Distell halted all operations in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal after looters attacked its distribution centre in New Germany this week.

Distell, South Africa’s leading wine and spirits producer, has reported a 15% growth in revenue for the year to June 2012 and a 9.9% increase in sales volumes across its portfolio of wines, spirits and RTDs in both domestic and international markets.

Pernod Ricard is rolling out its Olmeca tequila liqueurs in South Africa.

Venezuelan rum producer DUSA (Destilerias Unidas SA) has kicked off the multi-market release of Diplomatico Ambassador Selection with a launch event in London. 

Japanese brewer Kirin has bought the outstanding shares in Aleadri-Schinni Participações e Representações S.A. (“Aleadri”), a company that holds 50.45% of the outstanding shares of Schincariol Participações e Representações SA (Brazil; CEO: Adriano Schincariol: “Schincariol”).

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

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

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

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.

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.

Pernod Ricard has sold its shares in Ambrosio Velasco to Diego Zamora for €33.1 million (excluding debt).