On-trade hit by decline in spirits sales across all venues

Declining year-on-year spirits sales in the on-trade will have brand owners hoping for a substantial pick up in the last few months of the year leading up to Christmas.

Pernod Ricard UK chief to be new WSTA chair

Pernod Ricard UK's managing director Denis O'Flynn has been selected as the new chairman of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

Chief of the week: The Dude

This week the Claret Pimpernel raises a White Russian to Jeff Bridges, whose new short film called the "The White Russian" was released this week by Kahlúa Productions, as a tribute to the drink he made famous in the cult film, The Big Lebowski. 

Pernod Ricard still 'extremely optimistic' about China despite 23% drop

Despite taking a 23% hit in China, according to Pernod Ricard's year-end financial results, the company is still "extremely optimistic" about the potential of the Chinese market moving forward.

Pernod Ricard year-end results down thanks to China slump and foreign exchange rates

Sales for the 2014 financial year declined by 7% to €7,945 million due to a unfavourable foreign exchange rates and the Chinese market taking a -23% hit according to Pernod Ricard's annual financial report.

Pernod Ricard calls for premium wine and spirits push in impulse for Christmas 2014

Pernod Ricard UK is aiming to cash in on millions of pounds of lost sales in premium wines and spirits in the impulse sector this Christmas by helping retailers encourage customers to trade up.

Setting the record straight: Pernod Ricard UK says fake wine reports are two years old

Pernod Ricard has issued a media statement refuting stories run by the Daily Mail, the Metro, The Independent, The Mirror and The Times in recent days that named Jacob's Creek as one of the wine brands that are on sale in some local off-licences that could be counterfeit and potentially harmful. 

Pernod Ricard acquires majority stake in Avión Spirits as it targets US for growth

Pernod Ricard has made its second major acquisition this year with its almost $100 million investment to acquire an 84% stake in Avión Spirits.

Adrian Atkinson leaves his role as Pernod Ricard's wine development manager

Adrian Atkinson has left Pernod Ricard this week as part of a mini restructure of its commercial and marketing teams.

Tough fiscal year end closes for drinks industry's biggest players

There won't be many corks popping across the drinks industry this week as the summer marks what has been tough fiscal year for the sector dominated by a slowdown in growth in China.

Campo Viejo's Tempranillo number one red wine in UK

Pernod Ricard's Rioja brand Campo Viejo is reaping the rewards of a brand shake-up that sees its Tempranillo variety take the top spot for red wine in the UK by value.

Jacob's Creek unveils tennis-inspired bottles for Wimbledon

To celebrate its fourth year as the official wine of Wimbledon, Jacob's Creek  is launching two tennis white limited edition bottles.

Jacob's Creek to release limited edition white-bottled Wimbledon wines

Formula One drivers can now celebrate with limited edition Champagne GH Mumm

As Formula One drivers spend so much time throwing around quality Champagne, official sponsors, Champagne GH Mumm, has produced a special limited edition bottle unique for Formula One.

Campo Viejo's Streets of Spain festival attracts 300,000 people

Campo Viejo's Streets of Spain festival doubled in size this year, attracting 300,000 people to London's Southbank Centre over the May bank holiday.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Pernod Ricard posts €127m net sales loss in Q3

Pernod Ricard, which released its Q3 financials today, posted a net sales loss of €127 million for the nine months of the 2013/2014 financial year, which is down 7% compared to last year for the same period, primarily due to heavy declines in Asia and other emerging markets.

Pernod Ricard to buy California's Kenwood Vineyards

Pernod Ricard is strengthening its US business with the purchase of Kenwood Vineyards in California's Sonoma Valley from F Korbel & Bros.

Brancott Estate doubles marketing spend

Pernod Ricard UK has doubled its consumer marketing spend on New Zealand wine brand Brancott Estate.

?Chivas whisky's education programme drives growth

Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has seen strong growth over the past year thanks to an education programme on blended whiskies