?Chivas whisky's education programme drives growth

Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal has seen strong growth over the past year thanks to an education programme on blended whiskies

?Ardbeg to release limited edition 'Auriverdes' as its tribute to the Brazilian World Cup

Auriverdes is a 2014 limited edition Scotch whisky produced by Islay's Ardbeg Distillery that plays tribute to the World Cup taking place in Brazil this summer. It is being released to coincide with Ardbeg Day on May 31.

?Shareholders approve Suntory acquisition of Jim Beam for US$16 billion

Beam shareholders have approved the acquisition by Suntory Holdings of Japan at the share-selling price of US$83.50 per share, putting the sale value at US$16bn.

Bacardí launches multi-million pound marketing campaign

Bacardí has launched a multi-million pound marketing campaign in the UK around its "irrepressible spirit".

?Brown-Forman raises fiscal outlook for 2014

Jack Daniel's brand grew underlying sales 10%, helping Brown-Forman Corporation continue its momentum to post further gains in its third quarter financial results which were released yesterday.

One in four Russian men die by 55 due to alcohol

A collaborative study between Russia, Oxford University and the World Health Organisation found that 25% of all Russian men die before the age of 55 primarily due to over consumption of alcohol, particularly vodka.

Glenmorangie appoints Marc Hoellinger new chief executive

UK launch for German wine-infused gin

German distillers are to target the UK market with a Riesling-infused gin.

Diageo sales decline in Western Europe slows

?Mila Kunis is new face of Jim Beam Bourbon campaign

Jim Beam Bourbon whiskey has brought in actress Mila Kunis as the face of its new multi-media campaign "Make History" that will be launched in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Market latest: Credit downgrade for Rémy Cointreau SA and Treasury Wine Estates halts trading

It has been a challenging week financially for two major players in the drinks trade; Remy Cointreau SA credit rating was downgraded on Monday to 'negative' and Treasury Wine Estates requested a trading halt on Tuesday until the ASX opens tomorrow.

Pernod Ricard hosts #InnovationDay to find new ideas to connect with consumers

Pernod Ricard hosted its second annual Innovation Day and Harpers put together a day in review for those not in attendance.  See what to expect from the drinks giant in the coming months.

Call Time on Duty: Beer sales up due to impact of duty cuts

Beer sales in the off trade rose 3.9% by volume in the fourth quarter of 2013, marking increases for two consecutive quarters for the first time in 10 years, following the cut in beer duty last year.

Q&A on luxury vodka CÎROC's growth and plans for UK

Luxury vodka C&IcircROC's master distiller, Jean-Sebastien Robicquet and head of Diageo Reserve Brands GB, Nick Temperley, talk to Harpers about creating the brand and its opportunities in the UK market.

Brown-Forman: the next big deal?

Mergers and acquisitions are the name of the game at the moment in the spirits world and whiskey brands are taking centre stage.

Berry Bros steps in to try and save UK juniper plants for gin production

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits is looking to help protect juniper plants, vital in the production of gin, by providing grants for three different growing areas in the UK.

Mangrove adds Old Forester Bourbon to its range

UK distributor Mangrove will now offer Old Forester Bourbon whiskey as part of its portfolio of specialist spirits and liqueurs.

Still time for you and your suppliers to get involved in Call Time On Duty campaign

There is still time to make sure your voice is heard in the industry's bid to get the Chancellor to finally Call Time On Duty and scrap the duty escalator on wine and spirits in the 2014 Budget. Harpers has also teamed up the Wine & Spirit Trade Association to give wine producers and drinks manufacturers the chance to take part in the Call Time On Duty campaign and make the government aware of the serious concerns they have about the alcohol duty levels in the UK. Here's how you and your supplier can get involved.

Boodles Gin hits the UK with multiple and premium on-trade listings

Aperol teams up with Manchester United