Wines in the press, March 14-15

What our national wine critics had to say for the weekend of March 14-15

Strong dollar hits Brown-Forman profit

Jack Daniel's and Southern Comfort producer Brown-Forman saw net sales fall by 11% in the three months to Jan 31, largely through the impact of the strong US dollar reducing the value of export sales.

Illicit alcohol consumption is rife, warns new report

The consumption of illicit or noncommercial alcohol is widespread in many countries worldwide and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease, according to a new report by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP).

InBev deal creates world's largest brewer

InBev has completed its $52 billion (£35 million) takeover of Anheuser-Busch, creating the world's largest brewer.

Popularity of British food and drink reaches "record heights"

The global popularity of British food and drink has hit record heights, with annual exports on track to exceed £13bn for the first time in history, according to new figures released this week.

Weekend round-up: Pubs warned of lethal booze scam

The Mirror
Pubs and shops have been warned of a potentially lethal bootleg booze scam in the run-up to Christmas. spirits from Eastern Europe are being sold for a fraction of the normal cost, but laced with toxic levels of methanol - a chemical that can cause blindness and even death. Kirov and Glen's vodka are among the spirits to be switched.

International Beverage invests £15 million in Scottish marketing hub

International Beverage Holdings, parent company of Inver House Distillers, is to invest £15 million to centralise its global marketing operations in Scotland.

Asia trade boost for Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie has seen a boost in trade with profits standing at £12.6m, according to The Scotsman newspaper.

Harvest Highs II

In the concluding part of the Harpers vintage round-up, Jo Burzynska and James Aufenast report on harvests in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Eastern Europe

PIEDMONTESE ESTATE BUYS LITHUANIAN SPARKLING WINE PRODUCER

By Michele Shah

EU APPLICANTS LIFT SCOTCH IMPORT TARIFFS

Majestic raises profits and expansion plans

by Jack Hibberd

BRAVE NEW EUROPE FOR HALEWOOD INTERNATIONAL

By Jack Hibberd

SAFEWAY APPOINTS ...........

PERNOD BECOMES WORLD'S BIGGEST BITTERS PRODUCER

FIRST QUENCH STAFF CRISIS?

By James Aufenast

First Quench cuts buying team

by Tim Atkin

South Africa has 3 years to gain premium image

A major South African wine company has said the country has only three years to attain a premium level for its wines.