William Grant & Sons invests in new global whisky innovation role

William Grant & Sons has promoted Kevin Abrook to become the company's first global whisky specialist for innovation and will start his new role on September 1.

Drinkaware launches mobile app to help people cut down on drinking

Drinkaware has launched a mobile app which tracks alcohol consumption, calculates units and calories and helps users set goals to cut down their drinking.

Warner Edwards Distillery launches rhubarb gin

Northamptonshire's Warner Edwards Distillery has added a rhubarb gin to its portfolio.

Bacardi produces cult graphic novel to tell its story of Cuban history

Bacardi has teamed up with cult writer Warren Ellis and artist Michael Allred to produce its very own graphic novel - The Spirit of Bacardi - that tells the stories behind the famous rum, the Bacardi family and its origins in Cuba.

Parliamentary group calls for tobacco-style health warnings on alcohol

A group of MPs has called for cigarette-like health warnings on all alcoholic drinks, as well as a lower drink driving limit.

Harpers.co.uk introduces new dedicated finance section

Today Harpers.co.uk introduces a new section of the website that hopes to keep you up to speed with all the latest breaking financial stories affecting the global wine and spirits industry.

Coe Vintners launches interactive digital wine brochure

Coe Vintners has launched its first digital wine and spirits brochure, allowing customers to interact with images, maps and information on wines as opposed to more traditional lists.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust boosts student numbers by 16%

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust attracted 16% more students in the past year as the importance of education in the wine industry globally continues to grow.

Richard Clark: we're always looking for next "Crabbie's" breakthrough at Halewood

Halewood International's innovation programme has been the lifeblood of a £270m-plus turnover independent drinks manufacturer and distributor that has reinvigorated many of the markets in which it operates. Andrew Don speaks to Richard Clark, director of innovation, about the company's new product development (NPD) and the importance NPD plays in the life of a 30-year-old business that learns from both failure and success.

Bloom gin launches upmarket rose lemonade RTD

Bloom gin is expanding its range of upmarket ready-to-serve drinks with its gin and rose lemonade - presented in an old-fashioned glass bottle.

Humphrey Bogart's Real English Gin set for US launch

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine." Humphery Bogart as Rick Blaine, Casablanca.

Diana Hunter, Conviviality CEO, on the new BB's Warehouse concept

Diana Hunter is chief executive of Conviviality Retail, owner of the Bargain Booze network. Last week the firm announced the launch of a new concept - BB's Warehouse - a destination discount off-licence warehouse. Gemma McKenna finds out more.

Scotch whisky The Macallan gets green light for £100m distillery

Edrington's The Macallan whisky brand is to get a new £100 million distillery and visitor centre in Speyside, after Moray Council granted planning permission.

Panos Sarantopoulos takes charge of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division

Panos Sarantopoulos has been promoted to chief executive of Rémy Cointreau's liqueurs and spirits division after a successful time headling up Metaxa, the company's Greek spirit business.

Authentic Caribbean Rum Marque expands to 18 members with three new recruits

Three new rums have been granted approval to carry the Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque as the initiative widens its portfolio and presence in its key international markets including the UK.

Your chance to see Jude Law put on his dancing shoes for new Johnnie Walker Blue film

Last month we gave you a sneak preview of British heart throb Jude Law's new new short film promoting Johnnie Walker Blue Label and now here is the real thing in all its glory.

Jim Beam looks to drive bourbon category with new Rye and Maple varieties

Jim Beam is looking to drive the growing American whiskey market in the UK with the launch of two new additions: Jim Beam Rye; and Jim Beam Maple.

WSTA conference to focus on engaging consumers

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association's annual conference will focus on the role branding, innovation and digital communications play in engaging with consumers in today's wine and spirits world.

Diageo results: sales and profits slide but western Europe stabilises

Diageo released is year-end financial results ending on 30 June 2014 and show that net sales declined and operating profits took a big hit for the 2014 fiscal year.

Glenmorangie offers holidaymakers special golf trips and prizes