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

Price comparison site Bring A Bottle pinpoints cheapest times to buy major drinks brands

Customers should be buying and stockpiling lager in June and July, and Champagne at Christmas, according to new data from Bring A Bottle which pinpoints exactly when the biggest promotions start across a range of top-selling brands.

How a 'yes' vote from Scotland would affect alcohol taxes and logistics

Excise duty expert Alan Powell considers how Scottish independence could affect drinks firms operating both sides of the borders in terms of excise duty and logistics.

A 'yes' vote from Scotland could cripple drinks firms with duty headaches

If Scotland splits from the rest of the UK drinks firms could face potentially crippling changes to duty which would add a significant cost and administrative burden - even causing some to go out of business.

Mixologists gather in the UK to battle it out for Diageo's World Class crown

The world's best mixologist will be unveiled this week as 47 of the very best cocktail shakers and makers gather in the UK for the sixth annual Diageo Reserve World Class global final 2014.

Brown-Forman celebrates 2014 as one of the most successful years in its 144-year history

Brown-Forman shareholders celebrated yesterday the success of its 2014 financial results which it said was "one of the company's most successful years in its 144- year history."

LVMH's wine and spirits business drags down overall performance of luxury group

Louis Vutton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) stock price is taking a hit as financial markets react to the conglomerate's half yearly results announced at close of business yesterday. This morning the stock was trading 6.12% lower, down from yesertday's close €141.25 per share to €132.75 (Bloomberg).

Diageo's Captain Morgan advert once again banned by the ASA

Diageo, for the second time this year, has had a Captain Morgan advert banned by the Advetising Standards Authority (ASA) for a Facebook adve which stated that alcohol could combat boredom.