Q1 Newsletter 2025

Welcome to Sasma’s Q1 2025 Newsletter!

The global alcohol market continues to evolve rapidly. One major trend shaping the landscape this year is the increasing volatility of import tariffs on alcohol products, impacting trade flows, pricing, and sourcing strategies worldwide. With tariffs changing almost daily, staying informed is more important than ever.

In this edition, we provide key market updates, share how Sasma is helping businesses navigate these shifts, and highlight the latest on our CSR initiatives and upcoming trade fairs for 2025.

- The Sasma Team

Market Updates

Food Market Update: The Impact of Import Tariffs on the Spirits Market

Spirits such as whisky, cognac, rum, and tequila are globally cherished products. However, recent increases in import tariffs have put pressure on the industry. What was once an effortless choice is now becoming a financially calculated decision.

Countries like Scotland, the U.S., and Mexico, where whisky, bourbon, and tequila are important export products, are feeling the impact. Smaller distilleries, highly dependent on foreign markets, are the hardest hit. Higher import tariffs lead to rising prices and can potentially reduce demand.

Additionally, trade flows are shifting due to these tariffs. The recent U.S. import duties on Mexican products are forcing Mexican tequila producers to seek new markets, such as Europe and Asia. This could result in price variations and increased competition within these regions. Consumers are facing higher prices and reconsidering their purchases, often opting for locally produced alternatives or lower-priced segments, putting pressure on the premium spirits market.

Producers are responding by diversifying their strategies—exploring new distribution channels, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging exclusive editions to maintain profitability. In this evolving market, innovation and agility are essential for sustaining growth. The introduction of higher import tariffs has far-reaching consequences for both producers and consumers, requiring businesses to adapt to remain competitive.

At Sasma, we understand the pressures these market changes create. Our role as a global supplier means we are strategically positioned to help distilleries and brands diversify their distribution channels and tap into new markets. Our team of expert traders monitors tariff shifts daily, ensuring we provide our partners with up-to-date market insights and flexible sourcing solutions. We’re here to help you navigate these complexities, secure competitive pricing, and maintain strong global distribution—no matter how the trade landscape evolves.

Reach out to our team today to learn how we can support your business amidst changing tariffs and market dynamics.

Non-Food Market Update: The Impact of Import Tariffs on the Global Alcohol Market

While much attention is often placed on how tariffs affect spirits, the reality is that import tariffs could have a significant impact on the broader alcohol industry.
For industries dependent on alcohol as a critical raw material—whether it’s for pharmaceutical or cosmetic production, food and beverage applications, or industrial products—these changes can have immediate consequences, including price volatility, delayed deliveries, and sourcing challenges.

Global Trade Flows Are Shifting

Countries traditionally relied upon for bulk alcohol—such as the U.S., Brazil, and parts of Europe—are seeing their trade routes and market dynamics shift due to new tariffs and trade barriers. Export duties, anti-dumping regulations, and preferential trade agreements are forcing companies to re-evaluate their sourcing strategies, often leading to more competition in key markets, fluctuating availability, and changing costs.

The ripple effect across industries means that businesses in sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing must remain agile in order to secure reliable supply chains without compromising quality or compliance standards.

Additionally, trade flows are shifting due to these tariffs. The recent U.S. import duties on Mexican products are forcing Mexican tequila producers to seek new markets, such as Europe and Asia. This could result in price variations and increased competition within these regions. Consumers are facing higher prices and reconsidering their purchases, often opting for locally produced alternatives or lower-priced segments, putting pressure on the premium spirits market.

How Sasma Can Help Navigate These Challenges

At Sasma, we specialize in supplying bulk premium alcohol, organic alcohol, and high-purity ethanol for a wide range of industries beyond spirits. We recognize that tariffs and regulations are changing frequently, adding complexity and risk to procurement strategies.

Our global team of expert traders monitors trade developments daily, ensuring that we offer the most up-to-date market intelligence, competitive pricing, and sourcing flexibility. We help you stay ahead of tariff changes and secure the alcohol you need, when you need it.

2025 Charity Partnerships

Announcing Sasma’s Charity Partner: Edukans

• Basic Education: Equipping children with foundational skills in safe and inclusive environments.
• Skills for Work and Life: Preparing young people for meaningful employment opportunities.
• Education in Emergencies: Offering safe havens and quality education for refugee children.
• Climate Change and Sustainability: Training youth in green skills and sustainable practices.

Why Edukans?

Edukans exemplifies the power of education to create a brighter, more equitable world. With a proven track record of improving learner outcomes, building skills for life, and fostering systemic change, they are the perfect partner to help us make a meaningful difference.

Africa is a very important market for Sasma and we have been traveling to this region for 20+ years. Through frequent travels to West African countries, our team has seen firsthand the need for better education, clean water, and healthcare for young people.

The partnership with Edukans aligns with Sasma’s long-term commitment to supporting education and youth development in Africa.

Join Us

We invite our stakeholders to support Edukans’ mission. Together, we can amplify the impact of education, ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Wood You Care: Continuing Our Partnership 

We are pleased to share that we are continuing our partnership with Wood You Care – a Dutch organization that plants trees and grows forests. To date, Sasma has planted over 3,000 trees in Indonesia, Kenya and Brazil. With the help of this organization we are helping to reduce CO2, enrich soil, and create employment opportunities.

Visit our Sasma page HERE to see our achievements together with Wood You Care 

Company Updates

We’re excited to share progress on our new Halsteren facility! Strategically located between Antwerp and Rotterdam, this project will consolidate all of Sasma’s filling activities under one roof—enhancing service efficiency, expanding our product line, and supporting global demand. With 23 tanks designed for growth, advanced sustainability features including 150 solar panels, and streamlined logistics, Halsteren marks a major step forward in strengthening our operations while remaining committed to quality, safety, and the environment. Opening is set for April 2026!

2025 Trade Fair Calendar

See You at Sasma’s 2025 Events!

We’re excited to announce our international trade fair schedule throughout 2025! These events are the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore how we can support your business needs.

Join us as we showcase our premium product offerings and global expertise. We look forward to meeting you in person and discussing how we can work together.
Check out our full event schedule below and don’t forget to book a meeting with our team! 

• Vinitaly: Verona, Italy, 6-9 Apr.
• In-Cosmetics: Amsterdam, Netherlands, 8-10 Apr.
• ProWine Hong Kong: Hong Kong, China, 14-16 May
• Vinexpo Asia: Singapore, 27-29 May
• BCB London: London, England, 30 June- 1 July
• Whisky Show: London, England, 3-5 Oct.
• Whisky Live Paris: Paris, France, 27-29 Sept.
• ProWine Sao Paulo: Sao Paulo, Brazil, 30 Sept. - 2 Oct.
• BCB Berlin: Berlin, Germany, 6-8 Oct.
• Salon du Rhum: Spa, Belgium, 5-6 Oct.
• FI Europe: Paris, France, 2-4 Dec.

Visit our website for up to date Trade Fair schedule information.