Penrhos Spirits has announced a new partnership with Fortitude Drinks UK as the brand’s first national distributor.

US-based distributor, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), has announced the appointment of Marc Sachs to permanent president and chief executive officer.

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, has named Kevin Balmforth as its new master blender, succeeding Sandy Hyslop.  

Diageo has announced the opening of Guinness Open Gate Brewery, a new £73m visitor experience and working microbrewery in London’s Covent Garden.

UK-based distribution and brand-building company, Chimera Brand Development, has announced the addition of three brands to its portfolio.

Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced plans to acquire an 85% stake in ready-to-drink brand BeatBox, for approximately $490m. 

Madrí Excepcional has announced that it has surpassed £1 billion in annual sales, five years after launching.

James Gin, the gin brand created by James May, has announced its international expansion, partnering with global spirits consultancy Russell & Stellar to lead its growth beyond the UK and US.

50 Best has announced the launch of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

The Loire Valley harvest for 2025 has been described as “promising” despite a series of heatwaves and heavy rainfall.

The Drinks Trade Regatta, the annual sailing event for the hospitality trade, has announced a new partnership with The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away for 2026.

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that alcohol duty will increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) from 1 February 2026, a decision that has been met with anger within the drinks and hospitality sectors. 

The WSET has appointed Tamara Roberts as chair of its Board of Trustees, taking over from Simon McMurtrie, who has chaired the board since December 2020.