WSTA takes British wine to HK
In the same week that the secretary of state signed a joint statement on trade collaboration, some of the WSTA team led a group of English wine and British gin producers on a trade mission, which - for the first time - was jointly funded by the UK government.
Global Brands sales increase +16% in 2017
Drinks manufacturer and distributor Global Brands has reported a +16% increase in sales, taking turnover to £42m for its financial year ending 30 September 2017.
Henkell confirms purchase of 50% of Freixenet
As reported in the February issue of Drinks International, Henkell the German sparkling wine company, has finalised the deal to buy 50.67% of Freixenet SA’s shares.
Diageo acquires aperitif Belsazar
Diageo has announced the acquisition of Belsazar GmbH, a premium aperitif from Germany’s Black Forest for an undisclosed fee.
Heineken loses legal battle in Greece
Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB) has welcomed the success in its long-running legal battle with Heineken and its 98.8%-owned Greek operating subsidiary, Athenian Brewery (AB), for anti-competitive market abuses in Greece.
Coca-Cola launches alcohol brand to survive
Coca-Cola’s plans to release an alcoholic beverage in Japan in 2018 is a survival strategy according to big data experts.
Maxxium UK to become Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Distribution
Maxxium UK has announced that it is to change its name to Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Distribution Limited, from April 1.
WSTA annual conference wins award
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s annual conference has been recognised by the European Association Awards ceremony in Belgium.
William Grant & Sons has appointed a managing director for Latin America
William Grant & Sons has appointed Enda O’Sullivan as managing director to Latin America, overseeing the hoped for growth of the company’s brand portfolio.
New chapter for Tales
Tales of the Cocktail is now under new ownership bringing to an end a controversial period for the New Orleans festival.
Jameson shines in Pernod Ricard financial results
Sales of Jameson Irish whiskey have increased 12% in the first half of the 2018 financial year to become Pernod Ricard’s joint largest whiskey brand in terms of volume.
Drinktank 'ground-breaking' for on-trade
The drinks industry’s first global intelligence network, Drinktank, has been set up to change the way brands work with the on-trade.
Diageo gets consumer insight in Africa
Diageo has paired up with consumer insights company Join the Dots to further understand the consumption trends in Africa.
Subramaniam to lead Bacardi in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, has announced the internal promotion of Vijay S. Subramaniam to managing director - Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa (AMEA).
Pernod Ricard extends responsible drinking campaign
Pernod Ricard has renewed its partnership with the Erasmus Students Network on raising awareness of responsible drinking for students within Europe.
Diageo sales up 1.7%
Diageo, the world’s largest premium spirits company, has announced its interim results for six months ended December 31, 2017.
WSTA nominated for European Association Awards
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has been shortlisted for two European Association Awards, which will take place on February 23 in Brussels.
Tesco renews partnership with WSET
Tesco has renewed its role as gold level corporate patron of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
IBWSS business topics announced
Business speakers at the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show will cover private lable strategies and maximising profits over two days in London this February.
Millennials still key to UK market
While UK Millennials are drinking less than their parents, they remain a significant market for alcohol producers, according to GlobalData.
De Kuyper to market Beam Suntory brands
De Kuyper Royal Distillers has announced that it is to cooperate with Beam Suntory in marketing its brands in the Netherlands.
WSTA chief hails decision to freeze UK alcohol duty
Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association has praised the decision made by chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond to freeze UK wine and spirits duty.
Stoli appoints Cellar Trends as UK distributor
The Stoli Group has announced the appointment of Cellar Trends as the exclusive distributor for its portfolio in the UK, effective January 1, 2018.
Toon Blij steps down from Dutch Spirits
Dutch distiller, Dutch Spirits, has announced the retirement of founder and owner Toon Blij from his role as CEO who will be replaced by Andy Mallows, former managing director.
William Grant & Sons reports +£200m profit in 2016
Global premium spirits business William Grant & Sons has reported profits of £222.1m after tax for the year ended 31 December 2016.
