Diageo expects direct-to-consumer sales to grow rapidly and emerge as an important part of the business in the years ahead.

It’s been a sobering quarter for hard seltzer. Sales of the canned RTD that disrupted the US alcohol market when it burst onto the scene in 2016, have for the first time, stalled.

Outside I’ve got a five-litre, left-hand drive Mustang. That’s right, I watched The High Chaparral, I love everything American. So to make an American whiskey was a dream come true.”

Stars continue to flock to give their endorsement to 100% agave brands, but sustainability has become an issue as consumer demand has risen.

Nick Strangeway looks at how travel restrictions have left a permanent impression on the global bar trade.

Pernod Ricard says its New Zealand wine brands Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh will be unable to meet global Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc supply this year after one of the smallest New Zealand harvests in 10 years.

Spirits giants Edrington and Beam Suntory have agreed to an equity swap of stakes in their jointly-owned distribution companies in Spain and the UK.

Stock Spirits Group increased volume sales by 2% to 8.3 million 9-litre cases in the six months to March 31.

Kirker Greer Spirits has launched in France after securing a deal with wine and spirits importer, Maison Milhade.

Bacardi’s global travel retail department has opened a luxury seasonal boutique for its whisky portfolio in China.

Drinks International caught up with Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, to learn more about the firm's plans to kickstart a defining era for tequila in the UK.

South African wines and spirits producer Distell International has signed a distribution agreement with French cognac house Camus for China duty free, effective immediately.

The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2021 will be revealed in a countdown on YouTube from 6pm GMT on April 1.

Terlato Wine Group has announced an exclusive sales and marketing agreement with Champagne Lanson to become effective April 1, 2021.

Diageo has maintained its acquisition drive by snapping up the firm that produces the Lone River Ranch Water hard seltzer brand.

Global campaign OurWhisky is calling for whisky makers to improve female representation in marketing after conducting a new study on gender equality within the industry.

Louis Roederer has been crowned The World’s Most Admired Champagne Brand for the second year in a row.

French distributor BBC Spirits has bolstered its portfolio with several UK spirits brands as it bids to drive growth in 2021.

Pernod Ricard sales for H1 FY21 have shown an organic decline of -3.9% on the previous year largely due to the ongoing struggles of travel retail.

MGP Ingredients has agreed a deal to acquire US spirits company Luxco for a value of $476m in cash and stock.

JW Filshill, the Glasgow-based wholesaler, has acquired Eldorado Tonic Wine as part of its purchase of KB Agencies for an undisclosed sum.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has appointed new distributors for two of its European markets in Switzerland and Cyprus.

Walsh Whiskey has appointed six new distributors in Eastern Europe in a bid to capitalise upon strong growth in the region.

The former managing directors of Greene King and Ei Group have invested in Hofmeister after growing excited by its potential to take the world beer category by storm.

Leading gin producer Quintessential Brands has promoted James Lousada to the role of chief executive.

Quintessential Brands is launching a marketing push across its leading gin brands in the run-up to the festive trading period.

Mocktails Brands has appointed Craftwork as its UK distributor in a bid to ramp up sales of its premixed alcohol-free cocktails among British consumers.

Diageo will purchase Aviation Gin and several sister brands in a deal worth up to $610 million.

Pernod Ricard now expects the decline in full-year profits to be less severe than initially anticipated as a result of cost control and resilient sales.

A former Diageo marketing executive has launched the world’s first dedicated talent agency for influential bartenders.

AB InBev has become the UK’s number one brewer by volume sales since the start of 2020.

Maison Villevert has acquired craft French distillery Celtic Whisky Compagnie for an undisclosed sum.

Amber Beverage Group has tipped Australia and China to lead the way as the global drinks industry emerges from the coronavirus crisis.

Spanish producer Zamora Company has reported that wine and spirits sales in China have recovered as the country emerges from a sweeping coronavirus lockdown.

Engagement with alcoholic drinks brands on social media has increased by more than 300% during the coronavirus lockdown, according to social analytics agency ListenFirst.

Cornish independent brewer and pub company St Austell Brewery has announced the appointment of Andrew Turner, to the newly created role of managing director, beer and brands. 

While amaretto may have a long and somewhat idyllic history, it has done little to capture consumers’ imaginations in recent times. But cocktail culture could be key to changing all that, finds Angel Brown

The rise of single malt scotch has dominated whisky conversations on the back of the craft explosion, but blended malts have just as interesting a story to tell, says Shay Waterworth

It’s all about the branding for craft beers trying to get noticed in a crowded marketplace. Shay Waterworth gets under the skin of funky designs

Is it possible to apply the craft approach to vodka? Philip Duff could have had the recipe for success

There’s an exciting new entrant in this sector, reports Shay Waterworth

The previously unassailable Johnnie Walker could be showing signs of weakness, finds Hamish Smith

With Irish Whiskey stripped out, other countries get a chance to shine. Hamish Smith does the maths

Diageo’s Bulleit holds both top spots for the third year running. Shay Waterworth reports

There’s been little change in the best sellers, with the top brands all holding, says Hamish Smith

Global spirits groups and aspiring brands were present at the second annual Moscow Bar Show (MBS) this week to capitalize on Russian bartenders and distributors’ growing interest in international spirits. 

First Drinks has outlined the continued importance of premium drinks brands in driving growth in the UK market.

Tesco has moved one of its champagnes to lightweight bottles, but should other brands follow suit? James Boulton of Claessens International explores whether champagne producers can embrace sustainability without damaging their products’ premium status