Latest news with #EmmaFox
Business Insider
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Move over, Aperol — the Hugo Spritz is summer's hottest cocktail
Last month, while mulling the menu at a trendy restaurant, a suggestion from a friend made me feel woefully out of touch. "Why don't you get a Hugo Spritz?" the friend asked when I said I was craving a light, summery, and refreshing cocktail. I asked what that was and was promptly met with a table full of shocked faces. Somehow, I had missed the introduction and gradual takeover of the the hottest new cocktail. While the thirst for Hugo Spritz certainly isn't new — the recipe has been gaining momentum online for a few years, achieving fleeting virality in 2023 and capturing the attention of wealthy bar patrons in 2024 — recent data indicates that the Hugo's mainstream crossover moment has officially arrived. In its 2024 trend report, Yelp found a 1,121% increase in searches for "Hugo Spritz" compared to the previous year. Google search volume for "Hugo Spritz" rose 122% from 2023 to 2024, and analytics show interest is even higher this summer than at this time last year. The use of the hashtag #HugoSpritz has steadily increased on TikTok over the last year, reaching peak popularity in late June and early July. Creators have been sharing their favorite takes on the recipe, gleefully adding sprigs of mint or splashes of lime juice. The trend has even inspired at least one original piano ballad, which features the standout lyric, "Cuckoo for Hugo, baby." The Hugo Spritz has emerged as the clear successor to its Italian cousin, the Aperol Spritz. The latter enjoyed its own renaissance a few years back, arguably reaching peak popularity in the summer of 2023 — auspiciously fueled by HBO's "The White Lotus," whose celebrated second season was filmed in Sicily and aired in late 2022. Despite its rise to ubiquity, however, Aperol — an apéritif liqueur with strong notes of orange peel and herbs — remains a polarizing ingredient. While some love its bittersweet flavor, others say it tastes thick and medicinal, akin to cough syrup. By comparison, the Hugo Spritz is positively dessert-like. As with most spritzes, it's typically made with two parts prosecco and two parts soda water. The defining addition is elderflower liqueur — a sweet, floral spirit with such broad appeal and versatility that it earned the nickname "bartender's ketchup" in the late aughts. St-Germain has long been considered the leader in the elderflower liqueur market, credited for inspiring a slew of copycats after its launch in 2007. The brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2013, further cementing its dominance. Emma Fox, Bacardi's Global VP, told me via email that St-Germain has seen a 20% increase in retail sales value in the US since last year and an 11% increase over the last five years. Globally, she said the brand's market share has nearly tripled since 2019. "We know that demand for St-Germain continues to grow, particularly this summer, as people are looking for more choice and creativity in their spritzes and discovering our lighter, brighter taste," Fox said. St-Germain is made with hand-picked flowers from elderflower trees that grow in the French Alps. Last year, the brand took advantage of that scenery's aesthetic touchstones in a summer ad campaign featuring "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner, which highlighted the Hugo Spritz for its "touch of French flair" and easy elegance. Much like how Aperol benefited from its Italian roots and eye-catching cameos in the hands of glamorous onscreen Sicilians, the Hugo Spritz has an aspirational appeal in addition to its tasty flavor profile. In the right context, enjoying an effervescent, European-sourced cocktail can feel like micro-dosing a much-needed getaway. Paige Leyden, Associate Director of foodservice, flavors, and ingredients reports at Mintel, a market intelligence agency, said she noticed the Hugo Spritz trend gain traction in the US in the wake of the campaign. She attributed the effect to a combination of celebrity influence and our positive associations with a luxurious French lifestyle. "Travel is expensive, but there is that level of escapism when you can just go to a nice bar and sit outside and have this drink," Leyden said. "You might not be on the picturesque Mediterranean coast, but you're still kind of emulating that." Of course, in the age of Instagram and TikTok, the power of a compelling visual cannot be overstated. It's not just that a Hugo Spritz can evoke a picturesque setting, but that the drink itself is picturesque, perfectly engineered for virality. Leyden said her team's research has found that 54% of consumers like to order drinks they see on social media, whether because they were influenced themselves or because they see the potential to influence others — to communicate their knowledge of trends and prove their own sophistication. On TikTok, food and drink influencers are already doing their part. "It's the perfect drink: refreshing, lemony, floral gorgeousness," creator Lex Nicoleta recently declared to her hundreds of thousands of followers while sipping a homemade Hugo Spritz. "I just think there's not a chicer drink in the world."