De Kuyper acquires Cherry Heering
De Kuyper Royal Distillers has acquired Cherry Heering, one of the oldest cherry liqueurs in the world, from its brand owner Peter F. Heering.
Distelling the future
Distell, South Africa’s leading wine, spirits and cider company, is gearing up to punch above its weight.
Grants appoints new leadership team
William Grant & Sons has announced three changes to its leadership team in the UK and EMEA regions.
Grants appoints new leadership team
William Grant & Sons has announced three changes to its leadership team in the UK and EMEA regions.
Pernod posts €9bn sales for FY17
Pernod Ricard has achieved more than €9 billion in sales for its financial year 2016/17.
Pernod Ricard shows +3.6% sales growth for FY17
Pernod Ricard has recorded a +3.6% organic sales growth for the 2017 financial year and a +22% free cash flow growth.
WSTA wants 'right' Brexit deal for large UK wine value
The WSTA wants ‘the right’ Brexit deal with the EU to ensure trade is uninterrupted now that wine is the UK’s sixth most exported food and drink product.
Q&A: Funkin CEO Andrew King
Andrew King, CEO of Funkin, spoke to Hamish Smith about business in the current cocktail climate
Quintessential Brands gets Cockspur rum distribution
Cockspur rum will be distributed through Quintessential Brands’ off-trade and on-trade distribution arms - Essential Drinks and Marblehead Brand Development respectively - from September 1, 2017.
AB InBev to merge with Anadolu Efes
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has reached a non-binding agreement with Anadolu Efes to merge its existing Russia and Ukraine businesses.
The Benevolent chief David Cox to retire
David Cox is set to retire as chief executive at The Benevolent, the drinks industry charity at the end of the year.
Funkin partners with De Kuyper in the Netherlands
Funkin has signed a partnership deal with De Kuyper Royal Distillers, which will become its exclusive Netherlands distributor.
Campari announces +6.8% sales growth for 2017
Italian drinks group Gruppo Campari has announced ‘very good results’ for the first half of 2017 with total sales reaching €844.7m, an organic growth of 6.8%.
WSTA chief slams UK government over Brexit
The chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, Miles Beale has warned that ministers in the UK parliament need to set aside differences and produce a clear plan for Brexit or trade will suffer.
Pernod Ricard acquires Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Pernod Ricard USA’s New Brand Ventures division, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.
Diageo boss: 'We're restless as hell'
Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes says the company is ‘restless as hell’ following the release of its annual market report for the year ending 30 June 2017, despite profits growing up to 25%.
WSTA announces annual conference keynote speakers
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has announced Lord Price, minister of state for international trade and Wetherspoon boss, Tim Martin as keynote speakers at this year’s WSTA Annual Conference this September.
ABD names Paramjit Singh Gill as its president and CEO
Allied Blenders & Distillers, the third largest spirits company in India with volumes of 33.2 million cases, has announced the appointment of Paramjit Singh Gill as its president and CEO.
LNG heads to Scottish distilleries
Liquefied natural gas providers are working on a joint project to bring LNG to Scottish breweries and distilleries which are not on the existing natural-gas grid.
SITT announces Bristol and London autumn shows
The Specialist Importers Trade Tasting, a series of one-day events for independent wine buyers in all trade markets, will take place on September 18 in Bristol and on September 20 in London.
IBWSS prepares for London takeover
The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) will take place in London on February 26-27, 2018 as an opportunity for winegrowers to grow its private labels and bulk business.
Liviko announces turnover of €129m
Estonian drinks company, AS Liviko, says it has been hit by endless excise increases and the impact of various economic activities in the region.
WSTA chief wants full Brexit 'divorce'
Wine and Spirit Trade Association CEO Miles Beale, has called for the government to follow through with its Brexit negotiations.
Drinkaware appoints new chief medical advisor
Drinkaware has appointed Dr Fiona Sim as chief medical advisor to chair its independent medical advisory panel and monitor the charity’s medical evidence.
International spirits group Quintessential Brands has appointed Simon Williams as group operations director, with immediate effect.