Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory have joined to form Suntory Oceania, a new AU$3bn partnership across the premium spirits and non-alcohol segments in both Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealand spirits brand Scapegrace has announced the launch of a limited-edition range of single malts, the first whisky released by the brand.

Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo has launched its Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin, and Rice Vodka in New Zealand after agreeing a distribution deal.

The European Union has reached a bi-lateral agreement with New Zealand which recognises the Prosecco DOC trademark.

New Zealand Winegrowers has launched an online portal designed to support the trade in major export markets around the world.

Indevin New Zealand has completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of Villa Maria Estate for an undisclosed fee.

Marlborough-based wine producer Indevin has signed a conditional agreement to buy Villa Maria from parent company FFWL.

Pernod Ricard says its New Zealand wine brands Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh will be unable to meet global Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc supply this year after one of the smallest New Zealand harvests in 10 years.

While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Pure Piraña, Heineken’s hard seltzer brand, has announced an expansion into Europe following its exports into Mexico and New Zealand last year.

Nautilus Estate winemaker Clive Jones has been elected chair of the board at New Zealand Winegrowers.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has launched in New Zealand through Fifth Generation Inc and Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants.

The New Zealand Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act has come into force today giving better protection to 18 of the country’s wine regions.

New Zealand wine exports to the US have surpassed $500m for the first time, an increase of 11% within the last year.

The Australian wine industry wants to exploit the Chinese market after its imports to the US were valued less than that of New Zealand.

New Zealand’s wine industry is on track to reach its target of $2 billion of exports by 2020, according to chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, Steve Green.

The 2016 New Zealand grape harvest has finished, with high quality fruit being picked across the country, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine exports have reached a new record high of $1.54 billion for the 2015 year, up 14% on 2014, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

Marlborough Lines has agreed to invest NZ$89 million to purchase an 80% shareholding in New Zealand wine producer, Yealands.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced that Gisborne will host New Zealand’s first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium early next year.