Scottish independence: whisky heavyweights say business case 'not made'

A host of the biggest names in Scotch whisky have signed an open letter warning that the business case for Scottish independence "has not been made".

Distell launches 56 Hundred Nederburg wine as profits surge

South Afica's Distell has launched a new Nederburg range 56 Hundred, which includes a Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio.

Jon Chadwick on moving from the NHS to setting up his own craft spirits distillery

Former National Health Service chief Jon Chadwick has gone from advising people to drink less to setting up County Durham's first distillery. He tells Jennifer Ashcroft where the idea came from, what it means to be a "craft" gin distillery and how he's capturing Durham in a bottle.

Diageo 'disappointed' over Portman Group decision on Mix It Up Tonight promotion

Diageo has said it is 'disappointed' over a decision that its Mix it Up Tonight counter-top display unit breached marketing rules by encouraging irresponsible impulse purchases.

Pernod Ricard calls for premium wine and spirits push in impulse for Christmas 2014

Pernod Ricard UK is aiming to cash in on millions of pounds of lost sales in premium wines and spirits in the impulse sector this Christmas by helping retailers encourage customers to trade up.

Diageo's incubator spirits firm doubles number of places for 2015 applicants

Angel investor firm Distill Ventures will double the number of places available in its accelerator programme that helps new and growing spirits entrepreneurs launch and expand their brands and businesses.

Constellation Brands to buy Casa Noble Tequila to grow spirits offering

Constellation Brands announced last week its plans to acquire the Casa Noble Holdings tequila brands

Bowmore and Glenmorangie both raise a dram to increased profits and sales

Morrison Bowmore Distillers, a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, and Glenmorangie Company, part of LVMH, both saw sales and profits grow last year, only further confirming the "hot" streak that whisky is currently having

EU and US sanctions unlikely to harm the Russian Vodka industry

Entries for Harpers Global Design Awards extended to August 22

The deadline to enter this  year's Harpers Global Design Awards has been extended by a week and now closes on August 22.

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.