The Portman Group appoints chairman

The alcohol and social responsibility body for drinks producers, the Portman Group has appointed Seymour Fortescue as its first external chairman.

Aldi's UK chief departs

Paul Foley, managing director of Aldi in the UK, has left the company with immediate effect after 20 years with the group.

Laithwaites Wine appoints head of wine UK

Laithwaites Wine has appointed former development manager of Direct Wines, Abi Hirshfeld as head of wine UK.

Absolut gets a new star studded cover

Wine Gang offers Rioja trip

The Wine Gang - the grouping of five leading wine critics - is offering a subscriber the chance to win a wine tasting holiday in Rioja.

Punters gamble on fine wine sales

A service which allows speculators to place bets on the performance of the fine wine industry has been launched.

Sake qualification for sommeliers

British sommeliers are to have the chance to gain a professional qualification in Japanese sake for the first time.

New Zealand Wine Fund sold

One of New Zealand's largest wine producing companies has been sold to an American business.

Wines in the press - August 7 - 9

The Guardian

Victoria Moore is talking about chilling light reds. " A good, light red that has been chilled for half an hour in the fridge is not only refreshing and joyful, it also possesses substance and intrigue that holds your attention beyond the first glass," she says.

Spanish wine exports fall in May

Spanish wine exports fell by around 11% in value and volume terms in May, according to figures released by the Spanish Tax Agency.

Laithwaites and Amorim launch cork re-cycling project

Laithwaites Wines has joined forces with Amorim, to launch a cork re-cycling project across ten of its stores.

Diageo backs state's proxy purchase drive ban

Diageo has backed a proposal in the US state of Michigan to ban adults from driving if they are found to have bought alcohol on behalf of anyone under the legal drinking age.

First premium Pinot for Ventisquero

Chilean winemaker Viña Ventisquero has launched its first premium Pinot Noir, under the brand name Herú.

Cellar acquisition for Gosset

Champagne house Gosset is to move its headquarters to newly-acquired premises in Epernay.

Ty Nant firm takes Viru stake

The Italian owner of Ty Nant spring water has bought a stake in the British owner of an Estonian beer brand.

Casillero del Diablo add 50cl bottles to its portfolio

For those who are consuming and spending less in the recession, and responsible drinking at the forefront of the trade debate, Casillero del Diablo has launched a range of 50cl bottles to its portfolio.

Quilon gets Wine Spectator approval

Michelin-starred south Indian restaurant, Quilon, has picked up an Award of Excellence from American wine bible the Wine Spectator for its 128-bin wine list.

Campari says market conditions easing

The Italian drinks group Campari says economic conditions eased in the second quarter of the year leading to a 2.5% organic sales growth to €441.8 million, for the half-year to June 30.

Local brews buck the recession

Sales of locally-produced ales are soaring in the on-trade, according to the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

Cocktail push for Licor 43

The Spanish liqueur brand Licor 43 is embarking on an on-trade push in the UK market with a cocktail booklet featuring the drink in 43 recipes.