Drinks International is delighted to announce that Patience Gould, its former editor and a well known figure in the drinks industry, is returning to write a regular column.

The Isle of Jura Distillery has opened a £100,000 visitor centre.

The Rémy Cointreau Group has announced the sale of Piper-heidseick – Compangni Champenoise to EPI (Européenne de Participations Industrielles)

Laithwaites, the international wine mail-order company, has released Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 from California.

The Balvenie has opened ‘The Whisky Den’ in London, an interactive pop-up venue for visitors to experience the brand’s whisky making process.

Drambuie has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as future CEO and added Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Brown to its board of directors.

Treasury Wine Estates has announced that the scheme of arrangement for the demerger of Treasury Wine Estates from Foster's Group was implemented on Friday 20 May 2011.

Wine producers looking to export to China for the first time need to get to grips with demands for high-quality packaging and culturally-sensitive labels, according to Wine Intelligence.

Heineken USA has appointed Scott Blazek as the company’s senior vice president, sales. He will join the management team and report to president and chief executive officer, Dolf van den Brink.

Foster’s Group has appointed Dean Matthews to the role of chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23.

Entrants aiming to crack the US market need to take a bold approach, according to a wine importer.

Gin and vodka distiller G&J Greenall has opened premises in London.

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits has appointed Maxxium UK to distribute No. 3 London Dry Gin from June 1, 2011. Since its launch in 2010, the brand has been distributed by Inspirit Brands.

New World brands continue to dominate the global wine sector and now constitute 13 of the top 15 wine brands, according to a recent study.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched a unit to tackle fraud in the UK wine and spirits industry.

Australian producer McGuigan Wines has launched The Shortlist, a five-strong range exclusive in the UK to wine retailer Magestic.

Tia Maria is hoping to “rejuvenate” its UK image with a new marketing campaign and the appointment of musician Paloma Fairth as UK brand ambassador.

Chivas Brothers, the premium gin and scotch whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, has launched a gin website, www.ginandtales.com.

Moet & Chandon has launched a champagne designed to be served over ice.

Lanson International has launched a website to educate trade and consumers about champagne, called L‟Académie de Lanson.

The International Wine and Spirits Institute (IWSI), based in Bordeaux, is to open an eight-week spirits training programme in London next year.

Courvoisier has launched its Connoisseur Collection to the UK through distributor Maxxium.

The Glenmorangie Company has announced the release of Pride 1981, a 28-year old single malt whisky that has been finished in Sauternes casks for ten years.

Patrón Spirits has appointed Phil Gervasi, a former VP at Diageo, as executive vice president of sales for North America.

Andy Glaser from Moët Hennessy has been appointed chief executive officer at Purity vodka.

Irish Distillers, the Irish whiskey arm of Pernod Ricard, unveiled two new single pot still Irish whiskeys today (May 5).

Pernod Ricard’s board of directors have co-opted Laurent Burelle to replace Lord Douro, who has resigned from his duties for personal reasons.

SABMiller has announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Wilson as deputy chief financial officer.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has enforced its 2009 regulations for the first time in Scotland.

Chivas Brothers has introduced new packaging across its “core range" of The Glenlivet.

Online whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a 40-year old whisky liqueur.

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has hosted the US Drinks Conference (USDC) business programme at the 68th Annual Convention & Exposition in Orlando.

UK brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner has released a limited edition ale to celebrate Ascot Racecourse’s 300^thbirthday.

Gerard Chaussee, director of French liqueurs specialist Vedrenne, has said that he hopes to present a new organic creme de cassis at next year's International Spirits Challenge.

Funkin, the UK-based puree company, has expanded its range of cocktail mixers with the launch of Strawberry Woo Woo, Mai Tai and Sour Mix.

The absinthe ban in France has been lifted, according to absinthe brand La Fée.

SPI Group has appointed James (Jim) Schleifer as senior vice president of Stolichnaya North America.

SPI Group has acquired shares in Argentinean winery Achaval-Ferrer, as part of its strategy of investing in “jewels of the wine world”.

Pernod Ricard US has announced that Malibu has added Cranberry-Cherry to its range of rum liqueurs, following a vote by consumers.

Foster's has announced that it will not be able to proceed with the proposed appointment of Peter Hearl as a non-executive director of Treasury Wine Estates, in connection with the proposed demerger of Treasury from Foster's.

Highland scotch whisky distillery Tomatin has appointed Graham Eunson as distillery manager. This appointment will take effect from August 1, 2011.

Two of London’s bartenders drew swords in San Francisco in the final of the No. 209 Gin Duel.

Jim Beam has launched its Red Stag bourbon-based drink in the UK market and in travel retail outlets across Europe.

SABMiller has launched a new Peroni Nastro Azzurro global ad campaign that celebrates the Italian summer.

Brazilians are increasingly turning to wine as their beverage of choice, according to consumer research published by Wine Intelligence.

Based on Distilled Spirits Council of the United States figures for 2010, DISCUS senior vice-president government affairs, Mark Gorman, has described the market for whisky/whiskey in the US as: “Looking very healthy”.

In an “outsider’s view” speech, former Speedo International marketing head, and incoming marketing director at CL World Brands, Steven Sturgeon, warned that the spirits industry is “beginning to sell its soul” by defaulting to price promotions to gain sales.

At the World Whiskies Conference in Glasgow, one-time Diageo brand director and William Grant & Sons global marketing director Steven Sturgeon announced that he has recently returned to the industry in the role of marketing director at CL World Brands.

Christie’s has conducted a 36-hour wine auction in Hong Kong and New York, with sales totalling US$11.2m.

Champagne cooperative Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has appointed Julie Campos as commercial director.

Glazer’s, the Dallas-based wine, spirits and malt beverage distributors, has appointed Jim Oliver as senior vice president of fine wine.

Glazer’s, the Dallas-based wine, spirits and malt beverage distributors, has appointed Jim Oliver as senior vice president of fine wine.

SABMiller subsidiary company Southern Sudan Beverages (SSBL) is to invest US$15m to increase production capacity.

10% of cancer in males and 3% in women is attributable to alcohol, according to Europe-wide research by the British Medical Journal.

Producers throughout the Cognac region have major concerns that early budbreak, caused by an unprecedented warm spell in early April, could result in severe crop damage if night-time temperatures fall to freezing in the next few weeks.

Heinemann Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Germany-based duty free retailer and distributor Gebr Heinemann, has appointed Paul Topping to the role of director.

Diageo Great Britain (GB) will rename Morgan’s Spiced, Captain Morgan's Spiced, bringing it more into line with its global brand Captain Morgan.

Indian distributor Radico Khaitan is to launch Japanese whiskies the Yamazaki 12 year old and Hibiki 17 year old in India.

Stock Spirits Group has appointed Waldemar Maj and Dominique Bach as non-executive directors.

Finlandia vodka, part of Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands, has unveiled a new global packaging design dubbed ‘melting ice’.

William Grant & Sons and Russian Standard Corporation have announced the end of their respective distribution agreements in Russia and the UK.

Prosecco winery Follador has appointed World of Patria as its travel retail and duty free distribution partner.

UK off-licence chain Oddbins has appointed Deloitte as administrator.

Pernod Ricard has announced the sale of its minority shareholding in Suntory Holdings, which stands at around 1%.

Ian Macleod Distillers has appointed Danielle Murphy as business development manager at its Scotland-based sales team.

German distiller Asbach has launched a three-year old brandy to the UK market.

Stock Spirits recorded double-digit organic revenue growth and profit growth in 2010.

Prowein organiser Messe Düsseldorf has announced record attendance figures for the show held this week, 27-29 March 2011.

Spirits group Wemyss Malts has appointed Karen Stewart as PR and marketing manager.

South African winery Linton Park has announced the launch of The Rhino of Linton Park range.

Exports of Rhone wine to the UK have reached 190,000 hectolitres. Inter Rhone marketing manager Olivier Legrand said these figures mark a return to pre-recession levels.

Treasury Wine Estates has launched Bellavie, a rosé wine targeted at young females in the UK.

Russian Distiller has launched two new ‘bread wines’, Rye Polugar and Rye Malt Polugar.

Swedish vodka brand DQ has re-launched to the UK, following the restructuring of parent company Nordic Spirit.

US: Pernod Ricard has lost an appeals court ruling over the Havana Club trademark.

2010 was a record year for scotch whisky exports, according to new figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The performance confirmed scotch whisky as one of the UK’s top exporting industries.

Pernod Ricard  is to donate ¥ 60 million (€ 525,000) to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort.

Distiller William Grant & Sons has released Glenfiddich Foundation Reserve to the UK market.

Diageo’s Johnnie Walker is the number one spirits brand by value according to Impact Databank’s Top 100 Premium Spirits list.

Brown-Forman has announced that its board of directors has authorised the repurchase of up to $250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common shares until November 30, 2011, subject to market and other conditions.

Jack Daniels has launched a honey whiskey – the brand’s first launch in nearly a generation.

Canada: Brick Brewing Company has acquired the Canadian rights to the Seagram Coolers brand from Corby Distilleries. The transaction closed upon signing.

Europe: Pernod Ricard has resumed the supply of Malibu after stopping it due to a ‘fluctuation in the coconut flavour’.

Team Italy has won the 2011 42 Below Cocktail World Cup.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has acquired the low-calorie cocktail brand Skinnygirl. Skinnygirl was created by natural foods chef and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands has announced a ten year incentive-based agreement with Coca-Cola Amatil in Australia.

Angostura has crowned the winner of its 2011 Global Cocktail Challenge. Andy Griffiths from Cookie bar in Melbourne, Australia, took home the US$10,000 prize as well as a one year brand ambassadorship.

