Nielsen confirms sparkling wine and major spirits categories as big Christmas winners

Nielsen has confirmed that sparkling wine and the main spirits categories were the big winners during Christmas 2014.

WSTA's Miles Beale urges all in UK drinks industry to help secure 2% cut in alcohol duty

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association, spells out today on Harpers.co.uk why it is so important everyone in the UK drinks industry plays their part in trying to secure a 2% drop in alcohol duty in the Budget in March.

Wine and spirits industry will not be helped by falling oil prices says Moody's

The global drop in oil prices will only have a "modest" impact on consumer spending and the retail industry in the European Union, according to a new report from Moody's the credit rating agency.  revised its pricing assumptions in a newly published report that looked at the global impact the reduction in the cost  of oil could have and found there would have a 'modest' impact to consumer spending and retail within the EU.

Portman Group hits back at Labour's public health proposals

The Portman Group has hit back at proposals from Labour on public health, which criticise voluntary industry and government partnerships.

Daffy's Gin hopes to win over bars and spirit lovers with its unique mix of botanicals

Daffy's Gin is the latest new launch in to an already bursting category, but claims it uses a unique set of botanicals, including Lebanese mint, to make its own mark.

Pub and restaurant groups grow Christmas trading 2.8%

Pub and restaurant groups across the country enjoyed a festive trading boost of 2.8% on the same period last year, with those inside London putting in a stronger performance.

Alfred Cointreau on history and how to engage with modern bartenders

Alfred Cointreau is a sixth generation member of the Cointreau family, and since 2011, has been the liqueur brand's heritage manager. He fills us in on the French brand's 165-year history and how he engages with bartenders today.

Bacardi confirms new leadership team

Bacardi, the largest privately held family-owned spirits company in the world, has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Dolan will fill the role permanently and appointed Dmitry Ivanov to chief marketing officer.

Tattooed bartenders are stars of new Giffard liqueurs and spirits campaign

Eleven tattooed  bartenders have been chosen to take part in a new campaign to help raise awareness of the Giffard range of liqueurs and spirits.

Greenall's Gin signs £3m horseracing sponsorship deal

Greenall's Gin has invested £3 million in a three-year sponsorship deal plus marketing with horseracing's Jockey Club, which will see the brand take top billing at Cheltenham and the Grand National.

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala to buy Encirc business

Spanish glass manufacturer Vidrala is expected to purchase Encirc - the former Quinn Glass business - in a deal worth up to €400 million.

Falling oil price unlikely to cut wine and spirits distribution costs

The wine and spirits sector can expect to see little relief on distribution costs despite the plummeting oil price, say logistics experts.

Scotch Whisky Association to open London office as it ramps up international focus

The Scotch Whisky Association is on the hunt for a new global affairs director, to be responsible for all of its international and EU business, who will head up a new London office.

John Dewar & Sons releases limited editions from Aultmore distillery

Brits fork out 50% in tax on festive drinks shop

British consumers forked out over 50% on tax for their festive alcohol shop, as taxes have surged by 19% in the past four years.

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: David Frost Scotch Whisky Association

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, reflects on the Scottish referendum and the increased investment in the sector, while hoping for an improvement in sales in 2015.  

2014 Review and Hopes and Fears for 2015: WSTA chief Miles Beale

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirits Trade Association, says the industry's progress against the Responsibility Deal is something to shout about. Meanwhile he's gearing up the pre-Budget Drop the Duty campaign and planning to engage with government after 2015's General Election.

Gordon's gin launches TV ad featuring boar on Christmas Eve

Gordon's, the UK's biggest selling gin brand, is launching a new TV ad featuring a boar this evening, as part of a £2 million marketing spend.

Pinkster gin steps up expansion plans

Raspberry gin brand Pinkster has stepped up expansion plans after securing a six-figure sum in second-round financing from an angel investor.

Drinks industry 'vastly exceeds' target to remove 1bn units

The drinks industry has "vastly exceeded" its target to remove 1 billion units of alcohol from the UK market two years ahead of schedule, a report from the Department of Health has confirmed.