New York-based media company NBTV Studios has announced the UK launch of streaming platform, Spirits Network, and is inviting UK bartenders to audition for its inaugural programme, Shake Off.

Pernod Ricard UK has highlighted the consumer trends accelerated by the last 18 months and urged retailers to “capitalise on the huge opportunity within premium spirits and wines this Christmas”.

Kirker Greer Spirits has launched a new Japanese spirits brand called Ukiyo which features two gins and a rice vodka coming soon.

The Rise of DTC Sales

02 September, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has inspired drinks producers across the world to significantly ramp up their focus on direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales.

Four Seasons Hong Kong has opened a new bar called ARGO which aims to push innovation and become a staple among the local bar scene.

Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled three key trends that could define the spirits industry during the next year.

The Last Drop has made its first foray into spirits creation with the release of its 50 Year Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky.

Foursquare Distillery in Barbados has won the coveted International Spirits Challenge 2021 Supreme Champion award for its Redoubtable 14 Year Old rum.

The International Spirits Challenge 2021 will reveal trophy winners and the overall Supreme Champion via an online awards presentation on Thursday, July 8.

The European spirits industry has urged governments to rebuild transatlantic ties and fight protectionist measures following a 19% export decline in 2020.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the country’s fourth ban on alcohol sales since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Dutch liqueur producer De Kuyper Royal Distillers earned an impressive haul of two double gold medals and three golds at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.

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

In 2020, beverage alcohol consumption in the US saw the largest volume gain in nearly 20 years.

Ardgowan Distillery has announced a new one million litre single malt distillery and visitor centre, built on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverclyde, Scotland.

The International Spirits Challenge 2021 has awarded 11 double gold medals to the finest Scotch whiskies in the world.

Belvedere has stepped into the organic category with a trio of flavoured expressions that infuse the Polish rye vodka with organic fruits and botanicals.

Korean Soju giant Jinro has topped Drinks International's The Millionaire Club for the 20th year in a row having added 9m 9-litre cases in 2020.

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

A synchronised sigh of relief was heard right across the Armagnac region last year as the news broke of Donald Trump’s defeat in the US election.

Pernod Ricard has claimed two double gold medals in the gin category at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.

Melissa Draycott will take over from Martin Skelton as managing director of Gonzalez Byass UK in September.

Tomas Estes, one of the drinks industry's most loved and respected figures, has passed away peacefully at his home in Oregan.

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

A U-turn on regulations for mezcal has left producers confused about quality control. Shay Waterworth reports.

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

Scotch whisky producers are celebrating after the US government announced it would suspend tariffs on various UK goods for four months.

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

Diageo has completed the acquisition of Herefordshire-based craft spirits firm Chase Distillery for an undisclosed fee.

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has joined the Hospitality Recovery Coalition, which advocates for legislation to support the on-trade in light of the economic impacts of COVID-19.

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

An activist investor in Stock Spirits has once again called for chairman David Maloney and senior independent director John Nicholson to be removed.

Miami-based wine and spirits distributor Webb Banks has appointed industry veteran Jose Castellvi to the newly created role of vice president for travel retail and spirits.

Drinks producers will be forced to close their doors and lay off staff after the U.S. ramped up its tariff war with the EU, trade associations have warned.

Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-label spirits range comprising a gin, vodka, rum and blended Scotch.

The US spirits industry has applauded the UK’s decision to suspend retaliatory tariffs on American rum, brandy and vodka once it leaves the EU on January 1.

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

Dalmore 35 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky has been named the Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards. 

Ed Gerard has left his role of head of wines and spirits at upmarket retailer Harrods to join Mocktail Beverages as global business development director.

The winners of the International Spirits Challenge 2020 Awards will be announced via a live presentation on various social media channels at 8pm GMT on October 28.

Eighteen trade associations have joined forces to call for an immediate elimination of the retaliatory tariffs that the US and EU have imposed upon spirits, wine and beer.

Some of the world’s leading distillers are celebrating after securing impressive medal hauls in the International Spirits Challenge 2020.

The US government has announced that the existing 25% tariffs will remain on single malt Scotch for the foreseeable future.

The South African government has been urged to scrap its alcohol prohibition in order to avoid “devastating consequences” at home and abroad.

Sales of spirits, wine and beer continue to soar in the US off-trade as shoppers shun bars and restaurants in favor of drinking at home.

Not long ago, India was known as a country that produced whisky from molasses, and the majority of sales came from the category of spirits called IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor).

Pernod Ricard has reported sales of €9,182m (6% organic growth) for the  full year 2018/19 plus +8.7% organic growth in PRO (proft on recurring operations.

Pernod Ricard, has announced the official breaking ground on the site of China’s first malt whisky distillery in Sichuan province, the first distillery from an international spirits and wine group.

Edrington announces new CEO

06 December, 2018

Edrington has announced that chief executive officer Ian Curle is retiring in March and will be succeeded by Scott McCroskie, who is on the Edrington board and managing director of The Macallan.

Alexandrion Group, Romania’s largest spirits producer, has announced site plan approval by the planning board of the town of Carmel for the construction of its first US distillery in Mid-Hudson, Putnam County, NY.

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La'Mel Clarke

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