Twenty two UK bartenders have been put through their paces in the London heat of The Tahona Society and Olmeca Margarita Competition 2011.

UK: The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called for a freeze on spirits duty in next week’s budget (23 March). The SWA has said that this is the “first step to introducing a fairer and more responsible system of alcohol taxation”.

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) will offer a US Drinks Conference (USDC) business programme at the 68th Annual Convention & Exposition on April 10-13, in Orlando.

Drinks International has the following update on the situation at major Japanese distilleries in the wake of the country’s recent earthquake.

Last year UK champagne sales rose by 16.3%  compared with 2009, according to the Champagne Bureau (CIB).

Bushmills has announced that it will launch a global competition on St Patrick’s day, called Make it 2 Bushmills.

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has appointed Cécile Lamotte as marketing director.

Diageo has announced the launch of super premium vodka Smirnov Titul to the Russian market.

Beam Global's UK distributor Maxxium is increasing its investment in Harveys, with the campaign Harveys Half Hour.

Scotch company Gordon & MacPhail has launched The Glenlivet 70 Year Old, priced at £13,000 a bottle.

Wine Australia will host 100 Chinese wine professionals in a bid to gain influence in the Chinese market.

South African drinks group Distell has appointed Matthew Clark as UK distributors for five of its wine brands.

Laura Orozco has been named associate winemaker at V. Sattui Winery in the Napa Valley.

Distributor Maxxium UK will invest £15m in Courvoisier this year to drive value and volume in the cognac category.

Jameson has devised a trio of St Patrick’s day promotions, including a global music event, radio broadcast and a special edition bottle.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has enlisted Tim Atkin to present a new series of three-minute YouTube-hosted programmes.

Jeff Clarke has been appointed chief winemaker at Marlborough’s Ara Wines.

Heineken has proposed that Charlotte Kwist replaces her uncle Dirk Pieter Hoyer as a director of Heineken Holdings.

Blended scotch brand The Famous Grouse has begun a trial of The Ginger Grouse, a mix of whisky and ginger beer.

Rémy Martin has announced the sale of a 1930s crystal carafe containing Louis XIII cognac, for an estimated €50,000.

Cork producer Amorim recorded double-digit volume growth in 2010.

Havana Club grew by 15% in 2010, following strong performances in Cuba, Germany, France and the UK.

William Grant & Sons has repackaged its Grant’s Sherry Cask Finish and Ale Cask Finish expressions.

AB InBev’s buoyant Asia-Pacific and Latin America markets have offset negative growth in North America and Europe, to spur overall revenue growth.

Scotch distiller Laphroaig has announced the global roll out of its Triple Wood expression.

The Rémy Cointreau Group has announced that it has entered into “exclusive negotiations with EPI” to sell its champagne division.

US distributors Glazer’s has appointed Robert Swartz as chief operating officer and Phil Meacham as executive vice president malt beverages.

Brown-Forman has sold its Fetzer wine business to Concha y Toro for US$238 million. The transaction is expected to close in April 2011.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has launched its Level 3 Advanced Certificate in India.

Canada’s wine market is set for a period of value growth but volume decline, according to research by Wine Intelligence.

United Wineries has expanded its UK team with the appointment of Robert Rand as national account manager.

UK gin distiller G&J Greenall has celebrated its 250th birthday by redesigning its Original London Dry Gin.

Beam has launched a single barrel variant of its Knob Creek bourbon brand in the US. Knob Creek single barrel is bottled from one barrel, making each batch unique.

Clink! Wines, distributors to the UK and mainland Europe, has appointed Mariola Martinez as operations manager.

Fortune Brands has said it sees a “bright and prosperous future for Beam Global as an independent spirits company”.

The South African government has increased excise duty on spirits by 10% and wine by 8%.

UK spirits group Ian Macleod Distillers has recorded a 41% profit, buoyed by the growth of Glengoyne single malt whisky.

Bacardi has launched its Eristoff vodka brand in the US.

US: Beam Global has launched a cucumber flavour of its Effen vodka. Effen Cucumber Vodka is said to work well in a classic Bloody Mary or with melons such as cantaloupe and watermelon.

UK: Trade bodies Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have denied that UK alcohol consumption is rising.

Moderate drinking can help prevent heart disease, according to a new report in the British Medical Journal. The report, which is a review of research published over 30 years, said individuals who drink alcohol in moderation are less likely to develop heart disease compared to non-drinkers.

E&J Gallo has introduced a red wine that has been blended specifically so it can be drunk chilled.

Scotch brand Chivas Regal and designer Vivienne Westwood have collaborated to launch a new limited edition whisky.

Diageo has struck an agreement to acquire Turkey's "leading" spirits company, Mey Içki.

UK wine importer Buckingham Schenk has appointed Abi Sykes as marketing and new product development manager.

Whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a liqueur made from single malt scotch whisky.

Nemiroff has reported strong growth in 2010. The Ukrainian vodka brand said sales volumes rose to $473.6 million – $56.8 million (13.6%) up on the previous year. The company said the largest growth areas were Ukraine and Poland.

US: The Balvenie has launched a search for craftsmen and artisans to take part in a new initiative - The Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow.  The Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow is a celebration of craftsmanship that will travel the US “discovering and honoring the people who maintain a dedication to the practice and preservation of traditional crafts”.

Pernod Ricard has reported a sales increase of 13% to €4.28 billion in its half year results.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has appointed Albert Baladi as president of Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), effective March 5.

Foster’s Group has announced a proposal to demerge Treasury Wine Estates at a cost of AU$151m.

Brown-Forman has launched Canadian 'maple wood' whisky, Collingwood, in four US states.

Scotch whisky Royal Salute has announced its sponsorship of the Sentebale’s Polo Cup in Dubai.

Europe: The Glenmorangie Company has launched new expression Finealta at the newly-reopened Savoy Hotel in London.

UK importer PLB has been appointed by Rioja winery Bodegas Navajas, with effect from March this year.

UK: Nine out of ten wine drinkers want alcohol levels to be clearly displayed on the front label of bottles, according to a nationwide survey from Wineoption.org.

Diageo has reported an 4% increase in organic net sales growth for H2 of 2010, despite a drop of 3% in Europe.

The Australian wine market faces tough challenges ahead because of a growing reliance on discounting, according to Wine Intelligence.

Ara, the Malborough-based New Zealand winery, has appointed Matthew Adams to the role of sales and marketing general manager.

William Grant & Sons has appointed Stephen Corrigan to its Global Travel Retail team, as the director for North America.

Belgian beers Duvel and Liefmans have been launched in India.

Non-refillable closures company Guala Closures has acquired Spanish closure manufacturing company and former Guala Closures licensee Plastivit, which has facilities in Barcelona and Veracruz (Mexico).

The UK is Chile’s number one export market for bottled wine by value, according to figures released by Wines of Chile.

UK lobbying body the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has appointed Carlo Gibbs as its new public affairs executive.

The Supreme Court of Spain has ruled in favour of Pernod Ricard and the Cuban government in the Havana Club trademark dispute with Bacardi.

The US will drive wine volume growth over the next 20 years, according to research by Wine Intelligence.

Diageo has announced a new global brand director for Guinness. Oliver Loomes has been appointed to the role, following Brian Duffy’s promotion to global category director for beer.

UK: AB InBev has launched a cider under the Stella Artois name. Stella Artois Cidre will be available from easter 2011 in 568ml bottles and 440ml cans and the company suggests serving the product over ice.

Molson Coors (UK) has announced the acquisition of Cornwall-based Sharp’s brewery. The deal includes the well-known Doom Bar brand. The transaction in believed to be worth £20 million.

Santiago Quevedo has been appointed to the position of trade marketing manager and brand ambassador at Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas (RCTRA).

Whyte & Mackay has struck an agreement with Liquidity to manage Pinky vodka in North America.

Treasury Wine Estates has withdrawn from Wine Australia until “more commercially viable campaigns are put in place”.

The owner of website domain name islay.com has announced that it will be sold on ebay.

Constellation Wines Australia and Europe has been renamed Accolade Wines following the completed acquisition of an 80% share in the company by Australian equity group Champ.

Diageo aims to cut its global carbon emissions by 50% by 2015, while Bacardi has published details of its environmental advancements.

In its fourth edition, the International Cognac Summit (ICS) 2011, attempted to answer the question: can you quantify pleasure when tasting cognac?

Bacardi has named Jon Grey and Robert Furniss-Roe regional presidents of Middle East and Africa, and Latin America respectively.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has launched a range of ‘city-specific’ travel retail gift packs for Maker’s Mark bourbon. The launch is part of a long term strategy to grow the brand globally.

The US spirits industry is “showing signs of recovery” boosted by consumers’ return to super premium products, says the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

Diageo has announced a host city for the final of its World Class 2011 bartender competition. Delhi, India, will play host to the final of what has been dubbed “the Oscars of the industry”.

Cognac has reported record-breaking shipment figures for 2010. The region reported the value of 2010 shipments to be €1.86 billion.

Diageo has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Hanoi Liquor Joint Stock Company (“Halico”) in Vietnam.  In addition, Diageo has agreed to acquire a 23.6% stake in Halico from VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited, for approximately £33 million.

The worldwide competition to appoint four Glenrothes whisky makers closes at the end of January. According to organisers, response to the competition has been very strong but there is still a chance to enter online. The successful candidates will be recruited to work as The Glenrothes whisky makers at the Speyside distillery, Scotland.

UK: The deputy prime minister Nick Clegg MP raised a glass to scotch whisky exports – up 12% in the first ten months of 2010.

UK: Bacardi Brown–Forman Brands (BBFB) has launched two new readymade cocktails for the on-trade.  Bacardi Mojito and Bacardi Cuba Libre come under the umbrella name Bacardi Originals.

Brown-Forman has launched a new bourbon under the Early Times brand. Early Times 354 bourbon joins Early Times Kentucky Whisky in an expansion of the Early Times brand.

The US Spirits division of Diageo North America has appointed Mark Hubler as president of Open States and Greg Armstrong president of Control States and National Accounts.

One hundred-year old whiskies that belonged to Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton have been sent to a Whyte & Mackay distillery for testing.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has backed government plans to ban the sale of alcohol at below the cost of duty and VAT.

UK: The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has labelled government plans to tackle cheap supermarket alcohol a ‘failure’.

Join us for a live web chat with Jacob’s Creek chief winemaker Bernard Hickin on Wednesday January 19 at 1pm (GMT).

A Syrah from the Limarí Valley was named Best in Show at the 8th Annual Wines of Chile Awards.

Diageo Gobal Travel Middle East (GTME) has announced three ‘key strategic leadership’ appointments to its senior executive management team.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has launched two new whiskeys.

Vodka is set to maintain its status as the world’s number one spirit over the next four years, while rum will show double-digit growth.

Brown-Forman has appointed Michael McShane as managing director for Asia Pacific, effective February 1, 2011.  McShane succeeds Stuart Beck who is to retire from the company in May 2011.  McShane will be based in Hong Kong.

Former Wine Australia boss Paul Henry is to join wine research company Wine Intelligence as associate director.

Bill Samuels Jr is to step down as president of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

The US will overtake Italy as the world’s largest consumer of still wine by 2012.

UK: Pernod Ricard is to launch a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc under its Brancott Estate brand. Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Brut is to be available in the on and off trade with a recommended retail price of £12.99. The brand is expected to be on the shelf by August 2011.

Africa: Heineken has announced the acquisition of two holding companies from the Sona Group. The two acquired businesses have controlling interests in each of the Sona, IBBI, Benue, Life and Champion breweries in Nigeria.

New Zealand: An organic wine group has set a goal for 20% of New Zealand vineyards to be organic by 2020.

Foster’s Group has committed $500,000 to help Queensland flood victims.

French wine barrel manufacturer, Groupe Charlois, has expanded into the US with the purchase of Winemakers Cooperage (WC) from Treasury Wine Estates.

Australian wine brand Wolf Blass has signed a two year deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to be the official wine of England rugby until June 2012.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has appointed Tom McPartlin as vice president, chief information officer and business systems transformation leader.

Czech beer Budvar bucked a 12% decline in Czech beer exports in 2010 to record growth of 4%.

The fourth International Cognac Summit (ICS) will focus on the effect of cognac on the palate.

Foster’s has launched an online tribute to England’s cricket victory, the first time for 24 years that England has won an Ashes Test Series in Australia.

Courvoisier cognac is to be available on Virgin Atlantic flights.

The UK National Measurements Office (NMO) has confirmed that 100ml servings of fortified wine will be allowed under new plans.

The Pre-Mixed Drinks Challenge Awards have been announced.

Saxco, a US-based group of packaging companies affiliated to Saxco International, has appointed James Hartman as quality assurance manager.

Dutch branding and packaging design consultancy Claessens/Cartils has changed its name to Cartils.

The UK government plans to allow the on-trade to serve schooners of beer (two-thirds of a pint) and glasses of wine under 75ml.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has appointed Donard Gaynor as senior vice president corporate development.

Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) and Carlsberg Group have extended their agreement for the distribution of Carlsberg brands in Australia.

Brand Phoenix has been appointed distributors for Angove Family Winemakers in the UK off-trade.

Walmart-owned UK supermarket Asda has seen a 50% sales growth in Old World wine during 2010, compared with 9% in the previous year.

Martell cognac is to launch a “luxury shopping experience” in Kuala Lumpur International airport.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has gained a geographical indication of origin for scotch whisky in Vietnam.

Coe Group-owned UK distributor Barwell & Jones has added Willow Bridge Estate to its portfolio of wines.

Bordeaux Wine Council has announced the release of a mobile phone application called Smart Bordeaux.

UK charities Alcohol Concern and the Children’s Society have called for “mandatory social work training” on the issues surrounding parental alcohol misuse.

Diageo Great Britain (Diageo GB) has agreed a final settlement with Intercontinental Brands (ICB) in their dispute over ICB’s Vodkat product. The settlement sees the end of litigation between the two companies that has been ongoing since 2008.

The latest sales data shows wine sales growing in overall value in pubs, clubs (+3.5%) and restaurants as well as in shops (+2.7%), despite a fall in volumes.

New research by Wine Intelligence suggests that UK wine drinkers are prepared to spend more on bottles of wine to drink at home.

Jameson has reached three million nine litre case sales (MAT ending October 31). According to the brand, growth in the US, Jameson’s largest export market, contributed to its milestone success, with one million cases sold.

Rémy Cointreau USA has extended its distribution agreement with The Edrington Group to include Brugal rum in the US market.

Limited edition Beefeater Winter gin has made its European travel retail debut in the main World Duty Free store in London Heathrow Terminal 3.

Russian Distiller has launched Krivach, a malted rye distillate that is said to be the first of its type in Russia for 120 years.

Cognac brand Baron Otard has launched Fortis et Fidelis, describing it as its oldest and rarest expression.

Diageo intends to grow Captain Morgan into a "global mega brand", according to Ed Pilkington, the group’s global category director for vodka, gin and rum.

Moet Hennessy, the wines and spirits arm of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), has appointed Jim Clerkin as president and CEO of Moet Hennessy USA, effective December 1, 2010.

First Cape Wines has announced it will sponsor the British and Irish Lions rugby tour of Australia in 2013.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has announced expanded leadership roles for executives Bill Newlands, Phil Baldock and Bob Probst.

Global drinks giant Diageo has opened the doors to its new rum distillery in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan will deliver the keynote address at the World Climate Change and Wine Congress 2011.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has backed the UK Government’s planned reduction of duty on low-alcohol beer.

Brugal 1888 has been launched at Brugal Island, a rum tasting bar and store situated in Madrid airport.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has criticised the Government’s alcohol taxation and pricing review, saying the Treasury has missed an opportunity to introduce a transparent duty system.

UK charity Drinkaware has said that tougher action is needed to counter UK binge drinking.

Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) is to purchase the global rights for Kauffman vodka.

Russia could be the next growth market for cider, according to a new report.

Rob Samuels has been appointed to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO) of Maker’s Mark bourbon, one of Fortune Brands’ premium spirits brands.

Diageo has initiated discussions to take over 50% of Guatemalan rum brand Zacapa.

Budweiser Budvar has launched an unpasteurised beer in the UK.

Stock Spirits Group, the company behind five million case vodka brand Czysta de Luxe, has appointed Credit Suisse as its financial advisor.

Amaretto brand Disaronno has hosted the final of its first Mixing Star cocktail competition in London.

Stock Spirits has made several new appointments to its senior management team.

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits (BBRS) has added a rum brand to its spirits portfolio.

President Cristina Fernández has declared wine to be Argentina’s national drink.

UK wine importer PLB is to manage and distribute the Australian Brown Brothers portfolio in the UK and Ireland.

Chivas Brothers is taking its travel retail aged whisky campaign to the Americas.

A Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region has been named Champion Wine at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Jack Daniel’s celebrated the 160th birthday of its founder this month, with the fourth edition of its UK cocktail competition.

Scotch whisky has been granted geographical indication of origin (GI) in Panama.

Seven of London’s top bartenders did battle at the inaugural Tabasco British Bloody Mary Challenge in Selfridges’ Hix Restaurant & Champagne Bar.

UK: Hennessy will mark 54 years of continuous partnership - British racing’s longest commercial sponsorship - at this year’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse on November 27.

Wine producer François Lurton has said he expects China to become the largest wine producing country in the world.

UK beer brewer Adnams has opened a small-scale distillery, producing vodka, gin and whisky.

Whisky liqueur brand Drambuie has created a cocktail to celebrate the announcement of Prince William’s engagement to Kate Middleton.

The European Spirits Organisation (CEPS) has launched a new five-year commitment to promote responsible drinking.

Spanish wine group Baron de Ley-El Coto has announced the purchase of winery Carbonera-Bergasa as part of a €5m investment in Rioja white wines.

The economic contribution of Europe's spirits industry to the European economy has been revealed in a new report. The report was prepared by Ernst & Young and commissioned by CEPS – the trade body for the European spirits industry.

A bottle of 64 year old Macallan has sold for $460,000 (£280,000). The Macallan and decanter creator Lalique set a record for a bottle of whisky sold at auction and all of the proceeds will go to a charity called Water.  The bottle was auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York City.

The board of Wineworld London has announced the appointment of a new managing director at Vinopolis.

Paul Henry, outgoing general manager, market development for the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC), has accused retailers of being only interested in “volume and price” and described retailer consolidation and price compression as direct threats to proprietary brands.

The Macallan 64 Year Old, the brand’s ‘oldest and rarest’ expression, is expected to sell for $100,000 at a charity auction.

Logistics company JF Hillebrand has acquired Lagena Distribution, the Stockholm-based distributors.

The Marie Brizard Belvédère Group hosted 43 bartenders from 27 countries at the 27^th International Bartender Seminar (IBS).

The trade has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to reject minimum pricing. This was the final time in which MSPs could vote to decisively keep minimum pricing out of the Alcohol Bill. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has consistently argued that minimum pricing would be illegal and ineffective in addressing misuse, whilst significantly damaging one of Scotland’s key industries.

Diageo has launched a new expression of its Johnnie Walker scotch whisky in Delhi duty free. Johnnie Walker XR 21 year old is now available in T3, Indira Gandhi International Airport.

