Spiribam-UK and its fruit liqueur, eaux-de-vie and vermouth company, Joseph Cartron, have announced the UK winner of its Cartron Unexpected Cocktail Competition, Keoghán Taylor of Kiki Lounge. 

Edrington UK, supplier of whisky and cognac, has launched a podcast series, The Stillhouse Podcast, hosted by UK spirits expert, Becky Paskin.

Spiral Cellars, the UK purveyor of luxury wine storage, is launching a new wine storage system with its UnSpiral Cellar. 

Chairman’s Reserve Rum has announced the return of its competition: The Chairman’s Spice Lab.

Rioja’s Ramón Bilbao is introducing a professional competition to find its ‘Spanish Wine Master’, as the brand continues on its mission to educate the trade about Spanish wine.

Morris Whisky has launched in the UK market this Spring with its Signature and Muscat Barrel whiskies, founded in Australia in 2016.

Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky is launching The Laphroaig Market in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, forming the UK phase of ita global initiative, Taste Trailblazers.

Absolut expands its product portfolio as the company’s global NPD plans this year include two new product ranges and a new addition to its current flavour vodka range.

This March, 818 Tequila, owned by model and entrepreneur, Kendall Jenner, has arrived in the UK. 

A new report by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has revealed that total US spirits exports reached a record $2.06bn in 2022, buoyed by the temporary halt to retaliatory tariffs, with American whiskey exports to the UK remaining lower than pre-tariff levels.

Jura Distillery, based in Scotland, is set to become the first building in the country to trial an innovative self-repairing limewash as part of the whisky maker’s commitment to sustainability within the industry.

UK specialist wine retailer, Majestic, has raised a glass to the latest cohort of graduates from its Diversity in Wine Scholarship.

Speciality Brands has announced that it will become the exclusive UK distributor of French Cognac house, Camus.

Spiribam-UK, owners of Rhum J.M and Clement, has announced the launch of ‘AgriSchool’, an in-person, category education event for bartenders interested in rhum agricole.

Amber Beverage UK has announced it will be launching Luxardo Espresso Liqueur in the UK this Spring. 

Gin may have fallen out of favour in the UK, but its prospects are much brighter in travel retail.

Two Shores Rum, the sustainably sourced rum created with pure sugar cane and distilled in Central America, is launching in the UK market.

Irish spirits maker, The Boatyard Distillery, has announced it has earned B-Corporation certification.

Family-owned Calvados producer Christian Drouin has launched the sixth instalment of its Expérimental range, Caroni Angels.

The Macallan has revealed details of four recipient businesses to benefit from its recently launched Artisan Apprenticeship Fund.

Non-alcoholic spirits brand, Crossip, has expanded into new markets across Europe, GCC and North America, alongside key local distribution partners.

Flavour company Empirical has announced the UK launch of its two latest spirits, SOKA (43% abv) and Symphony 6 (40% abv).

Swedish schnapps brand, Flävar, recently reached 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May 2022. Drinks International caught up with Rolf Munding, owner of Market Taverns Group, whose latest venture, Flävar, plans to grow its European presence this year.

The Wines of South Africa 2022 export report has revealed that export value has only seen a 2.4% decline following the pandemic with Rand Per Litre (RPL) income showing marginal growth as producers navigate rising costs, shipping challenges and shortages in the supply of packaging goods.

The Drinks Trust has appointed Guy Lawrence, CEO of Brockman’s Gin, as the new chair of the charity following Troy Christensen’s two-year tenure.

Japanese whisky brand Nikka is releasing two new expressions in the UK, exclusively distributed by drinks agency Speciality Brands, as part of its Discovery Series.

UK cider maker, Westons Cider, has announced details of a £2 million investment to enhance its fruit pressing capacity.

UK-based rum brand Two Drifters has announced its partnership with British Airways, where its Signature Rum is available to pre-purchase on all short and long-haul flights through the High Life Shop.

Curious Brewery has reached an agreement to add Wild Beer Co to its portfolio, an acquisition that will double the size of the existing Curious operation.

The UKGB and Molinari have announced a joint partnership to build awareness and relationships within the UK hospitality industry.

The UK government has outlined plans to extend licensing hours in pubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales to mark the royal coronation.

The UK government’s freeze on alcohol duty is to be extended until August 2023 to help UK hospitality venues amid rising costs.

The no- and low-alcohol categories grew by more than 7% in volume across 10 key global markets in 2022 to surpass a market value of $11bn, a new report from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has revealed.

This January, Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitif will be partnering with bars across the UK for its ‘Try January’ initiative, offering a complimentary cocktail to consumers.

Swedish schnapps brand Flävar reaches 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May this year, with plans to grow its European presence in 2023.

Toku Saké, a new super premium saké, has announced the release of Junmai Daiginjo, its debut liquid. 

The Macallan has introduced a new single malt whisky into The Red Collection, The Macallan 77 Years Old.

Tonic and mixer brand, Lixir, has announced its certification as a B Corporation, the first of its category in the UK to reach this status. 

This month, Buffalo Trace Distillery will launch The Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Trolley, in partnership with JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.

Spanish-lager 1906 Black Coupage by Hijos de Rivera brewery has been crowned Supreme Champion at the International Beer Challenge 2022 as well as winning the award for Best Lager above 5%.

Diageo is celebrating the graduation of 14 students, including seven Ukrainian refugees, from its Learning for Life hospitality training programme.

White Peak Distillery, from Derbyshire, UK, has revealed a special whisky release in time for the festive period, Wire Works Whisky Virgin Oak Finish.

Dolce-amaro aperitivo, Amaro Santoni, has announced it will be partnering with British distributor The Liana Collection this year, as they continue their expansion within the UK. 

The global mezcal market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031, new data by Straits Research has revealed.

A group of over 100 UK drink industry figures have signed a letter written to The Times urging the chancellor to rethink its decision to reverse the alcohol duty freeze.

Diageo Reserve’s World Class bartender competition, now in its 14^th year, has opened for entries in the UK. 

The Drinks Trust has launched an Energy Crisis Fund to help hospitality members pay for their heating and electricity bills throughout the winter.

Highland whisky producer The Glendronach Distillery has announced the release of the eleventh batch of The Glendronach Cask Strength Editions.

Justin Martindale MW has been announced as this year’s winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams.