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13 March, 2026

VCL Vintners and The Drinks Trust to provide funding for CIBD Foundation in Distilling courses

Whisky broker VCL Vintners has announced an extension of its partnership with The Drinks Trust by providing funds for students to enter distilling education with the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD).

Independent alcohol-free spirits brand CleanCo has appointed Cask Liquid Marketing as its exclusive UK on-trade partner.

Campari Group has introduced a new bottle design for Aperol, marking the first major aesthetic update for the brand since its inception in 1919.

C&C Group, owner of Matthew Clark and Bibendum, has bought Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn's brand in a pre-pack administration for £4.5m.

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Industry veterans Jon Lister and Phil Nickson have launched Clear Cut, a new UK-based drinks agency.

Louis Roederer has retained its title as The World’s Most Admired Champagne brand for 2026, making it seven consecutive years at the top.

US beverage and wellness company Tilray Brands has acquired Brewdog’s brand, UK brewing operations and 11 pubs for £33m.

Henkell Freixenet has become the sole shareholder of Freixenet SA, as the Ferrer Family and José Luis Bonet have sold their remaining shares in Freixenet for an undisclosed sum.

Amrut Distilleries has appointed Ashok Chokalingam as chief operating officer and master distiller.

Drinks giant Diageo reported a 2.8% drop in organic sales in the first half of its 2026 fiscal year due to weak demand in North America and China.

Suntory Global Spirits will combine its operational teams at Islay whisky distilleries Bowmore and Laphroaig to a single team as part of long-term production planning.

50 Best, the organisation behind The World’s 50 Best Bars, has revealed the date and location for the inaugural edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars. 

Alcohol duty in the UK fell year-on-year by £285 million according to statistics released by HM Revenue and Customs.

Hendrick’s Gin has announced the release of Another Hendrick’s, the first new permanent addition to its line up in nine years.

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Danil Nevsky and Laura Grassulini

Are we missing the real point of on-trade advocacy?

Danil Nevsky and Laura Grassulini discuss the reasons why advocacy is so important when it comes to the bar community

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