A London speakeasy has been named the best bar in the world, according to an industry poll.

The International Spirits Challenge winners were announced at a ceremony in London last night.

China - an important market for scotch whisky – has announced that it will recognise and protect ‘scotch whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Laphroaig Quarter Cask has been voted Scotland’s best single malt by The Whisky Shop.

Scotch whisky exports are up 17% compared with last year, with nine of the category’s top ten markets in growth.

UK cider has been redefined in parliament, with a minimum juice content for the category set at 35%.

Elitemarket.com has created a virtual cellar for online shoppers to view, research and buy single malt scotch whiskies.

Guala Closures, the bottle closure producer, will invest €11m on new machinery following the acquisition of an aluminium printing and cutting facility.

Foster's Group has appointed Anthony Reeves to the role of chief financial officer (CFO), on a fixed term contract, effective from Monday 8 November 2010.

International wine export volumes have recovered to near pre-recession levels, but value is still lagging behind, according to Rabobank Wine Quarterly.

Woodford Reserve has released ‘the first’ maple wood-finished bourbon, as part of its Masters Collection range.

Ukrainian vodka producer Nemiroff has started producing its vodka in Belarus. Nemiroff has partnered with Minsk Kristall in Belarus, which is part of national food processing company Belgospischeprom.

Baileys Original Irish Cream is spending $250K on re-uniting American families during the Christmas period.

An Estonian has been named Best Baltic Sommelier after winning the Vana Tallinn Grand Prix 2010.

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) is recruiting for the role of president.

US spirits company Proximo has entered into a UK distribution agreement with Marblehead Brand Development.

Ukrainian brand Nemiroff has begun producing vodka in the Republic of Belarus.

Diageo has launched its autumn Special Release Series, a collection of single malt scotch whiskies aimed at the world’s top bars and whisky connoisseurs.

Les Compagnons du Cognac, a social enterprise designed to support and protect small and independent producers of VSOP and XO cognac, is about to be launched.

UK: Fentimans, known for its traditional soft drinks, has created its first alcoholic offering - Hollows Superior Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

Chilean wine producer Viña Ventisquero (VV) has appointed Hugo Salvestrini to the newly created position of director of wine sales.

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has announced that the ‘Napa Valley’ name has been granted Geographic Indication Status (GI) in India.

Irish whiskey Jameson has launched a new expression in South Africa. Jameson Select Reserve is made from a blend of small batch grain whiskey, not found in any other Jameson expression, and single Irish pot still whiskey.

The Whisky Show is back for its second year, following the success of the inaugural 2009 show.

UK retailer The Co-operative has announced plans to switch its own-brand Californian wine range to lightweight bottles.

Following a strategic review of its global operations, Pernod Ricard has confirmed that its key international wine properties will be grouped and managed under one business – Premium Wine Brands.

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition 2010 saw guest numbers rise by 8% compared with last year.

Diageo is rolling out a global marketing campaign for its scotch single malt Talisker. The campaign – Made By the Sea – reflects the brand’s Isle of Skye heritage.

UK beer sales fell by 9.7% in the third quarter, according to the latest UK Quarterly Beer Barometer, published by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

Whisky brand Glenglassaugh has announced the release of a limited edition range of single malt scotches named ‘Manager’s Legacy’.

East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a subsidiary of Diageo, has completed the acquisition of 51% of the issued share capital of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL). EABL made the purchase from existing shareholders for a total consideration of approximately US$60.4million.

Diageo brand Smirnoff has announced ‘country pairings’ for its global nightlife exchange project.

US: Marketer and importer W.J. Deutsch & Sons (Deutsch) has signed a five year distribution agreement with Glazer's. The deal grants Glazer's the exclusive rights to sell Deutsch's portfolio of wine - including the Yellow Tail brand - and spirits in Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Two Asian wine experts are to host an introduction to the Institute of Masters of Wine education programme at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair in early November.

SABMiller has appointed Karl Lippert as its new president of Latin America, following the announcement of Barry Smith’s retirement.

Drinks International Travel Retail Awards trophy winners were announced during the Tax Free World Association exhibition in Cannes this week (October 19).

Scotch whisky The Macallan has invested in a profile-raising promotion of its 1824 range across the Asian travel retail market.

PET bottles are set to become the most popular alternative to glass among UK wine drinkers, according to Wine Intelligence.

Wines Of South Africa’s (WOSA) first Sommelier World Cup has been won by an American.

Moët & Chandon has launched its Grand Vintage 2002 Champagne to the UK market. In what the company describes as “an unprecedented move for the House”, the wine was released after the 2003 Grand Vintage to enable the wine to fully mature and develop.

The Dalmore has launched Dalmore 64 Trinitas, a limited edition Scotch whisky with a retail value of £100,000.

The Absolut Company Global Travel Retail threw a swish party in Cannes last night (October 18) to unveil its latest limited edition Absolut vodka.

New York is tough for a small company trying to get its brand listed and stocked in the city, according to the chief executive of Xanté, the Swedish company with the eponymous cognac and pear liqueur brand.

UK: The drinks trade has rejected calls for tough restrictions on alcohol advertising. Alcohol awareness charity Alcohol Concern has published research suggesting that “millions of children as young as four were subjected to alcohol marketing during televised England games at the world cup this summer”.

SABMiller has recorded double-digit lager sales growth in its African and Asian markets

Patrón Spirits is rolling out its Pyrat rum brand to duty free.

Guilt could be the future, according to a marketing guru at TFWA Cannes. The Tax Free World Association’s 26^th exhibition opened on October 18 in the southern French resort of Cannes.

Brooklyn Brewery, New York’s craft beer company, has launched Brooklyn Lager and East India Pale Ale in India.

Altia has signed an agreement to acquire cognac brand Renault from Pernod Ricard for a cash consideration of €10m.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand has announced the disposal of its Lindauer wine brand. The company has also announced the sale of several other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their related inventories and assets.

G H Mumm has released its 2002 vintage champagne to the UK and Italy.

Treasury Wine Estates brand Coldstream Hills has completed a $5m upgrade of its winemaking facilities

The gang rehabilitation programme, created by Venezuelan rum brand Santa Teresa, is being rolled out to the most dangerous districts of Caracas.

Pernod Ricard has agreed a six-month sponsorship deal with UK TV channel Dave for its Australian wine brand Jacob’s Creek.

US: Diageo has launched a Swedish vodka in the US market.

Winemaker and Prosecco brand Follador is launching to the UK market with a portfolio of sparkling and still wines.

The inaugural London Cocktail Week (LCW) has begun - a seven-day event of shows, pop-up bars, parties, classes and tastings.

Glen Garioch, the 200-year old Aberdeenshire-based distillery, has re-launched its range of single malt whiskies.

Cognac brand Courvoisier has undertaken a global repackaging of its VS label, starting with the UK and US markets.

Sri Lankan spirit Ceylon Arrack has appointed Mangrove as its exclusive UK importer.

US: Bacardi Limited has completed the initial phase of a $250m investment into its scotch whisky brand Dewar’s.

Spirits group William Grant & Sons has recorded year-on-year growth, with a 40% rise in revenue and a 9% increase in operating profits.

Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh has been selected by the UK prime minister David Cameron to advise on business and economic issues.

Ballantine’s has unveiled its first seasonal limited edition whisky entitled Christmas Reserve.

The United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) has unveiled new wine schemes for English and Welsh still wines, in line with the wine regime changes implemented by the EU.  A new wine scheme for sparkling wines will be introduced later this year.

SKyy Spirits, Gruppo Campari’s US-based subsidiary, has unveiled a new global ad campaign entitled Skyy Sexy to market its unflavoured vodka brand Skyy Vodka.

Monarq Group is to distribute Tia Maria and Disaronno in the Caribbean domestic and duty free markets.

Spirits group William Grant & Sons has announced investment plans for its travel retail operations.

Brand marketer, The Paddington Corporation, has announced a joint venture with 3 Amigos Tequila to market its range globally.

Langton’s Classification, the quinquennial (occurring every five years) guide to Australia’s best performing and most prized wines, has been published.

Hine Vintage Cognacs has developed a new “high-end” VSOP which will be exclusive to travel retail. The new cognac will be revealed at TFWA Cannes from October 18 -22.

Havana Club International is to launch an ultra premium rum.

Polish vodka Sobieski has launched three new flavoured vodkas in the US. Sobieski Orange, Sobieski Karamel and Sobieski Raspberry are imported by Imperial Brands.

UK: First Drinks has appointed Tom Wade as the new senior brand manager for its spiced rum Sailor Jerry. He will also be responsible for managing brand activity in the UK for Monkey Shoulder.

Spanish liqueur brand Licor 43 is targeting UK growth, after up-scaling its marketing operations with the appointment of a brand ambassador.

Global: Edrington Group has repackaged its Brugal rum, Añejo. The new design is said to reinforce the brand’s authenticity and reputation as the only rum distilled, matured and bottled in the Dominican Republic.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) met with the UK Home Office to air concerns over government proposals to change the Licensing Act.

Diageo is to roll out Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in the US.

Prosecco has grown in popularity among wine drinkers in the UK, according to consumer research carried out by Wine Intelligence.

Global drinks giant Diageo has opened the doors of its new £40 million distillery in Speyside, Scotland.

The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol in Britain could see retailers and manufacturers reap £700m in extra revenue.

Champagne Jacquart is to appoint Enotria as its exclusive UK distribution agent from October.

Whyte & Mackay is to distribute Cockspur rum in the UK and Ireland’s on and off trade markets, from October 1.

Indian distiller Amrut has extended its range of whiskies with the addition of a three cask-matured single malt.

Owner of Wemyss Malts, UK company the Wemyss family, has appointed L&L as its Asian travel retail partner for its portfolio of wines and spirits.

