A minimum unit price for alcohol set out in today’s (November 1) Scottish government Bill is unlikely to reduce alcohol misuse, will threaten the £3.4 billion whisky industry and will punish moderate drinkers, according to the trade. 

Malta: The Maltese Bartenders’ Guild (MBG) has appointed a new president. Wine and spirits retailer Joseph Farrugia took the post in October.

Lindeman’s has added a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to its international Winemaker’s Discovery range. It's a UK launch, initially, but is expected to roll out across Europe. 

Carlsberg UK chief executive Isaac Sheps is leaving to take over leadership of the brewer’s Russian business, Baltika, and its eastern European operations.

Glasgow-based whisky brand Auchentoshan completed the UK leg of The Auchentoshan Switch, a cocktail competition that offers two bartenders transatlantic internships.

The board of Alcohol Concern, the anti-alcohol lobby group in the UK, has announced a restructuring of its senior management following the loss of core funding with the role of the CEO becoming part time for a year alongside the recruitment of a full time director of fundraising and campaigning.

Jack Daniel's has crowned the UK champion of its Tennessee-based Birthday Cocktail Competition 2011.

UK Rumfest has announced the winners of the Golden Rum Barrel Awards 2011, with Foursquare Distillery of Barbados taking home two of the top prizes.

The head of the consortium that protects Prosecco sparkling Italian wine from Conegliano Valdobbiadene is to address delegates at the International Sparkling Wine Symposium (ISWS), which takes place at Denbies wine estate in the UK on November 1-2.

Pernod Ricard has announced a number of staff changes.

Budweiser has revamped its cans in the UK, with a red 'bowtie' sitting behind the Budweiser logo on the new-look version.

Malibu is releasing a limited edition coconut rum with coconut flakes floating inside to look like snowflakes.

Deep discounting on wine by UK retailers may be having less impact on consumer behaviour, according to a new report

UK: Hi-Spirits is set to launch the Buffalo Trace Distillery 2011 Antique Collection this month.

The first whisky from Japanese craft distillery Chichibu has been launched. Chichibu The First is three years old, 61.8% abv and limited to 7,400 bottles. The whisky is not chill-filtered.

New Zealand’s Ara Wines has launched One Estate, a sparkling wine made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, in the UK.

UK: AB InBev and Budějovický Budvar can continue to use the Budweiser name simultaneously.

Stella Artois is gearing up for its World Draught Masters final in Buenos Aires, having anointed a champion from its UK heat.

Burn Stewart Distillers, producer of brands Bunnahabhain and Scottish Leader, has announced net profits of £3.7 for the financial year ending December 31 2010.

The Tax Free World Association’s World Exhibition in the famous French resort of Cannes opened today (Monday September 5). Christian Davis reports from Cannes. 

Drambuie has reported operating profits of £2.81m – up 2% on last year.

UK: Somerset Cider Brandy has been granted geographical protection.

Diageo has announced the launch of Baileys Biscotti to the UK.

The UK government has urged the drinks industry to back its Responsibility Deal aimed at countering binge drinking and alcoholism.

Belvedere has launched a new vodka in partnership with (RED) to raise proceeds for charity.

Champagne Jacquesson has announced the launch of two single-vineyard champagnes from 2002 to global markets.

The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced 11 new masters of wine.

Japanese whisky brand, Nikka, has named the second finalist of its international cocktail competition, The Nikka Perfect Serve.

Netherlands-based distillery, Group Toorank, has launched Sloane’s Gin to the UK market.

Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail (GTR) has appointed Lynsey Eades as key account manager for Europe

Pernod Ricard has appointed bartender and 'tequila expert' Matthias Lataille as UK ambassador for Olmeca Altos.

Accolade Wines has launched a low alcohol wine under the Stowells brand. Stowells Light is 5.5% abv and a 125ml glass contains one unit of alcohol and 56 calories.

StarBev has announced ‘significant investments’ in its Staropramen brand, as it eyes international expansion.

UK spirits and liqueur agency, Mangrove, has announced plans for expansion into the Middle East and south Asia.

Liqueurs de France has rolled out the launch of its Enigma absinthe range to the UK, in a bid to change consumer perceptions of the spirit.

UK: Glenfiddich has launched the 2011 Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition. The aim of the game is to find the “trade’s most passionate malt enthusiasts”.

Africa: Diageo’s Guinness Nigeria has committed £225million (NGN 55 billion) to expand its brewing operations. The company has said this will create 200 permanent jobs for Nigerians.

Premiumisation is driving UK spirits volume and value growth in the on and off-trade, according to findings by First Drinks.

Bacardi Brown Forman Brands has launched a new vodka under the Eristoff brand.

Owners of traditional products such as champagne and cognac need to show some humility in their dealings with new emerging markets, according to the president and CEO of Groupe Renaud Cointreau.

Monin has launched Sweet and Sour, a cocktail syrup for the on-trade.

The Glenmorangie Company has released a £2,500 whisky matured in Chateau d’Yquem sauternes casks.

Pernod Ricard brand Olmeca has announced a partnership with tequila ambassador and Mexican restaurant-bar owner Tomas Estes.

Diageo has launched a £15m global campaign for its Tanqueray gin brand.

Czech lager brand Pilsner Urquell poured an estimated 90,000 litres of beer during the 2011 Open Championship in Kent, UK.

UK: Pernod Ricard has launched a range of pre-mixed serves for its coconut rum brand Malibu.

Campari's Italian aperitif brand Aperol is going from strength to strength according to its owners.

Absolut vodka has launched a global creative campaign called Absolut Blank. The campaign involves 'blank' bottles that have been turned into pieces of art by 18 different artists.

Scotch whisky Auchentoshan is looking for entries to The Auchentoshan Switch, a cocktail competition that offers bartenders transatlantic internships.

The UK heat of the Gin Mare cocktail Competition took place this week at the Imbibe show in London.