Tag: 3BL

November 20, 2025 /3BL/ – In response to the White House’s decision on November 14, 2025, to amend Executive Order 14257 to exempt select agricultural products from reciprocal tariffs (Modifying the Scope of the Reciprocal Tariff With Respect to Certain Agricultural Products), Fairtrade America issued the following statements:

“These exemptions are the right move, but the full picture of relief remains to be seen. The extreme uncertainty and rapidly rising costs farmers, traders, companies, and consumers have unnecessarily endured for months should ease. However, complex, international supply chains, like those for coffee, cocoa, and bananas, do not automatically snap back into place because of a policy change. There will be lasting consequences for all supply chain actors, and continued instability and price fluctuations are likely as supply chains reconfigure yet again.

“When politicians choose to use trade as a political tool, they undermine real peoples’ livelihoods. American businesses and consumers must recognize that their collective purchasing power has global influence. When we all come together as a movement to demand that power be spread equitably between farmers, businesses, consumers, and governments, trade can become truly fair.”

— Amanda Archila, Executive Director, Fairtrade America

“Practical minds recognize that it’s too soon to celebrate. We must wait and see if this decision sticks long-term.

“Banana prices have risen 7% since March, but that 7% represents only 4.5 cents per pound. Bananas are still dramatically under-priced compared to the cost of sustainable production. Despite tariffs, people continued to buy bananas. They were slightly more expensive than before, but still the cheapest fruit in our basket. If banana prices went up due to Fairtrade Minimum Pricing, the average consumer would barely notice and the impact on supply chains would be immense. That’s what we should take away as our guiding learning from the last six months of tariffs.”

–Jennie Coleman, President and Co-Owner, Equifruit

“This announcement is encouraging, but tariffs have already significantly suppressed consumer demand for imported nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains. We expect that lower prices will take several months to reach consumers and that a full recovery to pre-tariff demand levels may take more than a year.”

–Juliet Wiebe-King, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Development, Red River Foods

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About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at Fairtrade.net and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org | +1 202-930-4349

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In October, Mary Kay hosted nearly 30 Brownies and Cadettes from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, ranging in ages from 7 to 12, along with 18 equally as excited moms, for an immersive STEM Day experience designed to help the girls earn their STEM Career Exploration Badge. From the moment the group entered the doors of Mary Kay’s Silver LEED-certified Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing and R&D Center in Lewisville, Texas, the atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and curiosity about what it would be like to work at a global cosmetics and skincare company like Mary Kay.

The day began upstairs in the Innovation Center, where Carrissa Dowdy, Manager of Product Formulation, shared her personal STEM journey and explained what being a product formulator is all about. The girls and their moms were captivated by Carissa’s ability to take complex scientific concepts and present them in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. Carissa’s enthusiasm set the stage for an inspiring day of STEM exploration ahead.

Next, the group made their way downstairs to the Product Formulation Lab, where Rhonda Solberg, Associate Principal Scientist of Product Formulation, led eighteen smiling lab scientists ready to assist the future innovators in creating their own custom Mary Kay Unlimited^® Lip Gloss in one of six shades. The girls donned perfectly pink lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses before pairing up to begin their experiments. With guidance from the lab scientists, they mixed beautiful hues of pinks, nudes, and berries – complete with every girl’s favorite color, glitter. Excitement filled the room as the girls watched their cloudy mixtures transform into dazzling, custom shades of lip gloss.

After perfecting their glosses, everyone divided into three small groups for a facility tour led by Chris Smith, Senior Specialist, Training Operations Center of Excellence, and his expert-trained tour team leaders. Moms and daughters alike were fascinated by the vast lab spaces and captivated by the insights shared by their guides. Many mothers expressed newfound appreciation for the intricate processes involved in creating Mary Kay products – from research and formulation to scaling and production. Several even reflected on their own career paths, inspired by the possibilities within STEM. By the end of the tour, many Girl Scouts were asking about the best degrees for STEM careers, eager to explore their options. A few even asked about the age requirements for driving a forklift – and whether a special license was needed!