Italy/Australia: The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Consorzio has welcomed a ban on Australian producers using the term prosecco, under new EU laws. The Consorzio has pledged to continue fighting to get the ban implemented in other countries that continue to make prosecco, like Brazil.

Blavod Wines & Spirits will no longer distribute Cockspur rum in the UK market.

McWilliam’s winery has won Best White Wine at the invitation only Tri Nations Wine Challenge. The contest featured wines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The winery won Best White Wine of Show Trophy and Best Other White trophy for its flagship 2005 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon.

UK company First Drinks has appointed Una McCullough as marketing director.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, producers of Jameson, is set to introduce Redbreast 15 Year Old Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey as a permanent expression within the range in key international markets including Ireland, USA, France and Germany.

Scotch whisky distillers have welcomed a vote by the Scottish Parliament Health & Sport Committee to remove minimum pricing from the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill.

The number of brands meeting the criteria of The IWSR’s Elite Brands has fallen from 22 in 2009 to just 10 in 2010. Ukrainian vodka Nemiroff has taken the top spot.

Family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons has appointed a global brand ambassador for The Balvenie single malt scotch whisky.

Indian distiller Amrut is to launch its first ‘Intermediate Sherry Matured’ whisky. The product will be a limited edition of 275 cases.

Jamaica: J Wray & Nephew, owners of the Appleton Estate Jamaica rum brand, has announced the expansion of several roles within the international division.

Research commissioned by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association suggests consumers looking to economise are more likely to cut back on going out for meals and entertainment in the next year.

A new UK government minister outlined the thoughts of the new Coalition government towards excessive alcohol drinking and so called binge drinking at the annual conference of the UK drinks industry’s lead body.

Gruppo Campari has signed an agreement to acquire Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist from William Grant & Sons for €128.2 million.

US: Silverado Vineyards has signed a distribution agreement with Southern Wines & Spirits of America in 13 US markets.

The results of the International Cider Challenge 2010 are in. This is the first year of the competition and it attracted over a hundred entries. Drinks International recruited a panel of cider experts to blind taste the ciders, which were then awarded trophies and medals.

Chivas Brothers has launched a winter version of its Beefeater gin brand.

Diageo has launched a new flavour of its cream liqueur brand Baileys.

UK: Champagne GH Mumm has launched a campaign to reinforce its links with food. The Pernod Ricard brand is to partner selected restaurants as part of a UK-wide marketing campaign to celebrate its traditional links with gastronomy.

The Foster’s Group (Foster’s) board of directors has rejected an offer for its Treasury Wine Estates. Foster’s received an “unsolicited expression of interest” from an international private equity firm to acquire the wine assets of Treasury Wine Estates. The proposal involved a cash consideration of between $2.3billion and $2.7billion for 100% of the assets.

Diageo has appointed Sheila Stanziale to the position of president, Diageo-Guinness USA (DGUSA). In her new role, Stanziale will have full responsibility for the growth and development of the company's beer business in the United States including the brands Guinness, Red Stripe, Smithwick's, Harp and Kilkenny as well as the Smirnoff Ice flavored malt beverages (PABs) and the newly launched Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed drinks. Stanziale will serve on the North America executive team, reporting to Larry Schwartz, president Diageo USA.

Pernod Ricard UK is investing in a second burst of advertising for its vodka brand Absolut.

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has launched a new expression of its Martini vermouth. Martini Gold is a collaboration between Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana and the Martini brand.

Old Forester has released the 2010 expression of its vintage-dated “Birthday Bourbon”. The drink was released in honour of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Louisville-based Brown-Forman and Old Forester. First launched eight years ago to commemorate Brown’s Birthday on September 2, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a limited-edition bourbon which is released annually.

Scottish Labour’s Alcohol Commission has rejected the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) proposal for minimum pricing.

Pernod Ricard Espana has completed the sale of its shares in Ambrosio Velasco to Diego Zamora for a total price of 32.4 M€ in cash.

Foster's Group has announced that Angus McKay, chief financial officer (CFO) has submitted his resignation and will depart Foster’s towards the end of this year. McKay joined Foster’s in 2004 from Fonterra Australia and was finance director, Foster’s Australia, Asia and Pacific, before taking up the CFO role in January 2008.

SPI Group has announced the appointment of Marco Ferrari as chief marketing officer. Ferrari’s job will be to push Stolichnaya vodka’s global marketing strategy.

Jean-Dominique Comolli has resigned from the board of directors at Pernod Ricard.

International Beverage Holdings is celebrating 49 awards in various international drinks competitions, including 13 awards in the International Spirits Challenge.

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company has launched a range of “Spirit Drink” products. The aim is to give malt whisky fans the opportunity to sample the evolution of the spirit that will eventually become whisky.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is urging the drinks trade to be ready for new rules requiring all licensed premises to have an age verification policy in place and offer small drink measures to their customers.

The not-for-profit Amarula Trust has committed to a further three years of financial support to the Amarula Elephant Research Project (AERP) under Prof Rob Slotow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

UK: Hornitos tequila is to launch a limited edition bottle in the on-trade. Maxxium UK has this year been working on a campaign for Hornitos, specifically to “target and interact with a niche audience of culturally creative consumers”.

Glenmorangie has launched a new whisky in its Private Edition range. The Glenmorangie Finealta, pronounced ‘Finalta’, is Scottish Gaelic for ‘elegant’. It is a recreation of Glenmorangie based on a recipe dating back to 1903.

Diageo has announced the appointment of Lord Mervyn Davies of Abersoch to its board, effective September 1 2010. He is to be appointed as a non-executive director and his responsibilities will include membership of the audit, the nomination and the remuneration committees.

Australia: Former police chief commissioner Christine Nixon has stepped down from the Foster’s Group board.

A new wine agency has launched in the UK with a focus on biodynamic and organic wines. Carte Blanche aims to supply independent retailers and restaurants.

Heaven Hill Distilleries has announced that current director of North American sales Steve Feller has been elected as a vice president.

Russia: Moscow is to ban sales of vodka between 10pm and 10am, according to reports.

Bushmills master distiller Colum Egan has announced the names of the nine contenders who will represent their countries in the international finals of its competition.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine is to push its Maker’s Mark brand in travel retail. A new campaign, created to enhance the travel experience, aims to raise awareness for Maker’s Mark amongst passengers and encompass advertising, in-store education, secondary displays and exclusive travel retail gift packs.

Bacardi Limited has appointed Stefan Bomhard to the role of regional president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He is to be responsible for this area’s commercial operations.

Heaven Hill Distilleries has appointed Robert F. Rubinstein to the newly created role of national sales operations manager.  He is to report to and work with Heaven Hill director of North American sales Steve Feller to “optimise the company’s growing sales infrastructure”.

Carlton & United Breweries and Asahi Breweries have extended a long-term exclusive licence for Carlton to sell and market Asahi Super Dry in Australia.

US: Gemini Spirits & Wine is to distribute Coole Swan cream liqueur in the US, from September 1.

UK: Constellation Europe’s Banrock Station brand is to launch special edition wines to help preserve the British bee population.

Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur is kicking off the brand’s annual bartender competition in the US. This year’s contest invites national bartenders as well as amateurs to submit cocktails using Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur.

New Zealand/UK: NZ based ready to serve cocktail company VnC is to launch in the UK. The company has signed a distribution deal with Whyte & Mackay to launch into the UK market.

UK: Brand Phoenix, which owns First Cape Wines, has appointed Michael Hansen to the position of logistics controller.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust has appointed Graham Cox as UK sales director. Cox will join WSET on September 27.

Highland Park has launched the third bottling from the distillery’s Orcadian Vintage Series - a 1970 Vintage.

UK: Russian Standard Vodka has launched an on-pack music promotion. Consumers will have the chance to win free tickets to music gigs as part of the Russian Standard Vodka Originals brand campaign.

Islay: Bruichladdich distillery has started to produce gin. The Islay distillery, usually associated with peaty whisky, began making its first batch of gin today (3 August).

Mount Gay rum has launched a new 'rare cask selection', called 1703.

An attempt by AB InBev  to register the Budweiser trademark  as a Community Trade Mark within the EU has been rejected by the European Court of Justice.

Stock Spirits has launched a 21 year old  single malt Czech whisky. The company believes it to be the only Bohemian single malt in the world.

Bacardi has announced two new board directors, Francisco V Carrera-Justiz and Theodore C Walker, who were elected at the company’s AGM in Hamilton, Bermuda.

UK: Constellation Europe is launching a new wine to join the varietal range (VR) portfolio of its flagship wine brand Hardys.

UK: Three drinks companies have reached the final of the National Business Awards.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands has announced plans to divest three of its German-market local brands. Kuemmerling bitters, Fûrst Bismarck korn/schnapps and Jacobi 1880 brandy are to be sold to Henkell & Co, the second largest distributor of wine and spirits in Germany.

UK: The home secretary has set out plans to change the face of the on and off trade.

Graham Beck, the name behind one of South Africa’s best-known wine brands, has died aged 80.

Diageo has signed up rock band Killers frontman Brandon Flowers to help celebrate Guinness’s Arthur’s Day.

US: Heaven Hill Distilleries is to release two new sizes of Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur. The product was first launched in Autumn 2009 and it marries extra-aged Evan Williams bourbon with natural honey. Bottled at 70 proof, and previously available in only a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Honey Reserve will now be available in a 1.75 litre and a 750ml carry-pack bottle.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine is to extend its agreement for the  Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) to distribute its products in the state of Indiana. For the past 37 years, National Wine & Spirits has distributed Beam Global spirits products in Indiana, but in March 2010, RNDC agreed to acquire certain Indiana assets of National Wine & Spirits. RNDC is the second largest distributor of spirits and wines in the US.

