Huw Thomas

Swansea-based Au Vodka is reportedly nearing a £500m sale to Sazerac, the owner of BuzzBallz and Southern Comfort. Co-founders Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn could receive more than £100m each. Founded in 2015, the brand grew through distinctive gold packaging, celebrity endorsements and ready-to-drink products, becoming the UK’s second-largest brand in that category behind BuzzBallz. Au Vodka has also been expanding in the US, although the Advertising Standards Authority banned one of its TikTok promotions for targeting alcohol at under-18s.

Welsh Water’s new chief executive warns that customers must choose between higher bills or slower improvements as the company seeks major investment to address ageing infrastructure and sewage pollution issues. Public sentiment in Carmarthenshire reflects frustration over rising charges and limited visible progress, while regulators highlight declining performance and low consumer trust. The firm faces legal action over alleged River Wye pollution and plans to invest £4.6bn through 2030, with further bill increases likely. Customer consultations show support for better environmental outcomes, though concerns remain over affordability and responsible spending.

Welsh Water’s new chief executive warns that customers must choose between higher bills or slower improvements to ageing water infrastructure, citing decades of under-investment. The company faces regulatory pressure after failures in its wastewater network and is contesting a River Wye pollution case in the High Court. Many residents question whether rising bills will translate into better services, while consumer advocates argue the industry must prove it can spend responsibly amid declining public trust. The firm plans major investment and is consulting customers on how quickly improvements should be funded, while defending its not‑for‑profit model over calls for nationalisation.

Industry groups warn that including glass in Wales’ 2027 deposit return scheme could add around 50p to drink prices and reduce product availability, arguing the requirement makes the system costlier and more complex than schemes elsewhere in the UK. Producers say differing rules across UK borders may deter companies from supplying Wales, while delays in appointing a deposit management organisation risk missing implementation deadlines. Keep Wales Tidy disputes industry claims as misinformation and urges the government to proceed, while the Welsh government maintains the process is on track and continues to work with stakeholders.

Industry groups warn that including glass in Wales' planned 2027 deposit return scheme could significantly increase costs for producers and add about 50p to some drink prices, potentially reducing product availability. Drinks manufacturers argue that differing rules from the rest of the UK complicate cross-border operations, while the British Soft Drinks Association says glass collection requirements are expensive and unworkable on the current timeline. The Welsh government maintains its commitment to the scheme and says the appointment process for a deposit management organisation is ongoing. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy accuses the industry of spreading misinformation and urges officials to proceed. Concerns persist over the feasibility of installing enough suitable reverse vending machines and meeting the 2027 launch deadline.