Finalists in the Northern Hospitality Awards

The shortlisted finalists in the Northern Hospitality Awards have been announced from a record number of entries.

Oddbins joins British Retail Consortium

Oddbins has agreed to become a full member of the British Retail Consortium and help with its lobbying activities particularly around alcohol.

Liberty take on Laroche wines in the UK

Liberty Wines is to be the exclusive UK importer for three Laroche estates: Domaine Laroche (Chablis), Mas La Chevalière (Languedoc) and Viña Punto Alto (Casablanca Valley, Chile).

World's oldest malt released at £10,000

Whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail has unvieled the world's oldest single malt whisky.

Chilean earthquake update

More producers and importers of Chilean wines have been outlining the impact the earthquake has had on their business.

Time right for Funkin expansion

The Funkin cocktail purée brand is moving into the US market and expanding its UK operations.

Root beer and espresso for Smirnoff

Smirnoff is launching its first 100-proof flavoured vodkas. The 50% abv spiced root beer and dark roasted espresso vodkas are being introduced into the US market as extensions to the Smirnoff blue brand.

Bars featured on new Appleton website

Appleton Estate rum has launched a new website that will showcase the best bars around the world that serve cocktails made with the spirit.

Gallo drops brands from UK to concentrate on core ranges

E& J Gallo is to stop distribution of a number of key lines in the UK as part of its ongoing restructuring of its UK operation.

Matthew Clark backs Chile and Rhône in the on-trade

Diageo makes female executive chart

Diageo is the only drinks company to be named in a list of the top 50 companies for women executives.

Wines of Chile sets up UK quake appeal

Wines of Chile has established a UK appeal to raise money for victims of the country's earthquake.

D&D takes on French agencies

D&D Wines International has been appointed as the principal off-trade agent for Jeanjean Languedoc and RIGAL.

Spanish agencies for PLB

PLB has added two Spanish producers to its portfolio: Navarra's Bodegas Ochoa and Rioja's Miguel Merino.

Wines in the Press- March 4-7

The Guardian

Six arrests in wine investment probe

Scotland Yard has made six arrests in connection with a suspected fine wine investment scam.

Laithwaites donates to Chile appeal

Laithwaites is donating 5% of sales on all Chilean wines during March to the Chilean Embassy Earthquake Appeal.

Diageo and Coca-Cola in joint on-trade drive

Diageo and Coca-Cola Enterprises are to launch a joint campaign to build sales of quality, long mixed drinks in the on-trade.

Parker gives top marks to Symington's 07 vintages

Graham's Vintage Port 2007 has been awarded 97 points and described as "a candidate for wine of the vintage" by Robert Parker and his Wine Advocate.

Thresher franchisees win legal battle

Former Thresher franchisees have won the legal battle to be allowed to trade as independents.