Pernod Ricard has created a new brand company for its wines and made several organisational changes to its overall structure.

The Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc in Bordeaux is to release the official list of new properties classified as ‘Cru Bourgeois’ on Sept 15.

A team of divers has discovered an underwater cache of very old champagne in a shipwreck they were exploring at the bottom of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland.

LVMH has appointed a new CEO for Maison Moet et Chandon.

Pernod Ricard has announced the disposal, by its subsidiary Domecq Bodegas, of Spanish wine brands Marqués de Arienzo and Viña Eguίa. The sale also includes the related Bodega and 358 hectares of vineyards and lands.

As part of a previously-announced review of its wine operations, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines has announced that it has sold its Barton & Guestier Bordeaux business to French Wine concern Castel Freres SAS. The sale includes brands, inventory and land, including Chateau Magnol.  The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A collaboration between Peter Oberleithner (design, photography) and Karl Mayer of the Education and Research Centre for Viticulture and Pomology (technical texts), this new book is a detailed and beautifully photographed examination of how a wine is produced, beginning with the propagation of a vine and ending with bottling.

Diageo has announced the winner of its global bartender competition World Class. Erik Lorincz from the Connaught Bar at The Connaught, London, was crowned champion at a ceremony in Athens, Greece.

Not content with adding one new whisky to an award winning range, Angus Dundee Distillers has released three new expressions of its Glencadam Highland Single Malt.

South African premium winery Journey’s End has seen a huge upturn in sales in the first half of 2010, reporting sales growth of 500% over the period.

July 13, London: Dom Pérignon chef de cave Richard Geoffroy has presented the champagne’s latest vintage, from the much-heralded 2002 harvest, alongside the new Oenothèque Collection 1996 Dom Pérignon release.

UK: Rosé sales are up by 20% in value in the on-trade, according to a new report.

Travel Retail: Pernod Ricard has revamped the packaging for its Ballantine’s blended Scotch whiskies. The revised prestige range first appeared on shelf in Asia Duty Free and includes Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, Ballantine’s 21 Year Old and Ballantine’s 30 Year Old.

Travel Retail: Beam Global Spirits & Wine has launched a premium expression of its bourbon whiskey, Jim Beam, exclusive to travel retail.

US: Beam Global Spirits & Wine and Cruzan rum have launched a spiced rum called Cruzan 9. It will begin shipping to distributors in July and available to consumers at retail in August.

An arbitration panel has said that the combination of Anheuser-Busch and InBev did not violate the investment agreement between Anheuser-Busch and Mexican drinks giant Grupo Modelo.

US: Diageo has launched two new flavours for its Smirnoff vodka brand – mango and peach.

US: Distribution company Glazer's has changed its senior management line-up.

Following a 2009 announcement that it would be moving its non-vintage and vintage cuvées to brown bottles, Roederer has started to roll out Brut Premier in brown bottles.

Diageo has appointed Gavin Pike to the role of global brand director for Johnnie Walker. Pike is currently marketing and innovation director, with Diageo’s venture, Brandhouse Beverages, in South Africa.

UK: Denbies Wine Estate has made a new appointment. Brendan Seal is to take on the role of vintage wine maker and viticulturist. He is currently winemaker at Mount Edward Winery, New Zealand.

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) board of directors has elected a new president - David Beckstoffer.

Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has announced that it has decided not to pursue the acquisition of Ukrainian vodka company Nemiroff.

Carlsberg UK (CUK) has sold its 30 millionth pint of Tuborg since the brand launched in the UK in 2007.

The makers of Sheep Dip whisky have launched a gin.

UK: Alcohol awareness organisation AIM (Alcohol in Moderation) has created a new educational programme to help children learn about alcohol. The programme is supported by Constellation Wines Europe.

Spain/Portugal/Italy: Diageo has launched two ready to serve cocktails. The J&B Manhattan is to sell for €9.99 (70cl) and will roll out across Spain’s off-trade this month.  J&B blended scotch whisky is mixed with cherry and cranberry flavours as well as citrus and the product has an ABV of 14.9%.

David Stewart, The Balvenie malt master, has crafted a 40 year old single malt scotch whisky, aged in sherry casks and refill hogsheads. A batch of 150, hand numbered bottles of The Balvenie Forty will be available at selected travel retail outlets in the world’s leading airports, from July 2010.

Chivas Brothers is relaunching its Aberlour Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range, upgrading packaging to bring a consistent premium look to the 12, 16 and 18 Year Old bottlings, alongside top-end A’bunadh.

US: Diageo has launched a range of brightly coloured flavoured vodkas called Ursus. The products feature a label that changes from white to blue when chilled in a freezer.

Diageo has redesigned its Smirnoff 21 packaging. The new bottles have launched in the UK and will roll out across the world from August.

UK: Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has found that more than half (53%) of parents who plan to provide their 16 and 17 year olds with alcohol for a week long summer holiday with friends will give them five or more bottles of spirits or wine.

The southern Rhône village of Rasteau has been granted its own appellation contrôlée (AOC), backdated to include the 2009 vintage.

Dutch beer Grolsch has announced a partnership with British Airways and has opened a bar in one of the airline’s lounges in Terminal 5.

The 2010 Drinks International Millionaires research has been compiled. Based on sales volumes for 2009, this year saw a record number of brands on the list – 162.

Diageo USVI has announced that construction of its rum distillery and barrel warehouse in the US Virgin Islands is nearing completion, and is on schedule to become operational by January 2011.

US: Alcohol trade associations have written to the US House of Representatives attacking the wholesaler-backed HR 5034  - the so-called CARE Act (Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness).

Heineken UK has announced the sale of drinks wholesaler WaverleyTBS (WTBS) to investment and advisory firm Manfield Partners for an undisclosed sum.

Pernod Ricard UK has launched a bartender networking and knowledge sharing website.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association more than 5 bottles of scotch are shipped to France every second.

Estonian alcohol producer AS Liviko has acquired 50% of a Japanese alcohol import and distribution company.

The UK Chancellor George Osbourne has delivered the Conservative/Liberal Democrat’s first budget, in which he did not increase tax on cigarettes or alcohol.

In its 250th anniversary year, Champagne Lanson is changing its corporate identity in the UK, renaming its operations Lanson International UK.

United Wineries has appointed a new commercial director to its UK team. The company plans to bolster its Spanish and Italian imports.

The Edrington Group has appointed Matthew Turner as brand controller for Highland Park.

The results of the English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition are in. 

A record number of medals were awarded across the style categories by a judging panel of five Masters of Wine, chaired by Susan McCraith MW.  According to the organisers, results showed the quality of the 2009 vintage, particularly in the dry white and still rosé categories. Sparkling wines were consistently impressive.

The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest totalled 266,000 tonnes, 19,000 tonnes smaller than the 2009 crop and in line with the pre-harvest forecast.

US: Foster's Wine Estates has announced long-term distribution agreements with Southern Wine & Spirits in three US markets.

South Africa-based wine company Origin Wine has announced growth in Holland, and Denmark for its brands Stormhoek and Fairhills.

UK: Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has appointed three new trustees to its board.

Around 16,000 road-traffic injuries and 170 deaths could be prevented in the first year if the government lowers the blood alcohol limit for drivers, according to a new study of the drink-drive laws.

Bombay Sapphire gin is to launch a global digital campaign, aimed at the social media market.

The Charmer Sunbelt Group (CSG) has announced appointments at their executive offices and across their network, effective July 1, 2010.

UK: A complaint made by Cellar Trends against Hi Spirits' sambuca adverts has not been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

E&J Gallo has announced staff changes within the European sales team.

US: Heaven Hill Distilleries has launched the 21^st flavour of its Burnett’s flavoured vodka brand.

UK alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware’s World Cup campaign Hoof It attracted more than 17,000 visits in one day. This is up from the previous record of 11,000 visitors on one single day in December 2009.

Carlsberg UK has announced a four year partnership between its beer brand Tuborg and UK music giant Live Nation. The deal is to ensure the continuation of the brand's status as the official beer for their music festivals and key venues.

UK: Constellation is ramping up tasting opportunities for its Australian wine brand Hardys and its Nottage Hill FreshCase.

The Isle of Arran distillery is to double production to meet rising demand. Production in 2008 was 150,000LPA (litres of pure alcohol) and 130,000 in 2009. During 2010, the distillery aims to double the 2009 total.

Belgium: The European Spirits Organisation CEPS and The European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD) have teamed up with the Belgian Federation of Wine and Spirits to launch a responsible drinking campaign during the World Cup.

Travel retail: Bacardi has launched a limited edition bottling of Bénédictine liqueur.

UK: The Bar Show is less than a week away. The annual trade show is to feature the London Cocktail Summit, a round-up of drinks experts, bartenders and cocktail trends.

UK: Carling lager has achieved a Red Tractor certification for its barley.

Russian Standard has launched Russian Standard Gold into the travel retail market. The company launched the brand at TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore.

Diageo has announced the return of its Arthur’s Day celebrations for stout brand Guinness.

Diageo has unveiled a new ad campaign for its ultra premium vodka Cîroc.

Stolichnaya vodka is to team up with cocktail guru Salvatore Calabrese to host 15 international trade cocktail masterclasses.

Diageo has announced changes to its global marketing department following a review of its structure.

US: Hennessy is rolling out its Hennessy Black cognac in the US market. According to Hennessy, the roll-out marks the company's first major product introduction in the United States in nearly 50 years.

UK wine and spirit distributor Cellar Trends has restructured the brand management and sales teams across its wine and spirits portfolio.

