride on the Wengernalp
Doubles start from £309 per night. beaumier.com The second hotel building will open on 1 May
Travel to the mountains can be arranged with Travel Switzerland. myswitzerland.com
Fly from London to Zurich year-round with Swiss. swiss.com
Skiset in Wengen village offers ski hire to Baumier guests. skiset.co.uk
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LVMH-owned Belvedere has partnered with Formula One to become the championship’s official vodka
Paris-headquartered LVMH and Formula One announced a 10-year global partnership for the championship’s 75th anniversary
The partnership will begin in 2025 and involve LVMH brands such as Louis Vuitton and Tag Heuer
Belvedere plans to ‘draw from its long-lasting expertise in crafting one-of-a-kind consumer experiences to entertain racegoers and fans alike’
said: “I am immensely proud of the partnership between Belvedere and Formula One
but as the embodiment of the festivities and the entertainment.”
The collaboration will kick off with the House of 10
a ‘signature night experience’ from Belvedere
with the brand hosting an official after-party for the Formula One Louis Vuitton Australia Grand Prix 2025 (13-16 March) in Melbourne
added: “Formula One has always been the symbol of prestige
which is why we are so thrilled to welcome Belvedere as our first official vodka partner
Their willingness to fully embrace the spirit of Formula One excites us and makes us proud of this partnership.”
LVMH’s wine and spirits sales dropped by 8% last year
Last month, Moët Hennessy welcomed a new CEO
LVMH-owned Glenmorangie recently collaborated with American actor Harrison Ford on a three-year campaign
The Home Office is ending a £2bn contract with one of the government’s biggest providers of asylum accommodation over concerns about the company’s performance
Stay Belvedere Hotels provides around 25% of asylum accommodation across the UK – including 51 hotels
and the soon-to-close Napier Barracks in Kent
The Home Office said that SBH Limited was being removed from government asylum accommodation operations following “concerns about its performance and behaviour as a government supplier”
The department said the decision followed an “examination of its contract and contractual arrangements with the Home Office”
which began under the last government in 2019
It said the earliest point that the contract could be exited without a break cost would be September next year.
Border-security and asylum minister Dame Angela Eagle said that since taking office the new government had been looking closely at provision of asylum accommodation
in particular the quality of services offered and value for money for taxpayers
we have improved contract management and added more oversight of our suppliers of asylum accommodation,” she said
“We have made the decision to remove Stay Belvedere Hotels from the Home Office supply chain and will not hesitate to take further action to ensure Home Office contracts deliver for the UK.”
The Home Office said “robust plans” were being put in place to ensure asylum services continued operating as normal during the transition from SBHL and that there would be “as little disruption to asylum seekers and staff as possible”
It added that the department was working closely with the Ministry of Housing
Communities and Local Government "on a sustainable and value for money plan on asylum accommodation”
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A new selective licensing scheme in the London Borough of Bexley came into force last week
all privately rented properties in the Belvedere council ward need to be licensed unless a statutory exemption applies.
Bexley Council has developed a simply online postcode checker so landlords, agents and tenants can check if their property is withing the selective licensing area. It can be accessed via the council’s website
Bexley Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing
“The new Selective Licensing scheme in Belvedere has been widely consulted on and I’m pleased to see that a number of local landlords have already submitted their applications to be part of it
A Selective Licensing scheme is put in place to make sure that rented properties are properly managed and to address poor property conditions
“This is to not only improve the standard of living for tenants but to make sure that residents close by are able to rest assured that the properties are being looked after and are well managed
If you are a landlord with a property in this area please go online and make your application as soon as possible.”
