UK Argentina chief Forbes steps down

The head of Wines of Argentina in the UK has announced that he is to leave his position in September.

SABMiller seeks injunction over deal

SABMiller has claimed that a plan by Kenya's East African Breweries Limited to axe a deal with Tanzania Breweries Limited and take a stake in a competitor is a breach of contract.

20,000 demand Diageo u-turn

Tens of thousands of Scots took to the streets of Kilmarnock at the weekend demanding that Diageo scraps plans for the axing of 900 jobs in two major sites.

Wines in the press July 24-26

The Guardian

Victoria Moore is reviewing Australian Rieslings. She says, Australia caught our attention two decades ago with fruity reds and sunny whites that moved us on from Bulgarian country wine, changed our expectations at the lower end of the scale and became a fixture on the chart of cheap hits.

Berberana launches 'One Cork One Point' loyalty scheme

Berberana has launched a consumer loyalty scheme involving a wine cork, in an initiative that aims to encourage brand loyalty.

Constellation streamlines US distribution

Constellation has streamlined its US distribution with new appointments in 19 states.

Bacardi launches ready-to-serve mojito

Barcadi has launched a ready- mixed mojito to capitalise on the increasing number of people drinking at home as the recession continues to bite.

Hop shortage turns into a surplus

One of Europe's leading suppliers of hops to the brewing industry says the economic downturn and bigger crops have led to a surplus.

Little Creatures to be released in the UK

A range of Little Creatures premium alcoholic drinks is to be launched throughout the UK.

Ultra-premium launch for Belvedere

Belvedere vodka has launched an ultra-premium spirit flavoured with ginseng and guarana for nightclubs and high-end members bars.

Chinese buy-in to Diageo

The state-owned China Investment Corp has bought a stake worth £221 million in Diageo, the world's biggest drinks company.

Profits soar at Oyster Bay firm

The New Zealand producer behind the Oyster Bay wine brand has reported a 146% leap in net profit for the last half of 2008.

52 pubs closing every week says BBPA

The rate of UK pub closures has increased by a third in the first six months of the year, according to new figures from the British Beer & Pub Association.

Stowells launch wine Tool-kit

Constellation Europe's flagship on-trade brand, Stowells has launched a new initiative in the form of a 'Stowell's Tool-kit,' in a bid to grow on-trade volume and boost confidence.

Ehrmanns in take over

UK-based wine company Ehrmanns has been bought out by wine investment fund Global Vintners.

Pernod upbeat despite economic gloom

Pernod Ricard has reported a "highly satisfactory" performance in its past year of trading, despite what it admits is a "difficult economic environment".

New commercial boss appointed at First Quench

First Quench Retailing's commercial director, Lloyd Stephens, has made a surprise exit from the off-licence operator.

100% Malbec rosé launches in the UK

A new 100% Malbec rosé is being launched in the UK from Bodega Septima, Grupo Codorníu's Argentine winery.

Wines in the press, July 17- 19

Here is what the national wine critics had to say over the weekend of July 17 - 19.

Adams buys Leasingham vineyard

Tim Adams Wines, the Clare Valley producer, has bought 75 hectares of Leasingham vineyards for what it believes was a knock-down price.