UK: The drinks trade has expressed concern over the NICE guidance, saying the guidelines don’t tackle the “root cause”. Trade bodies have also said minimum pricing is “probably illegal”.

A new study has revealed that Scotch whisky is worth £4 billion a year in added value to the Scottish economy - with the industry spending in excess of £1.1 billion annually on supplies produced in Scotland.

Beam Global has created a new marketing position for its Maker’s Mark brand. Kelly Doss has been appointed vice president global marketing. She will report directly to Maker’s Mark president Bill Samuels.

UK: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has called for a minimum price for alcohol.

Despite problems in some major markets, Austria’s wine exports defied all expectations in 2009, rising by 5.3% in value and 16% in volume.

Travel Retail: The Famous Grouse has launched a taste challenge to introduce consumers to the ‘Famous Family’ and encourage them to choose their favourite Grouse. The challenge includes the darker character of The Black Grouse alongside The Snow Grouse, a lighter and sweeter blend, as well as core offering The Famous Grouse.

UK: Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has launched a programme to help fans stay safe and drink responsibly throughout the World Cup this summer, whether they’re travelling to South Africa or watching from the UK.

UK: Moët Hennessy’s has launched a pink grapefruit maceration of its Belvedere vodka.

Foster’s Group plans to create separate stock exchange listings for its beer and wine divisions.

US popularity and universal appeal have kept the Irish whiskey market buoyant, according to business analyst Datamonitor.

Carlsberg Group is to sponsor the UEFA Euro 2012. It is the first UEFA Euro ever to be hosted in Eastern Europe. Carlsberg considers the UEFA European Championship its most successful marketing activity for the Carlsberg brand.

Islay malt whisky, Ardbeg is to launch a second edition of Ardbeg Supernova – SN2010 – to be released on May 31 2010. This limited edition release is 40% more peaty than the distillery’s already heavily peated flagship Ardbeg ten years old.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has been awarded a Gold OBIE award by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) for its 2009 Sip Up campaign.

An Austrian bio-dynamic winemaker has produced a wine from the 2009 harvest by fermenting grapes in clay amphorae buried underground.

US Virgin Islands: Diageo USVI has announced the construction of its rum distillery and barrel warehouse has passed the halfway stage, and is on schedule to become operational by January 2011. The company also announced the appointment of US Virgin Islanders to four positions at the distillery.

The new coalition government has outlined its alcohol policy. The policy includes plans to ‘ban the sale of alcohol below cost price’ and ‘review alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs, and important local industries’.

Research commissioned by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) in the UK, has shown a further shift to the off-trade in terms of wine consumption.

A UK supermarket wine buyer has called for an industry wide labelling system to indicate the amount of residual sugar in rosé wines.

US: Foster's Wine Estates has appointed master sommelier Fred Dame as vice president, luxury sales. He will report to Mike Holden, SVP sales. Dame will head-up the selling division for brands including Beringer, Penfolds, Chateau St Jean, Stags' Leap Winery, Etude and St. Clement.

UK: Maxxium is to launch a consumer campaign to raise awareness of its bourbon brand Maker’s Mark. This is part of a £1.5million investment in the brand this year.

Diageo has announced that as part of a review of its wine business in the US, it will make some fundamental changes its US wines business, Diageo Chateau & Estate wines.  Plans include job cuts and potential asset sales.

A major scientific study into the storage of wine in different forms of packaging has revealed that the bag-in-box, single-layer PET and small multi-layer PET altered the character of white wines when stored over six months, with oxidation clearly noticeable.

The 2010 global Tax Stamp Forum is to take place in London in June.

UK: Cider company Aspall is celebrating its best year yet in the on-trade.

The Edrington Group has appointed a new area director for global travel retail.

Alcohol can still be sold in test-tubes following an inquiry under the Portman Group Code into whether this packaging causes people to drink rapidly.

UK: Drinks company Global Brands has acquired Inspirit Brands.

Diageo’s chief financial officer is to step down. Nick Rose will stand down from the board at the company’s AGM on 14 October 2010.

A 56% increase in exports confirmed Scotch whisky’s growing popularity in Brazil in 2009, according to new figures published by the UK-based Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Carlsberg, the official beer of the England football team, has launched its new TV advert in the build-up to this year’s World Cup.

Smirnoff has retained its position as the world’s leading alcoholic drinks brand according to The Power 100, 2010, the annual survey of the world’s leading drinks brands published by brand valuation and strategy consultancy Intangible Business.

Scottish family owned distiller William Grant & Sons has announced the formation of a new wholly owned subsidiary, William Grant & Sons Australia Pty Ltd.

US: Diageo has appointed a control states executive. Lynn Walding will take up the post of executive director control states effective immediately. Walding has recently stepped down as administrator of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Scotland: The Wemyss family has launched a small batch gin called Darnley’s View. Darnley’s View celebrates the meeting of Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley at the Wemyss family home, Wemyss Castle in Fife, in 1565.

US: Gemini Spirits & Wine has acquired the global production, distribution and marketing rights for Margaritaville Holdings. This includes tequila, flavoured tequilas, rum, ready to drink margaritas and mojitos.

Australian wine brand Wolf Blass is to launch a sparkling rosé wine at the London International Wine Fair.

Red is the most popular choice of wine for Asian women, according to new research.

Russian Standard vodka has announced the launch of Russian Standard vodka originals, a music and film brand experiential campaign for 2010. The first stage of the campaign live performances from the Noisettes in London and Edinburgh in May.

The Edrington Group has appointed a new brand controller for its newly acquired scotch whisky Cutty Sark.

UK drinkers are opting for quality, rather than quantity, according to new Datamonitor research.

Ketel One vodka has introduced Ketel One Oranje, an orange flavoured vodka.

Korea: The 2010 Ballantine’s Championship golf tournament has been won by Australia’s Marcus Fraser.

Estonia: Liviko is to become the sole representative of Bacardi-Martini Group’s products in Estonia.

The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival starts this week.

Maxxium UK is launching a new podcast to inform retailers about the quality of blended Scotch whisky, as part of its Teacher’s School of Whisky campaign.

UK: Disaronno liqueur is to enjoy a £3million marketing push.  The national advertising campaign will include summer TV advertising and the platform is called Open the Possibilities. Doubling its annual media spend, the campaign will focus on Disaronno’s style credentials and also promote its versatility.

UK: Drinks manufacturer and distributor Halewood International is set to continue its bartender education programme in the on trade with the continuation of its Lamb’s spiced rum tour this May.

The WSTA is issuing fresh advice to consumers over the checks they should make before investing in wine.  The checklist is designed to protect buyers from the risk of wine fraud.

Italian wine producer Guerrieri Rizzardi has announced the re-appointment of Rupert Dean, as international sales & marketing manager.

UK: Maxxium, the sales and distribution alliance for The Edrington Group and Beam Global Spirits & Wine, has announced the addition of Cutty Sark blended scotch whisky into its portfolio.

US: The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has urged the Obama Administration to mark Alcohol Awareness Month by passing new alcohol labelling requirements to include basic dietary information on the labels of all beverage alcohol products.

UK: Stolichnaya vodka has linked up with the Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2010, by supporting defending British champion Paul Bonhomme.

In honor of the 40th anniversaries of both Earth Day and Finlandia vodka, Finlandia is releasing limited edition charity water bottles. The bottles are to feature designs by Finnish graphic designer Klaus Haapaniemi.

Alcohol awareness charity the Drinkaware Trust has issued a response to the Eurobarometer survey on alcohol.

The European Commission’s new Eurobarometer report on attitudes to alcohol misses the bigger picture, according to CEPS and EFRD, the representatives of the European spirits industry.

UK distributor and manufacturer Halewood International has launched a campaign centred around its Lambrini brand, to coincide with the British General Election.

Scottish beer company Innis & Gunn has received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The South African wine industry has launched a new sustainability seal, as a guarantee of environmentally-sensitive production.

Consumers are returning to premium purchases, according to global drinks giant Diageo.

As part of its ‘Open the Facts’ campaign, SABMiller is encouraging women to make informed choices about drinking.

Sales of New Zealand wine in the UK off-trade have now overtaken Germany when expressed as a ‘country of origin’ percentage share.

Tuborg is to launch a £2m “Urban Blitz” across the UK on-trade as a prelude to the upcoming festival season.

Nine in ten parliamentary candidates in winnable seats believe pubs are an important part of the British way of life and more should be done to support them, according to a new poll released today by ComRes on behalf of the British Beer & Pub Association.

Cuba: Havana Club rum sales fell by 3.5% in 2009, compared to 2008.

The Tomatin distillery, Inverness-shire, has released three new whiskies - two single cask and one limited edition bottling.

Carlsberg has launched the second half of its World Cup advertising campaign by unveiling the stars of its latest in-store packaging: England manager Fabio Capello, England captain Rio Ferdinand as well as players Steven Gerrard, David James and Jermaine Defoe.

Global exports of scotch whisky reached record levels in 2009 despite the economic downturn in some major markets, according to annual figures published by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Australia: Foster’s has appointed a former police officer to its board of directors.

Chivas Brothers has launched a private tour and gin-making experience for its Plymouth gin brand.

Dooley’s Original toffee & vodka has launched a consumer lifestyle magazine to help promote the drink.

US: Sobieski vodka sales have smashed the brand’s record – with sales of 580,000 cases during 2009.

United Closures & Plastics (UCP) has developed a new ‘combined aluminium and plastic tamper evident snap-on security closure’, called Orchid.

Amsterdam: Heineken has announced a new 10-year sustainability agenda.

Maxxium Travel Retail is to launch a campaign for its Brugal rum in Heathrow terminal 5.

Beam Global Spirits has made two new appointments. Drew Munro is now the general manager of the Bourbon US category business team (CBT) and  Jay Mathew is to be general manager of the Classics US CBT.

