Tough fiscal year end closes for drinks industry's biggest players

There won't be many corks popping across the drinks industry this week as the summer marks what has been tough fiscal year for the sector dominated by a slowdown in growth in China.

Jose Cuervo tequila launches Tradicional Silver in UK

Jose Cuervo tequila is launching its Tradicional Silver, a spicy 100% agave Blanco tequila to the UK market for the first time.

Diageo launches special edition Tanqueray Old Tom gin

Diageo has launched limited edition Tanqueray Old Tom gin, drawing on an original recipe from its founder and bridging the gap between malty Dutch genevers and London Dry gins.

Scotch whisky starts to offer investors greater returns than fine wine

The rise in demand and consumption of whisky around the world is helping to develop a market for Scotch whisky as an investment vehicle similar to what has occurred with ultra-premium wines.

Underage alcohol sales have fallen, but proxy purchasing is rising

Retailers have made major progress in driving down underage alcohol sales, but proxy purchasing is on the increase, according to a new report.

Grab a G&T: sixth annual World Gin Day to celebrated around the world

Gin producers the world over will be raising their favourite gin drinks this Saturday June 14 for the sixth annual World Gin Day.

WSTA gears up for aggressive campaign against duty hikes in 2015

The WSTA is considering calling for a 2% cut in duty on wine and spirits as part of its campaign in the lead up to next year's Budget.

An independent Scotland means higher costs, free trade risks and lack of global support for whisky

Scotch whisky producers face higher costs and EU tariffs, a loss of support from UK embassies, and increased uncertainty if Scotland votes for independence, according to a report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge re-open Glenturret Distillery in Scotland

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge re-opened Scotland's oldest distillery Glenturret yesterday following a closure that allowed for a £250,000 investment to be made to develop a visitor's centre called The Famous Grouse Experience.

Berry Bros switches distribution of King's Ginger and Pink Pigeon rum to Mangrove

Berry Bros & Rudd has decided to switch the UK distribution of The King's Ginger liqueur and Pink Pigeon Mauritian rum from Cask Liquid Marketing to Mangrove, the specialist spirits company. The brands move over on June 1.

Open golf sponsorship has helped Glenmorangie drive the brand in key international markets

Glenmorangie is capitalising on its sponsorship of The Golf Open Championship to build the brand in the US and Asia and other key international markets.

Sunday Times Rich List reveals wealthiest families in the wine and spirit trade

Laithwaite's owners Tony and Barbara Laithwaite saw their personal wealth increase by £23 million to £148 million in 2014, after a £60 million decline last year, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2014.

Stock Spirits trading in line with expectations for Q1

Central and Eastern European spirits producer Stock Spirits says it is trading in line with expectations for the first quarter of 2014.

Merchant House to open specialist gin and rum bar in London

The London Bar Consultants are opening Merchant House in the City, which will stock super premium and rare rums as well as 250 different gins.

Rich List: Laithwaite's Wine owners see personal wealth dip by £60m

Albion Racing Club spiced malt launches first film: 'Méribel or Bust'.

The Albion Racing Club, a British spiced malt launched in March 2014, has brought back memories of Terry Thomas and Tony Curtis and the iconic film, Monte Carlo or Bust, with the premiere of its first hour long film in London this week, which centres around the Club's inaugural race, 'The Alpine Run 2014: Méribel or Bust'.

Celebrities and brands: do star endorsements and link-ups really work?

News that David Beckham is to put his name to a new whisky is just the latest in a series of celebrity drink endorsements. But, Richard Foster asks, do such link-ups guarantee good sales?

Stars in their aisles

News that David Beckham is to put his name to a new whisky is just the latest in a series of celebrity drink endorsements. But, Richard Foster asks, do such link-ups guarantee good sales?

Emporia halts imports of Russian Legend of Kremlin vodka as Ukraine tensions escalate

Drinks distributor Emporia Brands has called a halt to imports of the Russian Parliament's official vodka Legend of Kremlin as the dispute between the European Union and Russian Federation continues.

Cellar Trends' sales director Malcolm Rigby retires

Cellar Trends' sales director Malcolm Rigby is to retire after a 15-year career at the drinks distributor.