Chief of the week: Ian Burrell - the world's rum ambassador

As job titles go global rum ambassador is one to brag about with your mates down the pub. Really? Your job is to go around the world talking about and tasing and drinking rum?

Lock Stock's Guy Ritchie links up with David Beckham to make Haig whisky TV advert

Guy Ritchie, the UK film director behind Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director and the recent Sherlock Holmes film series, has linked up with David Beckham to make the first TV advert for his new Haig Club whisky.

RumFest attracts industry's biggest names to London's two day event

Diageo Q1 sales down, but hopes for full year growth

Spirits giant Diageo's first quarter organic net sales were down 1.5% thanks to weak emerging markets, the firm has said.

Pernod Ricard unveils marketing campaigns for Jameson, Chivas and Brancott Estate

Pernod Ricard's Jameson, Chivas Regal and Brancott Estate brands will be receiving a major boost with the launch of separate marketing campaigns this autumn.

Advocaat brand Warninks launches new liqueur

Laine Pub Company takes on original Battersea Jongleurs site

The site of the original Jongleurs comedy club in Battersea, south London, where the likes of Graham Norton, Bill Bailey and Phil Jupitus first made their name, has been transformed in to a major pub operation.

The Glenrothes releases Vintage Reserve whisky

Vintage Reserve is the latest single malt release from award-winning Speyside distillery, The Glenrothes, distributed by Berry Bros & Rudd.

Quintessential Brands appoints Lizzy Johnson international marketing director

Quintessential Brands, which distributes Greenall's and Bloom gins, has appointed former Diageo brand director Lizzy Johnson to lead its international marketing.

Crown Cellars boosts sales team as wine revenues grow 19% in past year

Carlsberg's wine and spirits on-trade arm Crown Cellars has boosted its sales team following a 19% increase in wine sales in the past 12 months.

Cocktail sales grow 10% in UK on-trade, says CGA

The popularity of cocktails has translated into a 10.8% sales growth spurt across the UK's bars and pubs in the past two years, with rum and mint drink Mojito coming out on top.

Rémy Martin to open a pop up private members club in London's Soho

Famous Cognac house Rémy Martin is opening a members' only club in London for two weeks from November 25- December 6, 2014 .

Last chance to win Rising Stars place at Wine Vision

Emerging talents in the wine trade have the chance to attend this month's world leaders' conference, Wine Vision, by winning a special grant as part of Harpers Rising Stars initiative.

Experimental psychologist Prof Charles Spence to shed insight into spirits

Renowned experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence, who has worked with a host of top performing drinks brands, tops the bill at the upcoming Sprits Summit.

Proximo Spirits introduces TINCUP American whiskey in to the UK

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

Bacardi Brown-Forman to distribute Patron tequila in 'critical' UK market

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands has taken over distribution of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs in the UK after the Mexican brand's seven-year deal with Cellar Trends came to an end.

David Beckham officially launches new Haig Club whisky globally

David Beckham officially launched Haig Club Scotch whisky today, which is produced by Diageo in partnership with the world famous footballer and British talent agent Simon Fuller.

No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

Harpers Global Design Awards 2014: The Results

The competition to stand out not just on-shelf but also on-screen means there is intense pressure on wine producers, suppliers and, most of all, the creative and design agencies behind the labels to really up their game. Here are the results from the first worldwide Harpers Design Awards where we invited entries from around the world, attracting designs from the US, Australia and across Europe.