UK: Constellation Europe has renewed its Hardys and Echo Falls sponsorship of Channel 4 TV show ‘Come Dine With Me’, for a second year.

Moët & Chandon champagne is to sponsor the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

William Grant & Sons has launched Grant’s 25 year old, a blended scotch whisky. The product will initially be exclusive to travel retail.

US: Pernod Ricard and Russian Standard Vodka have reached a settlement of claims brought by Russian Standard against Pernod Ricard. According to Pernod Ricard, the dispute revolved mainly around the allegations brought by Russian Standard Vodka and Roust Trading Limited pursuant to which promoting Stolichnaya as "Russian vodka" resulted in false advertising.

Bacardi has launched a new rum in the US. Bacardi Torched Cherry combines the taste of Barbados cherries with the Torch plant aloe.

Diageo is to launch the third batch of its single malt collection whiskies – The Managers’ Choice.

Following the pre-election political deal to axe the ten per cent cider tax rise announced in the Budget, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today sent an open letter to chancellor Alistair Darling and would-be chancellors George Osborne and Vince Cable saying there is a compelling case to do the same with beer tax, in order to save jobs and community pubs.

India: United Spirits has crossed the milestone of 100 million cases for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

US: Pernod Ricard has lost a court case to stop Bacardi from using the name Havana Club for its rum.

Maker’s Mark has won a trademark infringement case against Cuervo tequila. A judgment has confirmed that the whiskey’s free-form red wax seal coating is a well-known and valid trademark.

UK: Luxardo sambuca has launched a bartender competition in an attempt to further move the drink away from shots.

Off trade wine supplier Off Piste has appointed a new chairman. Jerry Lockspeiser, who founded Bottle Green in 1990, is to help guide the business’s strategic development.

UK: New figures from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) have revealed that twice as many women now drink cask ale as did two years ago.

UK: Bacardi has launched a new advertising campaign, called ‘Island’. The campaign is part of a £20million marketing spend.

Marian Kopp has been appointed managing director/president of Niederkirchener Weinmacher  – a German wine cooperative located in the Pfalz region - effective April 1, 2010.

Bacardi and Brown-Forman have mutually agreed on distribution arrangements in Europe.

Travel Retail: Pernod Ricard has opened a Martell experience boutique at Hong Kong International Airport.

Maison Jacquart, part of the Alliance Champagne group, has appointed Gonzalez Byass UK to distribute its products from April 1.  

Gruppo Campari has redesigned its Cinzano range of three aperitif/cocktail wines . The aim of the redesign is to ‘revitalise brand image and create a more contemporary and approachable positioning’.

US: Diageo’s Jose Cuervo has launched CuervoGames, an experiential marketing campaign.

Research commissioned by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) into patterns of wine-buying has highlighted the scope for specialist retailers and independent wine merchants to boost their marketing effort.

From more than two thousand bartenders around the world, the Team USA trio of Mark Stoddard, Todd Thrasher and Sean Hoard emerged as the winners in the sixth 42 Below Cocktail World Cup.

France: Hine is to roll our its new Antique XO Premier Cru cognac to markets around the world.

Absolut vodka has teamed up with hip hop star Jay-Z to bring consumers a 14 minute documentary about the music star.

Russian Standard is to launch its luxury Russian Standard Gold into the UK market.

UK wine retailer Naked Wines has launched a new service that allows UK wine drinkers to buy wines for less than they cost at the cellar door.

Carlsberg UK has launched a low calorie, low alcohol drink for women.

UK: Justerini & Brooks (J&B) has created a dedicated champagne development team to drive sales and distribution for the Vranken-Pommery Monopole portfolio in the UK.

The Forum Oenologie association has announced the results of this year’s Chardonnay du Monde competition, held at Château des Ravatys in Saint-Lager, Burgundy.

Distell has appointed Cellar Trends to handle UK distribution for its Amarula cream liqueur brand, starting July 1 2010.

Alcopops, or RTDs, are still the most promoted alcohol product across supermarkets, according to a survey by mysupermarket.co.uk.

The UK government is planning to give the pub industry a £4million boost. Pubs minister John Healey today announced a 12 point action plan to give practical support to community pubs up and down the country, backed by £4million in government funding.

Highland Park has released four new whiskies exclusive to global travel retail.

UK: The five-year £100million social marketing campaign to tackle binge drinking is beginning to pay off.

Australia: Wine exporter Beelgara has appointed Jaap Sonnemans as its new European market manager.

Maxxium UK is to invest £15m in Courvoisier cognac during 2010. The idea is to ‘revolutionise the category and drive growth through innovative promotional activity and education tools’.

France: Champagne Lanson is to put disgorgement dates on the back labels of all 75cl bottles of Lanson Black, Rose and Ivory Label NV imported into the UK.

Scotland: The Glenglassaugh distillery has appointed a new customer account manager. Ronnie Routledge will take the post from April 6.

March 16 2010. The champagne generic body CIVC today announced the launch of a new lighter weight champagne bottle.

UK: J Wray & Nephew has appointed two new employees to its sales and marketing team.

Confusion reigns in South Africa as new reports suggest mining applications in the winelands have not been withdrawn.

France: Fitou cooperative Mont Tauch is to place the ‘Winegrowers for Sustainable Development’ logo on every bottle of its wine sold in the UK.

Spain’s Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino invested its two latest members at its 26^th annual ceremony held in London, early March.

Moët Hennessy has released two new Dom Pérignon Rosé cuvées from the 2000 and 1990 vintages.

Australia: Diageo has announced it will secure the marketing and distribution rights to tequila brand Jose Cuervo in Australia, officially effective April 1 2010.

Scotland: Gordon & MacPhail has released a 70 year old single malt whisky.

The UK government has announced that the Budget will be held on March 24.

UK: Drinks giants Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) and Diageo Great Britain (Diageo GB) are to team up to push spirit and mixer sales.

Members of Romanian Winegrowers are to undergo a benchmarking initiative, designed to identify a ‘Hero Selection’ of wines.

US: Diageo has launched two new flavours of its 100 proof Smirnoff vodka.

Women who drink wine are less likely to gain weight, according to a new study.

Denmark: Carlsberg has launched Vintage 3 – the third in an exclusive beer trilogy.

Chile: The Asociación de Viñas de Colchagua and the Colchagua Valley Wine Route have estimated a loss of 25 million litres of wine as a result of the earthquake.

UK: Brewer Molson Coors has become the first to be a founding signatory of WRAP’s Courtauld Commitment 2.

Coinciding with the eyecatching relaunch of Black Tower’s Classic range, brand owner Reh Kendermann has also announced a premium extension to the market leading German range.

Leading German wine exporter Reh Kendermann has unveiled radical new looks for its iconic global brand Black Tower.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has set up a Craft Distiller Affiliate Membership programme designed to organise the growing number of small distilled spirits producers across the nation and alert them to public policy issues affecting the industry at every level of government.

Portugal: Boutique port producer Andresen has released a 100 year old port.

Californian winery and distillery Charbay has announced the 13^th generation of master distiller. Marko Karakasevic has earned the master distiller title following an apprenticeship under his father, 12^thgeneration master distiller Milorad (Miles) Karakasevic from Yogoslavia.

Scottish Government plans to introduce alcohol minimum pricing have suffered a further setback, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Millésime Bio has reported record numbers at its organic wine trade fair, held in Montpellier, France this January 25-27.

UK: Coors has launched a cold-activated can for its Coors Light brand.

Chile: Vinos de Chile has assessed earthquake damage and reported limited damage, though this amounts to a loss US$250 million.

The Miguel Torres Chile winery has been affected by the earthquake that has shaken the country.

Tetley's cask is to be brewed by Marston's in Wolverhampton. The decision to take the beer out of Yorkshire has been met with disappointment from the real ale trade body CAMRA.

The winery said it was important to show support for its 'fellow countrymen' and has postponed the opening of the Don Maximiano Icon Winery. It also said it was too soon to give an accurate assessment of the damage to homes and wineries in the south.

US: Importer and distributor Winebow has appointed a new president. Jon Moramarco will take up the post on March 30. Moramarco will report to Leonardo LoCascio, chairman and CEO of Winebow.

The UK director of Wines of Chile, the generic body representing the Chilean wine industry, has released a statement following the catastrophic earthquake in the country.

Tequila Patrón is to sponsor the American Le Mans Series. Patrón initially joined as a corporate marketing partner in 2008.

Svedka vodka has launched a new marketing campaign in the US.  "R U BOT OR NOT?" refers to Svedka’s spokes-bot, Svedka_Grl.

Veuve Clicquot has taken the uncertainty out of the process of ageing vintage champagnes with its recently launched Cave Privée Collection.

A US Federal Court has ordered a halt to the sale and production of a line of fruit-flavored rums whose bottles were alleged to be "confusingly similar" to the flavored rum - Malibu.

Europe’s spirits producers have launched a catalogue of industry-led programmes to reduce alcohol related harm.

William Grant has relaunched its Sailor Jerry rum brand with a new look and new taste.

Diageo has launched a scathing attack on Bacardi over the Captain Morgan rum, US Virgin Islands saga. Diageo has accused Bacardi of scheming to protect subsidies at the expense of the economic stability of the US Virgin Islands.  Bacardi has insisted the dispute is about the appropriate use of taxpayers’ money.

First Cape wine is launching lower-alcohol (5.5% abv) extension of its First Cape brand.

Beer should be taxed at a lower rate of duty to reflect its low-strength, UK produced product status, according to the British Beer & Pub Association.

UK: Carlsberg’s Tuborg beer is to give away five pairs of tickets to the sold-out Glastonbury Festival.