Fashion United
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Why jewellery Is taking centre stage in festival season
As the summer festival season unfolds, the fashion industry once again turns its attention to the proving ground of trend experimentation: the music field. But while wellington boots and crochet tops are a given, it's jewellery that's quietly becoming the most expressive—and commercially potent—layer of the look. Pandora UK's latest study on festival fashion habits reveals a telling statistic: the average British festival-goer begins planning their outfit more than a month in advance. This level of preparation underscores just how influential festivals have become not only as cultural events but as critical seasonal retail moments—particularly for accessories brands seeking resonance with younger, trend-hungry consumers. According to Emma Fox, jewellery expert at Pandora, this is a moment when jewellery is no longer an afterthought but "can be the star of the show." In a season shaped by boldness and escapism, Fox suggests that 'more is more' when it comes to festival accessorising—a sentiment that aligns with macro retail movements toward maximalism, self-expression, and experiential fashion. The retail race for festival relevance For jewellery retailers, the stakes are higher than ever. In an increasingly saturated market, capturing festival traffic is both a branding opportunity and a direct-to-consumer sales driver. "Festival style offers a rare commercial window," says one industry buyer. "It's not about heritage or occasion wear—it's about immediacy, identity, and virality." The demand for statement jewellery during festival season reflects wider consumer appetite for pieces that are expressive but not necessarily timeless. This is jewellery as temporary spectacle: high-impact, high-street, and high-margin. Retailers from Zara to ASOS are quick to flood their channels with campaign imagery featuring layered chokers, nostalgic beadwork, and marine motif styles that correlate almost exactly with the trends identified by Pandora. The trends: A fusion of nostalgia and escapism Pandora's research, paired with insights from Coachella's influencer circuit and early-season UK festival previews, points to five jewellery trends set to dominate 2025: Modern Boho returns but with sharper edges. Think moto fringe meets metal hardware, as the laid-back 70s aesthetic gets reinterpreted for Gen Z through Pinterest-driven 'moto boho' cues. Gothic Glam sees a shift from soft romanticism to something darker and more theatrical. Lady Gaga's headline performance in a spiked scarlet gown is cited as a bellwether moment, with red gemstones, blackened metals, and religious iconography likely to influence mass-market collections. Marine-Inspired pieces speak to a wider oceanic obsession already visible in runway collections. Designers and retailers alike are diving into pearl stacks, shell necklaces, and starfish pendants, playing into coastal escapism—particularly potent for overseas festivals and beach events. 90s Revival continues to exert its hold over jewellery design, with nameplate necklaces, enamel rings, and childhood-coded beads taking the nostalgia factor into high gear. Charm bracelets, in particular, are experiencing renewed attention, their modular nature perfectly suited to the season's spirit of personalisation. Maximalism is not so much a trend as a permission slip. For brands, it's an invitation to encourage customers to stack, mix, and layer existing collections into bold new configurations. For consumers, it's an accessible way to update looks without a total overhaul. Jewellery as strategy, not afterthought It has become clear that jewellery is no longer a marginal upsell but a strategic anchor in festival fashion. Its relatively low cost, high visibility, and versatility make it uniquely suited to a retail calendar increasingly dictated by moments of cultural spectacle. As Emma Fox notes, 'Festival outfits are all about experimenting and being playful... it's a safe space for everyone to wear whatever they want, away from the practicality of everyday life.' For brands, this ethos is a commercial opportunity, one that turns festivals into not only aesthetic playgrounds but vital retail battlegrounds. In the end, jewellery's role in festival fashion speaks to a broader truth about today's consumer: it's not just about what they wear, but 'how much of themselves' they can project through it. And few seasons, or markets, offer such fertile ground for that as festival summer.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Emma Fox, Newly Appointed Global VP for MARTINI & ST-GERMAIN, Celebrates Her Role Championing the Spritz Occasion