The day concluded with Amy Ruiz, Manager of Manufacturing Center of Excellence, who shared her experiences as a Chemical Engineer and explained how the degree opens doors to careers in process and environmental engineering, product development, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and cosmetics manufacturing. The girls asked thoughtful questions about sustainability, product packaging, and the realities of a day in the life of an engineer.

Thanks to the dedication of the Mary Kay team, the Girl Scouts proudly earned their STEM Career Exploration Badges after an action-packed day filled with learning and inspiration. The Go-Give spirit of Mary Kay employees once again shone through – empowering a new generation of future STEM leaders, sparking their curiosity, and encouraging them to continue exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Did You Know?

• Mary Kay Inc. has awarded more than 40 grants to young women pursuing their dreams in STEM-related fields around the world.
• Mary Kay has the capability to produce 1.1 million products every day at R3, our state-of-the-art, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified manufacturing facility in Lewisville, TX (US).
• 62% of Mary Kay Global Research & Development team members are women¹.
• Mary Kay holds more than 1,400 global patents across formulas and technologies, packaging and applicators, delivery systems and application methods, and more showcasing decades of continuous innovation and technology advancements.

****

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

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¹ Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

This edition charts CNH’s continued progress in sustainably advancing agriculture and construction. Now available online at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/

CNH’s A Sustainable Year series returns to spotlight its commitment to a sustainable future. This digital magazine draws inspiration from two key moments for the Company: CNH’s Investor Day in May 2025, where they presented the Road to 2030 business strategy, and their most recent Sustainability Report, which highlights their commitment to safer and more responsible operations. Together, they guide the initiatives featured in this edition.

The magazine showcases their progress and positive impact – from accelerating product development to advances in precision farming through to autonomous and robotic solutions. Learn how Case IH’s SenseApply™ technology exemplifies the power of “sense and act” innovation, enabling farmers to apply exactly the right amount of nitrogen, herbicide or fungicide in real time and only when crops need it.

The publication includes news from India where mentoring and training initiatives are preparing the next generation of employees to thrive in CNH’s industries and thought leadership pieces from external experts who provide additional perspectives on the topics they explore, such as the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation. CNH have also included the voices of their customers, who are testing groundbreaking machines powered by lower-emission fuels, such as New Holland’s T6 and T7 Methane Power tractors and Case IH’s Austoft 9000 sugarcane harvester prototype featuring an ethanol engine.

Download the latest edition of the A Sustainable Year series in PDF at: cnh_a_sustainable_year_2024_5_digital_final.f6519098bfb8.pdf

Read the interactive digital magazine at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/

Las Vegas Sands

Earlier this year, Sands donated $100,000 through the Sands Cares global community engagement program to Teach for America (TFA) Nevada as a continuation of its support for TFA’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts.

TFA Nevada is the local affiliate of Teach for America, a national leadership development organization founded in 1990 to find, develop and support equity-oriented leaders to transform education and expand opportunities for all children.

Through its programming, TFA recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in an effort to ensure all children have opportunities to access excellent education. In the current

school year, TFA Nevada has 87 teachers in their first two years of service, and the organization works with more than 42 partner schools primarily in the Clark County School District.

The 2025 Sands Cares funding has been designated for TFA’s RootED initiatives, which provide developmental resources to retain and increase the impact of educators that directly affect schools, as well as ongoing recruitment to bring quality teachers to Southern Nevada schools. These investments are designed to bolster TFA Nevada’s 2030 goal to double the number of children in Clark County who are proficient in third-grade reading from 32% in 2020 to 64% in 2030.

“Making change in education can be hard, and it is long-standing partnerships like the one we have with Sands that move the needle,” Tim Hughes, executive director of TFA Nevada, said. “For years, the company has supported the recruitment, development and retention of educational leaders both at the beginning of their career and as they work to expand their impact. It is all starting to bear fruit – we have seen a great reduction in teacher vacancies and a steady increase in third grade literacy rates over the last several years. We are incredibly grateful that Sands shares our vision for a strong Southern Nevada.”

