2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: David Cox, The Benevolent

David Cox, the chief executive of The Benevolent, the drinks charity in the UK, is proud that in 2015 the charity was able to assist 570 beneficiaries.  For the trade, he saw 2015 as a challenging year where businesses need to work harder than ever to protect margins.  In 2016 he most looking forward to continuing to grow the number of companies that are engaged with charity.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Julia Trustram Eve, English Wine Producers

In the first of our annual reviews of the year, we asked Julia Trustram Eve, the marketing director for English Wine Producers, what were some highlights of 2015 and what she thinks lies ahead for the industry. For Trustman Eve, 2015 was a busy year where English wines became increasingly more mainstream.  Looking ahead she see the Budget as one of the industries biggest challenges in 2016, but a lot of opportunity as well with the International Cool Climate Symposium being hosted in the UK.

David steps down as William Grant chief executive

William Grant & Sons chief executive Stella David is to leave the family-owned business in February, it is reported.

Young drinkers drive UK gin sales above £1 billion in 2015

Young drinkers will push UK gin sales above £1 billion for the first time, according to data from research giant Mintel, released today.

SWA slams minimum unit pricing ahead of EU court ruling

The Scottish Whisky Association has reiterated its opposition to minimum-unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, prior to a ruling on the subject from the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is due on December 23.

Rioja discussing shift to terroir-based regulation

The Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja is looking at introducing terroir-based regulation for the first time.

Newly launched iSommelier device receives innovation award

The iSommelier, a 'smart' decanter which reduces aeration time for a wine from hours to minutes, has been awarded the 2015 Innovation Trophy.

Modern Australian Gin gets second release from Four Pillars

The award-winning Australian craft Four Pillars distillery has issued a second release of its Modern Australian Gin.

Australia Day Tastings revealed for London, Dublin and Edinburgh

Wine Australia has announced the dates of its Australia Day Tastings for 2016.

Searcys St Pancras celebrates Christmas with Cocoflake hybrid

The Dalmore launches Parisian luxury film trilogy

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt has launched the first in a series of three films in partnership with luxury Paris hotels.

De Bortoli to launch two new terroir-focused wine ranges

Australian winemaker De Bortoli is to launch two new wine ranges into the UK in January.

First private equity fund focused on craft spirits sector launches in US

Thoroughbred Spirits Partners and the Thoroughbred Spirits Group have launched a US private equity fund focused on the craft spirits sector.

Diageo looks Starward for second major Distill Ventures investment

Distill Ventures has made its second major investment in a matter of weeks.

£6.4 billion Christmas spending spree could rescue dismal year for multiples

Over £6.4 billion will be spent spent at the UK's leading supermarkets in the two weeks to Christmas, according to global information and insights giant Nielsen.

Armit releases highly anticipated 2014 Domaine Leflaive en primeur

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has announced the en primeur release of the 2014 vintage from highy regarded Burgundy winemaker Domaine Leflaive.

Wines of Portugal reveals details of 2016 tasting

Wines of Portugal has announced the details of its 2016 annual tasting.

Liberty Wines extends premium New Zealand list with Burn Cottage Pinot Noirs

Liberty Wines has added Central Otago's Burn Cottage Vineyard to its range of premium New Zealand Pinot Noirs.

Gordon's Dry Gin ad lands artist Jeff Koons with law suit

Controversial US pop artist Jeff Koons is being sued for copyright violation by a New York photographer.

Matthew Clark predicts adventurous 2016 for consumers

Leading online distributor Matthew Clark is predicting that UK consumers will become yet more inquisitive in 2016.