Latest product news from 22 September 2006 issue

The latest product news in the 25 August issue

POP-Art
A bright pink carrier has taken first prize in a competition to design a six-pack holder for 20cl bottles of POP, from Champagne house Vranken Pommery Monopole.
The Pommery POP-Art competition was run in conjunction with the Royal College of Art (RCA). First-year textile student Susanne Happle beat 30 of her classmates to come up with the winning design, which features a detachable lower section and six straw-holders.
Vranken Pommery Monopole's UK manager Sara Hicks, who was one of the judges, says: The standard of work was exceptional, and it was such a closely fought competition, but Susanne's fun and funky carrier was our first choice. It is fashionable and functional, and perfectly capture's POP's spirit.'

Red Hot Chile - a preview of the annual tasting of wines from Chile

London tasting
The Nursery Pavilion, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8 8QN
Monday 11 September 2006 - press and on-trade only
Tuesday 12 September 2006 - all guests
(Press are invited on either Monday or Tuesday, with Monday a special day for on-trade and press only)
Wines of Chile is hosting a special focus tasting on Monday only, which will feature the Chilean Gold and Trophy winners from the 2006 UK competitions (International Wine & Spirits Competition, International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards). In addition there will a spotlight on Chilean ros and sweet wines

Manchester tasting
The Grand Ballroom, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Salford, Manchester M3 5LH
Thursday 14 September - for all press and trade

Halewood International buys Crabbie's

Halewood International - the UK's largest independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor - has purchased the Crabbie's brand from The Glenmorangie Company.

The future's Sherry; the future's orange

by Dawn Cran
Harveys has launched a new product designed to wake up the Sherry category and broaden the appeal of its flagship Harveys Bristol Cream.

Thierry's launches new brand from Corsica

Thierry's has secured what is probably the first major multiple listing in the UK for a wine produced on the French island of Corsica. Terra Vecchia, produced by Skalli Family Wine, will go on sale in Somerfield next month.

All change for Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is relaunching its range of whiskies with a new-look design, inspired by Glaswegian artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A double lion rampant in red will be the focal point in a move towards a more contemporary look. A futher change will see each of the aged blends released a year later, which will introduce a 13, 19 and 22 year old to the portfolio. A completely new blend, to be named Prize', will also be added later in the year. The Whyte and Mackay range retails for between 11.99 and 124.99.

Summer's all wrapped up

To celebrate summer, Dooley's Toffee Vodka can now be seen sporting a neoprene wetsuit.

Revolutionary change

It's humid, grey and gloomy in Bordeaux. Edouard Thouvenot, export area manager for Baron Philippe de Rothschild, is outlining the plans for Mouton Cadet (MC) in a grey, rather gloomy, unprepossessing building in a small industrial estate outside Pauillac, a far cry from what you would expect from the owners of first growth Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

Belle of the Ball

Plaimont, the cooperative based in south-west France, is relaunching Colombelle, one of its oldest wine brands, in the UK.

Sweet sixteen

Morrison Bowmore has also released two new limited-edition bottlings of its Islay malt, Bowmore. Bowmore 16 Years Old, which will retail for 49.99, is bottled at 53.8% abv, and is a selection from 39 olorose Sherry casks.

Auchentoshan grows up

Auchentoshan, the only triple-distilled single malt Scotch whisky, has released an 18 Years Old limited-edition bottling.

Plaimont relaunches Colombelle

Plaimont, the co-operative based in south-west France, is relaunching Colombelle, one of its oldest wine brands, in the UK.

Auchentoshan grows up

Auchentoshan, the only triple-distilled single malt Scotch whisky, has released an 18-year-old limited edition bottling.

Pama - the world's first' pomegranate liqueur

The world's first' pomegranate liqueur is being launched in the UK this summer by charteredbrands. 'Pama' is a blend of pomegranate juice, vodka, and tequila.

Mateus Ros is on TV

Mateus Ros, the Portuguese brand owned by Sogrape, will feature in a television advertising campaign throughout the month of August.

Gaelic Collection launched

A new range of whiskies has been launched by Praban na Linne, which is based on the Isle of Skye. The Gaelic Collection comprises five whiskies, all of which are unchill-filtered.

You've got a friend

This month sees the launch of National Best Mates Week by Taboo, the vodka-based brand owned by William Grant & Sons.

New launch from Supreme Corq

Supreme Corq has launched a new version of its injection-moulded closure, and claims that the oxygen permeability rate of the new closure is half that of its predecessor, the SupremeCorq Original.

New set of wheels

New Zealand producer Seifried Estate has unveiled new packaging for its Old Coach Road range, which was launched more than 10 years ago.