New Zealand and France hit International Wine Challenge's top spot

US-based Satellite Logistic Group acquired by JF Hillebrand Group

JF Hillebrand Group AG has bought the Satellite Logistics Group, a Texas based supply-chain provider for the drinks industry.

Whisky drinkers to choose the design of limited edition Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie, the Scottish whisky distiller, is giving whisky drinkers the chance to decide the packaging design for a new single malt whisky as it looks to involve its customers more in the production process.

New Zealand winery Invivo ditches 'winespeak gobbledegook'

Glenmorangie unveils sculpture to celebrate 20 million bottles at its bottling plant

On Monday December 2, Glenmorangie unveiled a 20-tonne sculpture by sculptor Barry Grove at its production plant in Livingston, Scotland. The unveiling marked the passing of 20 million bottles through the facility since it opened in 2010.

Nationwide roll-out for restaurant app which lets customers order and pay

Wine Vision Day 2: how social media told the story

A recap of day two from Wine Vision, a global wine conference in association with Harpers, which was held in London from November 18-20.

Wineries are missing out on tourism profits warns Fladgate's Adrian Bridge

Producers are missing out on revenue from tourism because of a lack of understanding of how the tourism industry works and a failure to see how it could best benefit their core businesses, argued Adrian Bridge, chief executive, of The Fladgate Partnership, in his address to Wine Vision.

Luddenden Valley Wines fights for excise duty reduction

Luddenden Valley Wines has launched a campaign for excise duty on wine-production levels at small-scale UK producers to be brought in line with cider and beer distillers in a bid to help UK wine producers become more competitive.

Bibendum sells private client business to Simon Farr's new fine wine company

Bibendum is to sell its private client business to Cru London Ltd, a new fine wine business set up by Bibendum non-executive director, Simon Farr.

Russia to raise minimum price of vodka by up to 30% in 2014

Russia is looking to raise the minimum price of vodka by up to 17% on January 1, 2014 in an effort to reduce consumption levels. With further rises planned throughout the year.

Metro Group looks to drive wine growth in Russia

Metro Group, the world's fifth largest retail operation, is looking to widen its reach across Russia, the company's second largest wine market after France, and urged delegates at last month's Wine Vision to seriously invest in the country.

Snow storms hit producers and vines in central Italy

Up to 60cm of snow, which fell on Monday and Tuesday this week, have caused extensive damage to the vineyards in Abruzzo, central Italy.

Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn to launch his own wine academy

Master Sommelier, Ronan Sayburn, has launched his own wine academy in London offering training for those studying from WSET level 2 up to Master of Wine and Master Sommelier exams.

Plans for Bordeaux's global wine city unveiled at Wine Vision

Billed as the "biggest celebration of wine in the world" the plans for Cite de Civilisations du Vin to be built in Bordeaux were revealed to a global audience at last week's Wine Vision conference in London.

Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch: Anchorman fans celebrate Ron Burgundy Scotch Whisky

TN Paramount Film Company announced it will be launching Ron Burgundy Scotch Whisky, to coincide with the premiere of Anchorman 2, starring the cast of original characters including Will Ferrell n his role as TV newsman, Ron Burgundy.

The Diner opens seventh outlet serving its own 'Hard Teas'

The Diner opened its seventh location in the Old Spitalfields Market, in East London, where guests will be able to choose from a selection of "hard teas" and "hard milkshakes" spiced with a range of spirits.

Pernod Ricard switches more of its advertising budget to digital and social media

An increasing proportion of Pernod Ricard's UK advertising budget is being spent on social and digital media, as traditional media consumption continues to decline, according to managing director Denis O'Flynn.

Wine Vision Day 1: who said what on social media

Relive day one from last week's Wine Vision global wine conference hosted in association with Harpers in London that brought many of the world's leading wine players, producers and commentators to the capital to look at the future of wine. Here is our review of the social media conversation that took place during the first afternoon of the conference. Look out for further reviews on Harpers.co.uk.

'Decade of Rum' report shines spotlight on authentic Caribbean rum

The global rum category has grown by 40% over the last 10 years and 24% in the UK, according to a new trade report, The Decade of Rum, produced by West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers'Association (WIRSPA).