This Women's Month, Bacardi shines a spotlight on Global VP Emma Fox, who, having helped bring a fresh take to the world of Spritz with the ST-GERMAIN Spritz, was recently appointed to also lead Global Marketing for MARTINI, one of the most iconic brands in the world of drinks. HAMILTON, BERMUDA / / March 27, 2025 / The growing trend for lighter tasting cocktails, that are lower in alcohol, has helped the rise of the Spritz. In the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, the Spritz was ranked as number three in the list of most popular cocktails with only the Mojito and Margarita more popular. Now, with her new responsibility for helping to drive the growth of MARTINI and the introduction this summer of the brand's new signature drink, the MARTINI Bianco Spritz, Emma Fox is truly championing the Spritz occasion. What's a typical day like for you? I love that no day is ever the same. In my new role as Global VP for MARTINI & ST-GERMAIN, one day I can be out talking to our commercial leaders about their plans for the coming year and the next I can be meeting the owners of beautiful bars in cities like Paris, Madrid or London, or speaking to our fabulous MARTINI team in Italy, about the harvesting of our botanical ingredients for our classic MARTINI vermouth. When you started in marketing, did you picture yourself here? I have enjoyed a varied career in the hospitality industry. It's always a place I've enjoyed, whether I've been working behind the bar or in front of it. Working for Bacardi, it's a real privilege to know our drinks are part of special moments in people's lives, both big and small, and I am in awe of the amazing talent working in bars who create these beautiful experiences for people to enjoy. It really is an art form and it's personal! What is your favorite thing about your job? What I love about Bacardi is that as a family-owned company it's deeply personal, from the relationships you build to the results you deliver. And I love that I get to work with so many different people in many different roles across the Bacardi business and across the world. We treat Bacardi like our own business and each of us can make a real difference. There is also nothing more exciting than seeing great work go out the door and make a difference to our business. When I'm sitting in a bar and I hear someone order a cocktail made with ST-GERMAIN or MARTINI or friends discover a great drink with MARTINI Non-Alcoholic Vibrante, it genuinely makes my day. What is the best advice you've ever received? I've had a lot of good and not so good advice, but these four stand out for me… You don't need to dim other people's light to shine. We spend a lot of time working together so surround yourself with people you trust and value. The best teams are ones that have a mix of talents, experiences and background. We should not be carbon copies of each other, if we want to understand the world around us. Keep it simple. The best ideas in the world won't get off the page if no one understands them. If you could enjoy a spritz with any historical figure, who would it be and where? Since I'm new to the wonderful world of MARTINI I would love to travel back in time to the 1860s and enjoy a spritz or two with the brand's founders, entrepreneur Alessandro Martini and master herbalist Luigi Rossi, at the home of MARTINI in Pessione, Italy. Imagine the stories! What is your proudest career achievement? The journey on ST-GERMAIN is something I'm truly proud of. It's been a transformational time for the brand and for me personally - it's really helped me define the type of leader I want to be. Looking forwards, it's the honor of beginning a new era for MARTINI, a true drinks industry icon. Cheers! - ENDS - Please drink responsibly. Media contact Andrew Carney, Corporate Communications Director, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbeanacarney@ About Bacardi LimitedBacardi 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 WILLIAM LAWSON'S® Scotch whisky, 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 more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 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 or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. About MARTINI One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI® is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality vermouths and sparkling wines. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. First created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI portfolio today includes: MARTINI Bianco, Rosso, Fiero, Rosato & Extra Dry, MARTINI Non-Alcoholic Vibrante & Floreale, MARTINI Asti, Prosecco & Rosé Extra Dry. For more information, please visit MARTINI AND THE BALL & BAR LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS. About ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueurST-GERMAIN is a French liqueur made using fresh, wild, handpicked elderflower blossoms. ST-GERMAIN brings a dash of inspiration and a touch of something playful and unexpected to your favorite cocktail, be that a Hugo Spritz, Margarita, Elderfashioned, Royale or a creation of your own design. The fresh, wild elderflowers help give ST-GERMAIN its distinctive sweet, bright and light taste that is unforgettable once tasted: indulgent, yet delicate with a sweetness, and hints of honeysuckle and pear. Gently blended in France using the Savoir-Faire of our Master Liqueurist and Master of Botanicals, ST-GERMAIN is acclaimed for its uncanny ability to add a universally delicious twist to any cocktail. ST-GERMAIN has received some of the highest accolades in the spirits industry and has been heralded as one of the most influential cocktail components of the last decade. Please visit: ST-GERMAIN, ITS TRADE DRESS AND VIE PARISIENNE EN BOUTEILLE ARE TRADEMARKS. MARTINI and the ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur brands are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi-Martini, Inc. on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bacardi-Martini, info@ SOURCE: Bacardi-Martini, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