Support for Local Recruitment Efforts

A portion of the 2025 Sands Cares funding is supporting TFA Nevada’s recruiting efforts for the 2025-2026 school year with the goal of attracting at least 50 new teachers for Title 1 schools and 30% of them coming from within the state, which in turn will increase retention of these educators.

TFA Nevada aims for 90% of new corps members to successfully complete their first year of teaching in a Title 1 school and that at least 70% of recruited talent will be retained at the end of the two-year TFA commitment.

Support for Building Transformational Schools Pathway

Sands Cares funding also is supporting TFA Nevada’s Building Transformational School Pathway, which underwrites professional development and training opportunities for current and aspiring school leaders who want to create lasting change in their communities.

The Transformational Schools Pathway is providing 22 teacher grants, which support a unique blend of professional development, mentoring and practical experience that helps participants grow as leaders and drive meaningful change in their school communities. This development pathway is a critical retention program, as professional development opportunities for educators in Southern Nevada are limited.

“TFA Nevada has a solid vision backed by proven programs to attract and retain talented teachers,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “The organization’s positive impact on our public school system aligns with our vision of building a strong workforce of the future by ensuring academic resources reach the students most in need of influential leaders and educators.”

Sands’ partnership with TFA Nevada is aligned with the company’s focus on workforce development and helping build the workforce of the future through quality education. To learn more about the company’s initiatives in these areas, read the latest environmental, social and governance report: https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2025/04/2024-SANDS-ESG-Report.pdf.

To learn more about Teach for America Nevada, visit https://www.teachforamerica.org/nevada.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Winter can offer candy canes and hot chocolate, the holiday season, cozy coats and crackling fires, but it can also mean cold, gray days where it feels like the sun just doesn’t come out. Less sunshine can throw off your circadian rhythm, a fancy way of saying your internal clock, which might impact your sleep and your mood.¹

If your mental health suffers this time of year, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help protect your mental health when the colorful leaves have all fallen and it gets chilly outside, including staying active and staying connected.

Get some shut-eye

Start with your sleep schedule. Experts say that 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal,² but relaxing before your head hits the pillow is important, too. Establishing a nighttime routine that you find soothing can help ensure a good night’s rest. Get comfortable with a fluffy blanket and try meditating before bed,³ or settle in with a good book — opt for a physical book versus e-readers to avoid screens before bedtime. Journaling is also a relaxing exercise that could allow you to corral any jumbled thoughts before getting in bed.⁴ Once a routine is established, do your best to keep up with it every night — consistency is key.⁵

Eat right — and enjoy yourself

Once you’ve gotten out of bed, it’s important to complement your morning caffeine buzz with a nutritious breakfast … then a nutritious lunch, followed by a nutritious dinner. It’s easy to overlook just how important the right food choices can be on your health. According to the 2025 Wellness Matters report from Aflac, Gen Z men are less likely than Gen Z women to think added sugar and processed foods have a negative impact on their health. But in fact, eating too many of those foods can have serious repercussions, both physically and mentally.⁶

Making healthy choices — adding fruits and veggies to your plate, along with a protein source — doesn’t mean neglecting the delicious food that pops up around the holidays. Rather, it’s about moderation.⁷ A balanced diet doesn’t have to mean cutting out your favorite treats, like a slice of Grandma’s pecan pie.

Move through it

Although the winter months might invite burrowing into bed, it’s important to find ways to move every day. If weather allows, get some time outside — even if Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, bundle up and take a quick walk for the benefit of some vitamin D.⁸ When the weather makes it difficult to get out, try online classes like a YouTube video or a class held over Zoom, or find a fun group class at a nearby gym. Trying new workouts can help with motivation, so if aerobics or cycling has been calling your name, now is the time to answer.

If you’re new to exercise or returning after some time off, begin with short workouts. A fifteen-minute walk or bike ride is a great start.⁹ As always, be sure to consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.

Reach out

Last but not least, make sure to stay connected with family and friends. It can be hard to find time, especially as schedules are often packed during the holiday season, but communicating with a support system can be crucial. Like exercise, it can be beneficial for mental and physical health. While more Gen Z women than men (44% vs. 27%) reach out to friends and family with health concerns, it helps everyone.¹⁰ Whether it’s a coffee date or a phone call, connecting with someone you care about can help you feel better.¹¹

If the winter months are a tough time for you, please remember you are not alone. And remember your wellness, both mentally and physically, matters. To learn more about the importance of prioritizing your health, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.

