Chile: Maule-based winery VIA Wines has appointed Hallgarten Druitt to distribute its Oveja Negra brand.  Hallgarten Druitt will take over responsibility for handling on- and off-trade sales within the UK with immediate effect.

Scottish beer company Innis & Gunn has formed a US operational arm - Innis & Gunn USA.  The new company, led by Dan DeLuca, will be responsible for the distribution and marketing of the Innis & Gunn range as the US becomes a key focus for securing the brand’s continued growth.  Figures for 2009 released next month are expected to show a 30% YoY rise in turnover.

Australian wine producers are facing the prospect of their industry contracting by as much as 25%

Bacardi USA has opened new headquarters in Florida. The import, sales, and marketing arm of Bacardi has opened a 15 storey office in Coral Gables. Mayor Don Slesnick was on hand to present the company with a proclamation declaring February 4, 2010, Bacardi Day in Coral Gables, Florida.

Pubs are now closing at a rate of 39 a week, down on the 52 a week closure rate in the first half of 2009, according to the latest survey from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

US: Diageo has unveiled two new brand extensions for its ultra premium Cîroc vodka. Cîroc  Red Berry and Cîroc  Coconut are now available across the country and the new extensions will support events like the 'Big Game' in Miami, basketball's All Star weekend in Dallas, Fashion Week in New York and the Oscars in Los Angeles. The product launch party is to feature music from Wyclef Jean.

US: Heaven Hill Distilleries has promoted Jessica L. Butt to Metro New York sales manager.

South African wines are to be available in light-weight bottles.

Edrington is to buy the Cutty Sark blended scotch whisky brand and Berry Bros acquires the Glenrothes single malt whisky

InterContinental Brands, the makers of Vodkat, will still be allowed to use the Vodkat name.

France: Wine producers Jeanjean and Laroche have merged to form a new group called Advini.

US: The spirits industry has proved recession resilient, according to the Distilled Sprits Council (DISCUS).

UK: Australian wine Wolf Blass is investing over £2 million in its largest ever sport-based campaign. The rugby-themed campaign launches this month and will run throughout 2010.

US: Skyy vodka has launched a ginger infusion.

Phil Laffer, the winemaker responsible for the Jacob’s Creek wine brand is going live on line to answer questions

UK: Molson Coors has appointed a new marketing director.

Absolut has launched a new flavour. Absolut Berri Açaí is vodka with açaí, blueberry and pomegranate.

Bacardi and Brown Forman are to end their distribution arrangements in Germany

Wines of Germany has relaunched its website for UK trade and consumers.