Jack Daniel's ramps up production

Pubs feel the heat as beer sales drop

Pubs were dealt a further blow today (July 28) as the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported beers sales were down 4.5% this quarter, compared with the same quarter last year.

Tapanappa Wines expands with new general manager

The board of Tapanappa Wines has appointed Xavier Bizot as general manager.

Portman Group slams "mega strength" ciders

The Portman Group drinks industry watchdog has slammed two ciders, Blackout and Mega White, for breaching its code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks.

Dolan joins Wyndham to boost Shiraz clout

Nigel Dolan, the award winning winemaker, has joined Wyndham Estate as chief winemaker.

Auchentoshan Whisky launches new website

Auchentoshan Whisky has spearheaded its £0.5m brand investment with a newly launched website.

Wines of Argentina tasting must broaden scope

This year's Wines of Argentina trade tasting is looking to cater for as broad as spectrum of visitors as possible, according to the trade body's UK director.

Harpers.co.uk relaunches as TalkingDrinks.com

Wine & spirits website Harpers.co.uk has relaunched as TalkingDrinks.com.

Key spirits boost Pernod Ricard sales

Double digit growth for several of Pernod Ricard's key brands, particularly its premium spirits portfolio, has boosted full-year sales figures.

Absolut Vodka sale reaches completion

Pernod Ricard's purchase of Vin & Sprit (V&S), the company that sells Absolut Vodka, has been completed.

Russian Standard Vodka Launches in Taiwan

Russian Standard Vodka has announced the official launch of its Russian Standard Original brand in Taiwan.

Guala Closures Group Sponsors ISI

Guala Closures Group has entered into a sponsorship programme with the International Screwcap Initiative (ISI).

Enotria does on-trade deal with Wheeler Cellars

The directors of Colchester Wine Ltd. are pleased to announce that their On-trade wine supply business, trading as "Wheeler Cellars" (formally the Trade Division of Lay and Wheeler), and their Agency business, trading as "Select Vineyards", will join forces with the highly successful Enotria wine distribution company with effect from Monday 21st July 2008.

Blackthorn targets 'down-to-earth blokes'

The Gaymer Cider Company is to invest £1.2 million in its Blackthorn campaign which looks to engage with its target market of 'down-to-earth blokes'.

InBev seals A-B merger for $52bn

Stella brewer InBev has drawn to a close its acquisition of Budweiser manufacturer Anheuser-Busch with a $52 billion offer being accepted early this morning (July 14).

Berry Bros & Rudd appoints new ad agency

Wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd (BB&R) has appointed advertising agency Tullo Marshall Warren (TMW) to handle a range of services including brand development for the company.

Retail sales dip in June after May blip

UK retail sales fell by 0.4% on a like-for-like basis during June 2008, when compared with the same month last year, latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show.

M&S dumps own-brand policy to halt sales slide

In a dramatic bid to boost ailing food-and-drink sales, Marks & Spencer has begun to trial the selling of top food-and-drink brands in 19 of its stores in the north east of England.

UK government to fund South Africa carbon study

Retailers and consumers are too focused on food miles, the UK's trade and development minister warned, as he announced a major investment in a joint study with South Africa's fruit-and-wine industry to measure the country's carbon footprint.

Austria must extend market

Austria needs to extend its reach beyond top-end restaurants and sell its wines in pubs by the glass, claim producers and UK merchants.