¹Harvard Health Publishing Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
²Sleep Foundation Accessed 25 Sept. 2025
³Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁴Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁵Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁶NPR Accessed 22 Sept. 2025
⁷Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁸Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁹Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
¹⁰Wellness Matters Accessed 19 Sept. 2025
¹¹Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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Exp 10/26

Photo: Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff and Dennita Sewell with Nicholas Brown, partnership and engagement lead at Retraced, a Cascale member, and fashion designer Marissa Wilson

The Sourcing Journal Sustainability Summit returned to Los Angeles this month, bringing together leaders from across the apparel, retail, manufacturing, and materials sectors to discuss how the industry can turn climate and social commitments into measurable progress.

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Cascale communication director, attended the event, which explored the practical steps required to strengthen supply chain transparency, scale circularity, improve environmental performance, and address emerging regulatory expectations in the United States and globally.

Key highlights included a presentation by Dennita Sewell, founding director of ASU FIDM and professor of practice at Arizona State University, followed by a keynote address from U.S. representative Jimmy Gomez.

Cascale members were strongly represented in the speaker mix. Ryan Hahn, director of R&D and innovation at GUESS?, presented the company’s path to net zero; Yvonne Johnson, senior director of product development at Cotton Incorporated, shared the organization’s Engineered by Nature program; and Madeleine Danzberger, sustainability and social impact specialist at Steve Madden, joined a panel on circular footwear. 

Jennifer Guarino, president and CEO of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based national nonprofit institute that produces for Cascale member Carhartt, joined Christian Birky, founder of Because Capital, to discuss responsive manufacturing in the U.S.. After top-lining the current state of overproduction, in which 20 percent of apparel is landfilled before reaching consumers, Guarino described producers as “doing business with one foot on a banana peel.”

Guarino is currently developing an ISAIC funding match to pilot solutions. “The U.S. can lead on showing how responsive manufacturing solutions can work but we need to have partnerships to do it,” she said. “Manufacturers can’t do it alone. The technology is there, but you have to change the model.”

A standout presentation on “Legislating Change” included perspective from Rachel Kibbe, founder and CEO of Circular Services Group and American Circular Textiles. Kibbe detailed California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), the first U.S. textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which requires companies with revenue over $1 million that sell apparel, footwear, and textiles in the state to sign up with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by July 2026.

Across the summit, a consistent theme emerged: industry can only close the gap between ambition and delivery through shared tools, consistent measurement, and deeper supplier–brand collaboration. These priorities mirror Cascale’s commitment to collective action and credible sustainability progress across the consumer goods value chain.

A statement from Dustin White, co-founder and CEO of LAB Denim, which pioneered a waterless dyeing and and finishing technology, best captured the industry’s changing course: “If something’s been done for 150 years one way it’s hard to show up and say, ‘We have a solution for that’ without partnership,” he said. “It’s hard to get that momentum but we’re starting to see it now.”

• ‘Henkel House’ features brands across Henkel’s well-known consumer brand portfolio, including Dial® soap, Persil® laundry detergent, Loctite® adhesives and göt2b® hair products
• Alexi Lalas, U.S Soccer Legend, joined fans in Tampa and shared passionate insights on the growth of soccer and excitement for 2026 

ROCKY HILL, Conn., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – As a proud Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Henkel is committed to helping Fans win – on and off the field, whether it’s on gameday, or through small daily victories of life that start at home.

As part of this commitment, Henkel launched ‘Henkel House’, an immersive modular experience for Fans, representing different areas of a home, from the garage, to the kitchen, to the laundry room.

Debuting at the U.S. Men’s National Team match v Uruguay on November 18, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, excited Fans enjoyed the immersive Henkel House experience while interacting with Henkel’s portfolio of iconic products in a soccer-themed setting, elevating popular rituals at each experience.

Dial® Up Your Gameday Clean Experience: A Backyard setting demonstrating 

why Dial is the #1 Antibacterial Hand Soap Brand*

* In the U.S., based on Circana MULO+ dollar sales for the 52 weeks ending 11/09/2025

• Building on its passion for Soccer, Dial® Backyard gives Fans the opportunity to participate in an educational Hand Wash experience where they add UV lotion on their hands, then place them inside a blacklight box (experiment to simulate bacteria). Fans then wash their hands with Dial® soap, and place them back in the box to see how Dial’s antibacterial soap eliminates 99.9% of bacteria.
• Creating a fun photo moment from their Dial® experience, Fans also celebrate in style by sliding down into a bubble pit, celebrating the joy of bubbles (which are iridescent balls).
• Celebrating its passion for the U.S. Teams and giving back, Dial® is making a donation for every ‘Clean Sheet’ in a U.S. Senior National Team soccer match. To-date, Dial® has donated $100,000 to DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit that supports public school teachers and students nationwide.

Persil® Laundry Room shows Fans how Persil keeps their jerseys looking fresh and clean

• Energized Fans enjoy a visually engaging display of soccer jerseys – a dirt-stained jersey washed with Persil® Original liquid detergent showcases how Persil® offers a deep clean and care for fabrics on and off the field. Fans are also able to play Spin Cycle, a spin-to-win game where Fans win exclusive Persil® U.S. Soccer co-branded gear.

Loctite® Built to Perform Garage provides Fans with hands-on experiences to customize their Gameday

• A hands-on DIY station where Fans customize their own co-branded giveaways using Loctite products. By choosing and applying patches, guests create a personalized keepsake from their U.S. Soccer watching experience.
• An attention-grabbing photo moment that turns the traditional soccer field upside down, demonstrating the expertise of Loctite®, as the ultimate provider of strong, simple and long lasting bonds for all gluing needs. Guests step onto the flipped pitch and pose for an integrated photo kiosk. When participants receive their photo, it flips, appearing as though they’re hanging upside down.

göt2b® Styling Station inspires Fans to get creative with their hair 

• Encouraging Fans to play bold but style bolder, they are cheered on to try new hairstyles. Fans make themselves truly Gameday Ready by selecting trendsetting upgraded game-day looks from a local stylist with creative göt2b products.

“Henkel and our family of brands are proud to present a fan experience where every room and brand tells a new story of performance, care, and style,” said Jenny Schiavone, Vice President Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel.“Our partnership with U.S. Soccer is focused on supporting the exciting growth of the game in North America, and inspiring and engaging our customers and consumers with our family of brands. We are proud to be part of the U.S. Soccer family, and we support every fan, every day, through our commitment of Winning Starts at Home.“

Alexi Lalas, capped 96 times by U.S. Soccer and a well-respected media personality, joined the fun with fans and shared his insightful views on soccer

“Fans love this great game of ours, and it was fun being at Henkel House, experiencing the energy as Fans enjoyed the immersive rituals of how Henkel’s products help Fans to win, on and off the field. If I was playing today, Henkel’s Dial® soap, Persil® laundry detergent, Loctite® adhesives and göt2b® hair products would be part of my daily regime, getting me gameday ready, “ said Alexi Lalas, U.S. Soccer legend.

“2026 will be a once-in-a-generation moment for soccer in the U.S. Our U.S. team needs to feel a home field advantage. From my experience, it’s not a pressure, it’s a power. We’re all together on the same team – Fans, Henkel and the U.S. Soccer family, to back the players and do all we can to ensure Winning Starts at Home. We have a responsibility to make sure it is an experience that is memorable for an entire generation.”

Henkel plans to delight U.S. Soccer Fans in 2026 by bringing the Henkel House to select U.S. Soccer matches and introducing it to shoppers in its key markets, during the most exciting, unprecedented moment for the sport in the United States over the next several years.

Henkel’s partnership with U.S. Soccer is its first-ever portfolio partnership, where a range of its more than 30 popular brands in North America, promote the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the Youth and Extended National Teams.

