The potential market for lower alcohol wines is around 13 million UK wine drinkers, according to research published by Wine Intelligence.

Alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions in England have increased according to a report published May 31.

More people in the UK drink cider than lager, according to Westons Cider. 

Beam and Maxxium Travel Retail (MTR) have jointly launched a travel retail-exclusive Jim Beam bourbon at Frankfurt airport.

The president of Georgia has said wine exports are to the benefit of Georgia’s national security and an important element of the country's progress.

Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, has announced that it has reached agreement with Ypióca Agroindustrial Limitada to buy cachaça brand, Ypióca, and certain production assets.

Pernod Ricard has confirmed that it is in discussion with the Korean company Hite Jinro to buy its 30% stake in Pernod Ricard Korea Imperial.

Wine journalist, Tim Atkin MW and d'Arenberg owner and winemaker Chester Osborn, were both named as recipients of the Wine Intelligence 10 for 10 Business Award.

The drinks industry has again questioned the legality of a minimum pricing Bill in Scotland.

Concha y Toro, the largest wine producer in Latin America, is committed to developing and improving the Californian wine producer, Fetzer, which it bought from Brown Forman in March 2011.

Tetra Pak, the world leader in its eponymous packaging, has announced that wine can be packed in its cartons in the UK for the first time

The whisky element of the International Spirits Challenge is to be held in Scotland and will feature a chance to meet the judges.

The annual London International Wine Fair, with its spirits arm DISTIL, starts today. Hamish Smith rounds up the best of its offerings  

More than 1,000 exhibitors from 30 countries will present their products at Vinexpo Asia Pacific.

Pernod Ricard has announced the name of the Cuban rum brand that will appear in the US, should the trade embargo ever be lifted.

Current project director Danila Avdiu will leave Messe Düsseldorf on December 31, 2012.

The makers of Titanic whiskey are to open a £5million distillery in an old Belfast jail.

Gruppo Campari has announced group pre-tax profit of €52.8 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2012. 

The Philippines-based Emperador brand is the world’s number one selling brandy after more than doubling its volume sales during 2011.

Scottish health minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the Scottish government will be introducing a minimum price for alcohol of 50p per unit.

Glenfiddich has become the first single malt scotch to sell a million 9-litre cases in a year.

A US court has upheld a ruling to protect Maker’s Mark’s dripping red wax seal.

Diageo has apologised to Scottish brewer and bar operator BrewDog after it was stripped of an award at an industry event in Scotland.

Pernod Ricard USA is to move its US headquarters to Park Avenue in Manhattan.

Campari Group is set to place its UK distribution in the hands of Matthew Clark's new business arm, Catalyst Brands, following the cessation of the Italian group's contract with Cellar Trends.

China is the key for any global company and it is as important now as the US was in the past, according to speakers at the inaugural Worshipful Company of Distillers' city debate.

Pernod Ricard UK has promoted Chris Ellis to the role of commercial director of wines, with effect from July 1, 2012. 

The South African wine industry has launched a new seal, which will guarantee that the wine has been produced in line with fair labour practices, outlined and audited by the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA), which was established over a decade ago.

Brintex, organiser of the LIWF and Distil, has announced that China will exhibit for the first time at the show.

Moet Hennessy USA and Marnier Lapostolle have mutually agreed that Moet Hennessy USA will no longer act as the US distributor for Marnier Lapostolle’s Lapostolle and Chateau de Sancerre wines, effective July 1, 2012.

US: Heineken, the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and White Plains Hospital Center have issued tips to help prevent excess drinking during Prom season.

William Grant & Sons has appointed Glenn Gordon as non-executive chairman.

Georgetown Trading is looking for new Irish whiskey suppliers for its John L Sullivan brand following Beam’s decision not to renew contracts between Cooley Distillery and third-party brands.

Patrón Spirits has partnered with the Turkish importer BT to distribute the company's tequilas and XO Cafe coffee liqueur.

Jack Teeling has left his position as managing director of Cooley Distillery, just months after its sale to Beam, to set up an independent Irish whiskey company.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the dates and details of its Pinot Noir conference, 2013

Heineken USA has appointed Christopher Wade to the newly created position of vice president of sales development, effective May 1, 2012. 

Diageo has announced the completion of the mandatory tender offer for the outstanding shares in Chinese white spirits company, Sichuan Shuijingfang

Pernod Ricard, supported by 25 banks, has signed a new €2.5 billion, five-year multi-currency revolving credit facility.

Rémy Cointreau's consolidated turnover for the 2011/12 financial year was €1,026.1 million, an increase of 13% (up 15.6% organically) compared with the previous year.

Russian Standard Corporation will invest $310m and assume 28% of CEDC's shares as part of a new strategic alliance.

SAB Miller has announced a number of directorate and senior management changes that will become effective from the company’s annual general meeting on July 26, 2012.

Following its €95m purchase of Cooley Distillery, Beam will phase out the supply of third-party brands to concentrate on building its core Irish whiskeys: Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, Connemara and Greenore.

The Edrington Group has announced the appointments of new distillery managers at its single malt scotch brands Highland Park and The Macallan.

The Edrington Group has announced the appointments of new distillery managers at its single malt scotch brands Highland Park and The Macallan.

The US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will officially enter into force on May 15, 2012, according to an announcement from the US Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS).

The Chinese wine market of the future will feature more white and sweet red wines, according to a report by Wine Intelligence.

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Brazil-based arm AmBev and E. León Jimenes which owns 83.5% of Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (CND) are to form a 'strategic alliance' in the Caribbean.

Chapel Down has joined forces with Gaucho Restaurants and Wines of Argentina to create the first Argentinian-grown, English-made Malbec.

Diageo has appointed Thibaut Eissautier to the role of chief procurement officer.