Authentic Caribbean Rum Marque expands to 18 members with three new recruits

Three new rums have been granted approval to carry the Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque as the initiative widens its portfolio and presence in its key international markets including the UK.

London Cru forced to name its wines Thunderbirds-style as wines 1, 2 and 3

London Cru, the capital's first urban winery, may have succeeded in shipping grapes from Europe to make wine in the UK, but it has had more difficulty with the bureaucrats in what it can now call them.

Drinkaware links up with British racing to promote responsible drinking at racecourses

Drinkaware has linked up with the Racecourse Association (RCA) to promote responsible drinking at major horse racing events across the country in a bid to address the growing problem of over drinking at some racing venues.

Jim Beam looks to drive bourbon category with new Rye and Maple varieties

Jim Beam is looking to drive the growing American whiskey market in the UK with the launch of two new additions: Jim Beam Rye; and Jim Beam Maple.

Rie Yoshitake on promoting sake around the world with the IWC

Anna Greenhous talks to Rie Yoshitake, UK representative of the Sake Samurai Association, about how the IWC sake category came about, its impact and success in promoting sake across the world.

Alex Fisher joins board of Bibendum Wine Holdings

Bibendum Wine Holdings, the parent company of national wine and drinks supplier, Bibendum Wine, has stengthened its board  with the appointment of former Bidvest 3663 managing director, Alex Fisher, as a non-executive director.

Aldi on verge of overtaking Waitrose as sales jump a further 32%

Naked Wines kicks off same-day delivery trial in San Francisco

Major wine companies should not pin their futures on China, warns Krug chief

The wine world needs to let go of its obsession with China, and stop believing that the market can solve all its problems, according to Margareth Henriquez., chief executive of Krug, the top branded Champagne house.

Mixologists gather in the UK to battle it out for Diageo's World Class crown

The world's best mixologist will be unveiled this week as 47 of the very best cocktail shakers and makers gather in the UK for the sixth annual Diageo Reserve World Class global final 2014.

New "Tesco tax" to raise money for small businesses could be counter productive warns ACS

Moves by local councils to introduce a so-called "Tesco tax" on major supermarkets to raise money to be re-invested in high street areas could set a dangerous precedent warns the Association of Convenience Stores.

Oddbins to start franchise operation with 26 independent wine retailers

High street chain Oddbins is planning to kick off its franchised model by converting around 26 independent wine merchants to the company fascia.

CYT signs Premiership rugby sponsorship deal for Trivento Argentinian wine

Trivento, the Concha y Toro Argentinian wine brand, has signed the first wine sponsorship deal with Premiership Rugby which will see its wines promoted across all grounds and coverage during the 2014-2015 season.

Oxford Wine Company signs deal to be exclusive UK importer of Downton Abbey wines

Ted Sandbach of the Oxford Wine Company has become the exclusive UK importer for a special Downton Abbey range of wines, created by French producer, Les Grands Chais de France.

Vinoteca to offer Riesling by the glass straight from 20-litre kegs

Vinoteca, the London chain of wine bars and restaurants, is introducing what it claims will be the first Riesling to be sold by the keg in the capital.

Brown-Forman celebrates 2014 as one of the most successful years in its 144-year history

Brown-Forman shareholders celebrated yesterday the success of its 2014 financial results which it said was "one of the company's most successful years in its 144- year history."

Prosecco producer Bisol reveals plans to launch new Venetian wine

Bisol, the leading Italian Prosecoo producer, is to release a Venissa red in 2014, accroding to Matteo Bisol, the director of the family's Venissa tourism project on the Venetian island of Mazzorbo.

Katie Jones recovers from last year's destroyed vintage to release new 2013 wine

Katie Jones, the English winemaker based in the Languedoc in France, who saw last year's vintage destroyed by vandals, has successfully released her new 2013 wine which is now available in the UK.

CBI reports strong and growing retail sales figures

Further signs the economy is recovering come today with the latest CBI retail figures that show volumes have grown solidly in the year to July and that retailers expect future sales to be even stronger through the summer.

Top chefs team up for Indian cycling challenge to raise money for Action Against Hunger

Leading chefs and members of the drinks and hospitality  industries are to cycle across 400 kilometres of Rajasthan in India to help raise money for Action Against Hunger.