About Henkel in North America 

Henkel’s portfolio of well-known brands in North America includes all®, Purex® and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, Dial® soaps, Schwarzkopf® hair care, as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales close to 6.5 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in 2024, North America accounts for 28 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs around 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com and on X @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel 

About Henkel With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press

Henkel Contact

Erica Cooper
Phone: 475-232-4973
Email: erica.cooper@henkel.com

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The five defining trends set to reshape cocktail culture and the spirits industry in 2026 are highlighted in the seventh annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report. The Report released by Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company, in partnership with The Future Laboratory (TFL), draws on data from Bacardi-led and third-party research, consumer surveys, bartender interviews and TFL’s trend forecasting to uncover the forces shaping cocktail experiences, flavor innovation, and drinking culture in the year ahead. The Report also reveals the cocktails which are set to be the most popular in 2026 and trends for younger Legal Drinking Age (LDA) consumers.

Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re simply drinking earlier, lighter, and with more intention. Around the world, we’re seeing a move towards more meaningful drinking moments whether that means in-person get-togethers with friends, discovering flavors rooted in local culture, or embracing new forms of creative expression through cocktails.”

Sean Kerry, Vice President for Global On-Trade for Bacardi

Consumers are moving from curating experiences to cultivating connections. The pendulum has swung from digital convenience to human creativity, and the drinks industry sits at the center of that shift. In 2026, value will be defined not by scarcity or status, but by depth: the provenance of ingredients, the stories behind serves, and the ability to transform a moment into meaning.”

Martin Raymond, Co-Founder of The Future Laboratory

Here are the macro-trends defining the spirits industry in 2026:

1. AFTERNOON SOCIETY 
   Happy hour is having a cultural renaissance as earlier-day indulgence replaces late-night excess. The rise of “daycaps” (cocktails enjoyed in the late afternoon to close the workday) marks a shift toward micro-celebrations that fit modern routines. Across regions, people are heading out to drink, eat, and socialize earlier in the evenings. Notably, younger LDA consumers are leading the charge, with over half of those in France (51%) and more than one third in the U.S. (34%) reshaping routines around earlier evenings, according to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey (GCS). Daytime drinking now revolves around Spritz culture, mood-based cocktails, and small serves that tap into the sweet treat economy. It’s not about escape; it’s about new rhythm and new routines of enjoyment that fit your energy and your calendar.
2. REWILDING CONNECTION
   As social life recalibrates away from constant connectivity, drinkers are seeking intentional, offline experiences that prioritize presence over performance. With 84% of consumers saying technology has made social interactions feel less personal, bars and brands are designing shared, analog moments that feel human again—think screen-free gatherings, communal serves, analog entertainment, and rituals that spark real conversation. From martini flights to micro-format gatherings, Rewilding Connection reflects a consumer desire to slow down, tune back in, and rediscover the social magic of enjoying a cocktail together.
3. NEW LOCALOGY
   As changing trade conditions and transparency reshape the industry, bars are evolving into laboratories of local flavor – harnessing micro-farms, regional ecologies, and scientific experimentation to pioneer a new future of mixology. This movement is not about replacing internationally celebrated spirits, but about elevating them through locally sourced ingredients, garnishes, and flavor accents that root each serve in its environment. Here, every sip is as much about terroir and technique as it is about transparency – catering to new consumer preferences to savor not only the flavor, but the place and process behind it. In fact, three-quarters (77%) check ingredient origin labels, seeking locally sourced ingredients.
4. THE LIQUID EXPERIENCE IP
   No longer just vessels for a taste experience, cocktails and drinks brands are transforming into full spectrum lifestyle experiences that blend fashion, music, design, travel and sport into cohesive cultural identities. Gen Z and millennials choose brands that reflect their identity, and 70% of people who say emotional engagement drives loyalty. Bars and brands are responding with immersive cocktail worlds, drink characters, playlist pairings, traveling pop-up menus, and branded sensory elements like scent, sound, and storytelling. In 2026, a cocktail isn’t just ordered; it’s experienced, collected, and followed like a creator brand.
5. MORE IS MORE MIXOLOGY
   After years of “quiet luxury” minimalism, maximalism is back behind the bar with showstopping cocktails full of glamor and theatrics. Over three quarters of the Bacardi GCS participants (76%) value heightened, memorable experiences as bars embrace edible pearls, metallic garnishes, evolving flavor layers, fire presentations, and high-drama glassware. Loud luxury venues—from Dubai to Las Vegas—prove that joyfully excessive design and unapologetic opulence are in. In a world still healing from burnout, people don’t just want a drink, they want a moment.

