First Drinks takes on Tia Maria

First Drinks has announced the UK distribution rights for Tia Maria following Illva Saronno's acquisition of the premium brand from Pernod Ricard.

Maxxium's new £1,800 Cognac

Maxxium UK is launching a new luxury Cognac, L'Essence de Courvoisier, aimed at connoisseurs which retails at £1,800 a bottle.

Maxxium pushes port message

Maxxium UK is hoping to persuade on-trade retailers to take a more proactive approach to port sales with the launch of a new promotional kit.

First Drinks in Remy Cointreau coup

UK premium drinks supplier First Drinks has announced that it will handle the distribution of Remy Cointreau brands in a major coup for the company.

New Maxxium UK up and running

A new-look Maxxium UK officially starts business today.

Maxxium pits north against south in 'Liquid War'

Maxxium UK has announced the winners of its Liquid War 2008 competition, which saw bartenders compete for team and individual honours in flair and mixology categories.

Maxxium puts zing into Sourz campaign

Maxxium UK is launching a major consumer campaign to reposition its Sourz spirit brand following its rebrand and new blackcurrant flavour launched in August.

Origin switches sourcing of Camden Park to Argentina

Origin Wines is switching the supply of one of its premium brands from Austrailia to Argentina in a bid to make the brand more profitable.

Business as usual' for Maxxium following V&S sale

Maxxium, the global drinks distribution company, has said it is business as usual following the sale of Vin & Sprit (V&S) earlier this week.

Remy Cointreau reports year loss due to Maxxium

French wines and spirits group Remy Cointreau's annual sales rose but it swung to a net loss of 23million ($31m; 15.5m) after charges linked to quitting a distribution alliance with other drinks businesses.

New name and logo for The Benevolent

The Wine and Spirit Trades' Benevolent Society has changed its name and updated its image to attract more members and increase fundraising efforts.

Rmy to pull out of Maxxium deal

by Ron Emler
Rmy Cointreau has set itself up as a possible takeover target by announcing that it is pulling out of the Maxxium distribution joint venture to regain control of sales of its brands.

William Grant & Sons takes full control of First Drinks Brands

Bacardi Martini Ltd has sold its 50% share in distribution company First Drinks Brands to independent distiller William Grant & Sons.

Whyte & Mackay ends Maxxium distribution deal

Whyte & Mackay has announced that it will take back the distribution of its two key brands - Whyte & Mackay blended Scotch whisky and Vladivar vodka - from Maxxium UK on 1 March 2007.

Glenrothes malt moves to Maxxium

Cutty Sark International has announced that from 1 April it is switching distribution and marketing of its single malt whisky, The Glenrothes from Gordon & MacPhail to Maxxium in the UK.
Maxxium UK managing director Huw Pennell said: 'We see great potential for The Glenrothes, particularly in the on-trade and within specialist whisky retailers.'
Cutty Sark claims The Glenrothes is one of the fastest growing single malt whisky brands in UK. Following success in the USA and Spain, The Glenrothes Select Reserve launched in the UK in 2005. Maxxium UK will manage the full range of products including The Glenrothes Select Reserve and The Glenrothes Vintages.

Wine experts' present the case for The Benevolent

A group of top wine writers, communicators and retailers have put together a case of top wines in a bid to raise money for drinks-trade charity The Benevolent.

Born to buggy at the Benevolent

John Smith, chairman of The Wine and Spirit Trades' Benevolent Society, laid a plaque last week at the charity's Vintry Home in Eastbourne, as a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of pounds raised by the Wine Trade Foundation on behalf of the Benevolent.

WHISKY CONSUMERS CLASSIFIED BY FIRST DRINKS

By Jack Hibberd

MAXXIUM AND KYNDAL END JURA AND GLAYVA DEAL

FIRST DRINKS FINISHES FIRST