Diageo Faces UK Duty Shock, Henkel Raises Guidance

The UK Budget just handed Diageo and Bacardi a painful cost shock — and brand managers need to know their three options fast. Plus Henkel proves brand investment pays off, and Gen Z snacking data surprises in Spain. In this episode: The UK government announced a significant duty increase on wine and spirits, prompting industry bodies to call the move 'breath-taking' and forcing brands like Diageo and Bacardi to choose between absorbing margin hits, raising prices, or doubling down on premium positioning. Henkel raised its full-year revenue target after a stronger-than-expected third quarter, standing out as one of the few FMCG players upgrading guidance amid broad macro pressure on European consumer spending. A Mazinn study found that 70% of young Spanish consumers eat sweet snacks weekly, with Kinder (Ferrero) and Oreo (Mondelez) dominating top-of-mind awareness among Gen Z — challenging assumptions that health trends are eroding classic indulgence brands. The FMCG Marketing Daily is a concise briefing for FMCG and CPG marketers, brand managers and CMOs, hosted by Marco & Klara. New episode every day. Enjoying the show? A quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps other marketers find us. Also from Marco & Klara: The Digital Commerce Daily · The Health Marketing Daily