?Shareholders approve Suntory acquisition of Jim Beam for US$16 billion

Beam shareholders have approved the acquisition by Suntory Holdings of Japan at the share-selling price of US$83.50 per share, putting the sale value at US$16bn.

?William Grant appoints Rob Allanson as global ambassador

Rob Allanson joins William Grant & Sons Ltd. as the new global ambassador for Grant's Blended Scotch Whisky.

Alcohol duty escalator scrapped in Budget

The alcohol duty escalator has been scrapped, while duty on spirits has been frozen and beer duty has been cut by 1p per pint.

Scrapping duty escalator will benefit wine and spirits trade by £175m

Scrapping the duty escalator and freezing spirits duty will boost the wine and spirits trade to the tune of £175 million, says the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Budget 2014 Live Updates: Trade celebrates the end of duty escalator

The trade has united to welcome Chancellor George Osborne's announcement that he is ending the duty escalator for alcohol and freezing spirits duty.

Drinks trade nervously anticipates Budget

As time runs out before the 2014 Budget is announced later today, the drinks trade nervously shuffles its papers following a hard-fought campaign to scrap the duty escalator.

Bacardí launches multi-million pound marketing campaign

Bacardí has launched a multi-million pound marketing campaign in the UK around its "irrepressible spirit".

Public poll gives overwhelming support to cuts in duty in this week's Budget

Only 3% of the British public think alcoholic drinks are not too expensive in pubs and restaurants and unless more is done to cut duty levels they are likely to spend more time drinking at home.

Countdown to Budget: pubs more reliant on wine and spirits sales says CGA study

Pubs are becoming increasingly reliant on wine and spirit sales, according to new figures released today by on-trade specialists, CGA Strategy.

Wine and spirits industry in one last push to halt duty escalator in next week's Budget

The wine and spirits trade is readying itself for one last push to convince the Chancellor to scrap the alcohol duty escalator in next week's Budget following intensive campaigning across the industry.

Bargain Booze franchisees set for bonus payment

Bargain Booze franchisees are getting their share of a £180,000 bonus pot this month from owners Conviviality Retail, following the launch of a reward scheme.

WSTA launches more accessible website

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has revamped its website to make it more accessible for members.

AB InBev launches rum-flavoured beer Cubanisto

The world's largest brewer AB InBev is launching a rum-flavoured premium beer - Cubanisto - in the UK.

TaxPayers Alliance calls on the public to get behind Call Time On Duty campaign

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance has thrown his weight behind the wine and spirit industry's Call Time On Duty campaign, by callling on the public to lobby their MPs to urge the Chancellor to stop the duty escalator.

New Scottish whisky region to be created on the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides

A new whisky region is being created with the buildilng of the first distillery on the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

?Diageo appoints exclusive national broker for Canada

Wirtz Beverage Group is to become Diageo's exclusive national broker in Canada, after signing an agreement last week.

Loch Lomond Distillery Company acquired by private equity

Call Time on Duty piles pressure on government as Budget looms

The Call Time on Duty campaign is ramping up its activity in the final weeks before the Budget with a coaster campaign in pubs urging consumers to lobby MPs.

Speyburn Distillery plans £4m expansion

Speyburn Distillery is to double its production with a £4 million expansion to cope with growing global demand for Scotch whisky.

Diageo slapped on wrist by ASA over Captain Morgan ad

Diageo has been rapped on the knuckles for its Captain Morgan ad which "links alcohol with daring and toughness".