Currency update, October 18 - sterling hits high of $1.61

Sterling rose to the highest level against the US dollar since the end of January on Friday after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that low inflation gave a case for more intervention by the Federal Reserve.

Pernod Ricard sells New Zealand Wine brands

Pernod Ricard Group has sold some of its New Zealand Wine brands, including Lindauer, to a consortium of buyers from Lion Nathan and Indevin, for NZ $88 million (circa £42 million).

Glenfiddich launches adventurous campaign

Glenfiddich has announced the launch a global advertising campaign - One Day You Will.

Sunday Times salutes drinks businesses

Eight drinks businesses have been named among the 250 leading mid-market private companies by the Sunday Times.

6,300 pubs, bars and restaurants to close by 2015

A new report has predicted that 6,300 pubs, bars and restaurants will close by 2015.

Foreign Office's wine buying quango scrapped

Boardroom shake-up at Wetherspoons

A boardroom shake-up at Wetherspoons saw two directors step down from the 784-strong managed pub chain yesterday.

Greenall's invests £250,000 in production line

Gin and vodka maker Greenall's is investing £250,000 in the opening of a third production line at its Warrington headquarters.

Currency update, October 15 - sterling rises against dollar

Sterling rose to the highest level in eight months against the US dollar yesterday.

Dalmore Trinitas breaks six figure price barrier

The first bottle of whisky in the world to break the six figure price barrier is the 64 year old, Dalmore Trinitas.

Small firms question the value of social media

More than half of Britain's small to medium-sized businesses use social media, a new survey has found.

Currency update, October 14 - Sterling hits a five month low

Sterling hit a 5 month low against the euro on Wednesday as weak consumer confidence data and mixed employment data saw confidence in the pound drop.

Pernod Ricard sells Renault Cognac

Pernod Ricard has sold the Renault Cognac brand to the Finnish drinks operation Altia for €10 million.

Paul Henry quits Wine Australia

Paul Henry, one of the most public faces in the Australian wine business, has resigned from his role at the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation.

Tesco introduces resealable caps for sparkling wine

Jacob's Creek to be official wine of Wimbledon

Australian brand Jacob's Creek is to be the official wine of Wimbledon.

Skalli opens tourist centre in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

French wine producer, Skalli has opened a new tourist centre at its winery in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Bordeaux's second wines in price surge

The second wines of First Growth chateaux in Bordeaux are experiencing a big increase in price, according to data from Liv-Ex.

Currency update, October 13 - Bank of England comments cause sterling to fall

Sterling fell against both the euro and US dollar yesterday after downbeat comments from yet another member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee saw investors lose confidence in the UK economy.

Relaunch for Burn Stewart malts

Burn Stewart Distillers is to launch its entire malt whisky range in un-chillfiltered form.