Diageo has become the first ever official spirits sponsor of the NFL.

Deirdre O’Carroll has been appointed blender at Midleton Distillery in Cork nearly a decade after joining the Pernod Ricard subsidary.

Treasury Wine Estates has appointed John Grant as managing director of its Beringer Brand Business Unit.

The European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD) has launched a web-campaign to promote responsible marketing practices for alcoholic beverages. The objective is to explain in plain language how EU-wide codes of advertising should be applied.

Direct Wines, the world's largest independent wine merchant with a turnover of £350 million, has announced major changes to its buying and merchandising teams.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS) and the European Forum for Responsible Drinking have issued guidelines for responsible alcohol advertising and marketing.

Diageo has appointed a head of its Western Europe division. From September 1, John Kennedy is to become chief operating officer, Diageo Western Europe. Kennedy is currently managing director, Diageo Ireland.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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