The selective licensing scheme in Belvedere came into force on 13 January 2025 and lasts for five years
Landlords and agents with properties in Belvedere can make submit their licence application using an online application system on the council’s website
Landlords and agents operating in Belvedere who fail to submit a licence application could face prosecution in the Magistrates Court and a criminal record or receive a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000
Our free guide containing more information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in Bexley is available here
For all the latest news and events, you can sign up for the free London Property Licensing newsletter here
Formula 1 has announced Moët Hennessy luxury spirit
as the sport’s first-ever official vodka partner
Making its first foray into global sports sponsorship
the Polish vodka brand’s partnership with Formula 1 will officially begin at the Australian Grand Prix from 13th to 16th March where it will host the race’s official after party
“Formula 1 has always been the symbol of prestige
“I am immensely proud of the partnership between Belvedere and Formula 1
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Polish brand Belvedere vodka has entered into a partnership with Formula 1
yet there also been many major sponsorship deals involving non-alcoholic brands in the sport
Belvedere has become the first ever official vodka of Formula 1 and is part of the LVMH stable which recently began a 10-year global partnership deal with Liberty Media
there has been an increasing pattern of Formula 1 teams finalising sponsorship agreements with non-alcoholic brands
such as Ferrari signing up for a multiyear deal with Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0
A recent marketing campaign has intensified that relationship
It’s a similar deal to what has been agreed between the McLaren team and Estrella Galicia 0.0
who are owned by Spanish brewers Hijos de Rivera
both parties began collaborating six years ago
Heineken has been a global partner of Formula 1 since 2016
and they agreed to extend joining partnership two years ago
where the new phase in their partnership will focus on responsible consumption and the promotion of the Heineken 0.0 brand
a huge figure in the sport who has won the last four World Drivers’ Championships
has been tasked with being the ambassador for Heineken’s zero alcohol product
The relationship between alcohol branding and Formula 1 goes back a long way, beginning in the 1970s with firms such as Martini and Johnnie Walker becoming part of the sport’s advertising profile, establishing what is now a long-running tradition
It’s a partnership that is mutually beneficial as brewers like to capitalise on the sport’s global footprint
while Formula 1 teams can invest sponsors’ capital to meet the huge costs of participating in motorsport at the highest level
the question is whether Formula 1 will lean towards more sponsorship arrangements with non-alcoholic brands in light of government pressure and regulations
Reviewing the position of the sport and drink branding
the chief growth officer of Asahi Europe & International
Nathalie Pfaff said: “We see partnerships in sport
including Formula 1 are important as they enable our brands to reach a broader adult audience
something increasingly difficult to do via traditional media.“
“While we cannot speak for the industry as a whole or predict the future in terms of regulation
our aim is to drive recognition and awareness for Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%.”
RTR Sports is a sports marketing agency focusing exclusively on motorsport
executive marketing and commercial Silvia Schweiger
assessed the situation: “There are two things to consider here
Formula 1 is quite possibly the world’s most powerful sports platform at the moment
and brands all over the world are eager to tap into its strategic positioning.”
are shifting their weight towards non-alcoholic beverages
it is not likely that alcohol brands will disappear anytime soon from the motorsport landscape and go the tobacco way
their communication will be more and more fine tuned towards the market’s needs.” She explained
The Middle East poses a significant issue for Formula 1 and alcohol sponsorship and advertising
and there are three races as part of the season in the region taking place in Bahrain
alcohol brand advertising is strictly forbidden
although some restrictions were lifted for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022
Drinking is allowed in Qatar and Bahrain in premises such as hotels
a strict prohibition on alcohol has been enforced since 1952
a shop was opened selling alcohol to non-Muslim expats
where the clientele will be limited to diplomatic staff
This can be seen as the kingdom loosening up its alcohol laws as part of the government’s Vision 2030 initiative
a progressive development plan that includes entertainment venues and sporting locations
has confirmed that the 2034 World Cup will be a dry affair
alcohol sponsorship policies are covered by the Portman Group Code of Practice
and include that drinks companies cannot sponsor or support anyone who is under the age of 18
and any brand names or logos must not appear on any merchandise
drinks companies must try to access data on the expected participants
audience or spectator profile to ensure that at least an aggregate of 75% are aged over 18
If an event does not meet that 75% threshold
then sponsorship is more restricted to areas where those attending an event are at ages where they can legally drink
Alcohol drink brands also have to show that they are committed to promoting responsible intake
there is increasing evidence that younger people are turning away from alcohol consumption
with health and well-being key reasons to becoming teetotal
It’s a development that may lead to more non-alcoholic brands sponsoring Formula 1 events and teams in the future
Pfaff told db that she believed that this would be the case: “In line with the overall trend towards living and maintaining a healthier lifestyle
there is a strong trend towards moderation and drinking better
And as the non-alcoholic category continues to grow
it represents a significant opportunity.”
Asahi also offer Peroni Capri and Asahi 0.0
it’s anticipated that 20% of Asahi’s portfolio will comprise non-alcoholic products
“Formula 1 will continue moving in two directions
The first one is becoming a stronger platform for their partners to communicate
The second is promoting the right messages to their global audience.”
I am sure that if the popularity of non-alcohol brands keeps rising
we will see more and more non-alcohol brands getting space on the cars and trackside.”
“The same happened with Cryptos currencies and AI services.”
Formula 1 also faces scrutiny with its alcohol advertising
where critics have argued that associating a high-octane sport such as elite level motor racing and alcohol sends mixed messages
Asahi said that a responsible message is at the heart of its Formula 1 sponsorship
and it consistently enforces a ‘don’t drink and drive’ message
This appears to be part of a growing trend
as the sport’s organizers are more aware of promoting sensible communication over alcohol brands
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