Globally, the top 10 cocktails in 2026 will be:

1. Margarita
2. Mojito
3. Piña Colada
4. Rum and Coke®
5. Whisky and Coke®
6. Spritz
7. Vodka Lemonade
8. Vodka Soda
9. Gin & Tonic
10. Dry Martini Cocktail

Download the complete 2026 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report and Infographic.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 8,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

ST. PAUL, Minn., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA is pleased to announce the addition of Jase Hixson, Ph.D., as a Senior Consultant supporting and advancing our water and wastewater management services. Dr. Hixson brings more than fifteen years of experience in water and wastewater treatment operations, hydrologic modeling, and emerging contaminant assessment across municipal, industrial, and natural water systems.

Dr. Hixson’s career spans a unique combination of academic research, field operations, and consulting. He has operated and advised wastewater treatment facilities ranging from 200 gallons per day to more than 85 million gallons per day, optimizing biological treatment through a mass-balance approach, microscopic diagnostics, and adaptive operating strategies. His work has helped municipalities and industry achieve regulatory compliance, reduce operational costs, and improve system performance and sustainability.

In addition to his operational expertise, Dr. Hixson has extensive experience with PFAS and other emerging contaminants. He began working with PFAS more than a decade ago, researching the environmental fate of PFAS used in “forever pesticides” in the Great Lakes. Since then, he has supported investigations, remediation strategies, and emergency response efforts involving PFAS releases, applying advanced surface water, groundwater, and coupled hydrologic models to assess fate, transport, and system recovery.

Dr. Hixson has constructed and evaluated hundreds of hydrologic models to characterize the movement of water and solutes across diverse environments. These efforts have supported projects involving PFAS, nutrients, harmful algal blooms (HABs), petroleum constituents, VOCs, acids, caustics, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and wastewater-derived emerging contaminants.

Internationally, he has led and supported projects across the United States, Canada, Africa, and China, collaborating with municipalities, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and private-sector clients. His work has included wastewater surveillance program development during the peak of COVID-19, PFAS mass-balance modeling to support community water protection, and rapid treatability testing for emergency wastewater treatment response.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jase to our team,” said Alizabeth Aramowicz Smith, Vice President and Environment, Health & Safety Solution and Innovation Leader at Antea Group. “His deep understanding of wastewater operations combined with his experience in emerging contaminants and hydrologic modeling positions him as a tremendous resource for our clients. Jase brings a rare blend of scientific rigor, practical operational insight, and collaborative problem-solving. We are excited for the leadership and technical excellence he brings to our wastewater services portfolio.”

Dr. Hixson’s primary areas of expertise include:

• Wastewater treatment optimization and compliance strategy
• Surface water and groundwater hydrology
• Environmental fate and transport modeling
• Microbial and algal community analysis
• PFAS and emerging contaminant assessment and remediation
• Technical expert support and testimony

He joins Antea Group as we continue to expand our support for municipalities, utilities, water-intensive industries, and organizations addressing regulatory uncertainty, sustainability goals, and complex water quality challenges.

Learn more about our wastewater services here.

 

About Antea Group 

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.

Originally published by Trellis

By Heather Clancy

Yum! Brands’ lead sustainability executive, Jon Hixson, grew up on a Kansas farm and cultivated a career in agriculture before pivoting to 10 years on Capitol Hill then leaping to a private-sector role in public affairs at Cargill in 2005. There, he interacted with hundreds of small-holder farmers across Asia, working on sourcing policies for coconut oil and palm oil.

Hixson encourages early-career sustainability professionals to seek a similar diversity of perspectives with their career choices, especially roles in which they must manage a budget, even if that’s counter to their instincts.

Continue reading here.