UK/US: Bacardi-owned Oxley Spirits Company has produced the first ever cold distillation spirit - Oxley ultra premium English gin.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has upheld the right for Dutch brewers, Bavaria NV, to produce and market their 'Bavaria' beer in Italy, despite the fact that German Bavarian beer enjoys geographical protection.

UK: The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has hit out at a top police officer’s call for an 80p per unit minimum on alcohol.

SABMiller has announced plans sell 10% of its subsidiary South African Breweries to black investors.

Diageo plans to cut 500 jobs and close sites in Scotland.

US: Cork closure Diam has turned its attention to the US. The company hopes to grow volume sales and increase the profile of Diam within the US trade and consumer wine media, build relationships with key industry influencers and drive the closure debate.  

Turkey: Tax discrimination against imported spirits is to be eliminated.

Diageo has kicked off its global marketing campaign for Tanqueray gin.

UK: Sailor Jerry spiced rum is to sponsor the Big Chill Festival. The First Drinks brand is also launching a new website  and online summer campaign to connect with its intended audience - 21-35 year olds. The website aims to promote both Sailor Jerry and the story of the man behind the brand, Norman Collins.

Baltika beer is now also brewed under licence in Australia. The Independent Distillers company has launched licensed production of Baltika №3 in 0.33 litre bottles.

US: Anheuser-Busch InBev has sold four metal beverage can  and lid plants to Ball for USD577 million.

Alcohol addiction accounts for more than half of all deaths among 15 to 54 year old Russians, according to a study published in general medical journal The Lancet.

Pernod Ricard has announced seven new appointments, effective from July 1 2009.

The Rare Auld whisky collection from Duncan Taylor is being relaunched as from tomorrow (1 July).

Spanish wine brand Berberana has appointed two-Michelin starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola as its global brand ambassador.