Indian whisky producers are becoming increasingly confident as drinkers recognise the spirits for their quality. now, says Dominic Roskrow, they’re set to take the next step up.
Susanne Stauß takes a closer look at the global sparkling wine market
The market for whisky in India is huge, but local brands have the lion’s share due to the exorbitant import tariffs. Christian Davis reports
Despite challenging Portuguese economic conditions, Vinho Verde exports are on the increase and will become more competitive in the global market place, according to the Vinho Verde Commission (CVRVV).
Diageo launches a Chinese white spirit to the UK market
Diageo, has launched Chinese white spirit brand, Shui Jing Fang, onto the UK domestic market.
The Macallan unveils new range
The Macallan has unveiled a new range, the 1824 Series, which is being rolled out into the UK market this autumn.
UK: Wine and spirits price rises double inflation rate
The price of wine and spirits has risen by more than twice the level of inflation, according to the latest WSTA Market Report.
Budweiser Budvar announces record exports
Czech brewery Budweiser Budvar has announced record levels of exports amid volume growth of 5.5% and net profit increases of 9.2%.
China looks to sweet red and white wine
The Chinese wine market of the future will feature more white and sweet red wines, according to a report by Wine Intelligence.
Scotch exports hit record high
The scotch whisky category belied global economic instability in 2011 by growing sales value 23% to a record £4.2billion.
US: DISCUS recruits Campari, appoints new chair
Campari America has joined the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
Focus on: The Brazilian wine market
Paul Medder, Wine Intelligence's country manager for Brazil, offers his analysis of the effects of protectionism in the burgeoning Brazilian wine market.
Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has extended its links with Gallo Vineyards to include the distribution of Barefoot wines in Poland.
The Champagne Bureau has reported increased shipments in 2011. Total shipments worldwide rose from 319.5 million bottles in 2010 to 323 million in 2011.
Italian drinks company Davide Campari-Milano has reported a group net profit for 2011 of €159.2m, up from €156.2m in 2010.
Licor 43 hits the 500,000 cases mark
The Diego Zamora group has reported that its Licor 43 brand finished 2011 with sales of 500 000 cases worldwide, 4.2 million liters, which represents an increase of more than 25% over 2010.
Altia post 7.6% net sales growth
Altia, the wine and spirits group that focuses on the Nordic countries, has announced a 7.6% net sales increase to €524.8 million for the year January to December 2011.
Pernod CEO rues Havana Club stagnation
Pernod Ricard’s CEO Piere Pringuet has spoken out about Havana Club’s flat half-year sales growth, branding its performance “disappointing”.
Diageo posts 7% organic sales growth
Diageo has delivered 3% volume growth and 7% organic net sales increase for the six months ended December 31, 2011.
CEDC pairs with Beam in Poland
Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has signed a five-year exclusive agreement to distribute Beam brands in Poland.
Russia: CEDC/La Martiniquaise deal commences
Central European Distribution Corporation (CEDC) has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with La Martiniquaise to distribute Label 5 whisky in Russia. La Martiniquaise announced the tie-up in December 2011.
Rémy Martin is to introduce a new expression of its VSOP cognac for the European market. VSOP Mature Cask Finish is to replace VSOP in Europe, while the rest of the world will continue to receive the original VSOP cognac.
Beam launches 'super premium' Teacher's from India
Billed as its super-premium expressions, Beam has released Teacher’s 25 Year Old and Teacher’s Highland Single Malt to global markets.
Russian Standard buys CEDC share for $25m
Vodka company Russian Standard has purchased a 9.9% share in CEDC (Central European Distribution Corporation) for $25.35 million.
Carlsberg UK chief executive Isaac Sheps is leaving to take over leadership of the brewer’s Russian business, Baltika, and its eastern European operations.
Patrón enters India with Aspri Spirits
Patrón Spirits International has teamed up with Mumbai-based agent Aspri Spirits to distribute its portfolio of tequila, vodka and rum in India.
Diplomatico Ambassador takes up European residence
Venezuelan rum producer DUSA (Destilerias Unidas SA) has kicked off the multi-market release of Diplomatico Ambassador Selection with a launch event in London.
Russia: Roust and Rémy strengthen ties
Russian Standard vodka owner Roust and Rémy Cointreau have announced the expansion of their partnership in Russia which will include the distribution of additional Rémy Cointreau brands.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced that the value of scotch exports for the first half of 2011 is up 22%
Heineken buys two Ethiopian breweries
Africa: Heineken has purchased two breweries in Ethiopia for a total of US$163 million.
Bacardi trials Bombay Sapphire East
Bacardi USA has announced plans to trial a new gin, Bombay Sapphire East, in the US on and off-trade.
StarBev eyes international expansion for Staropramen
StarBev has announced ‘significant investments’ in its Staropramen brand, as it eyes international expansion.
South Korean boost for wine importers
The emerging South Korean market could boost the fortunes of wine importers, according to research by Wine Intelligence.
Constellation officially becomes Accolade
Costellation Wines Australia and Europe has officially become Accolade Wines - as of June 27. Accolade brands include Hardy’s and Echo Falls.
Labels key to success for selling wine in China
Wine producers looking to export to China for the first time need to get to grips with demands for high-quality packaging and culturally-sensitive labels, according to Wine Intelligence.
Entrants aiming to crack the US market need to take a bold approach, according to a wine importer.
Brazil emerges as imported wine market
Brazilians are increasingly turning to wine as their beverage of choice, according to consumer research published by Wine Intelligence.
Christie’s raises $11m in 36-hour wine sale
Christie’s has conducted a 36-hour wine auction in Hong Kong and New York, with sales totalling US$11.2m.
Brown-Forman in $250m share repurchase
Brown-Forman has announced that its board of directors has authorised the repurchase of up to $250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common shares until November 30, 2011, subject to market and other conditions.
Russia: Diageo to launch Smirnov Titul
Diageo has announced the launch of super premium vodka Smirnov Titul to the Russian market.
Australian wine in discounting dilemma
The Australian wine market faces tough challenges ahead because of a growing reliance on discounting, according to Wine Intelligence.
Belgian beers Duvel and Liefmans have been launched in India.
Cognac celebrates record shipments
Cognac has reported record-breaking shipment figures for 2010. The region reported the value of 2010 shipments to be €1.86 billion.
Former Wine Australia boss joins Wine Intelligence
Former Wine Australia boss Paul Henry is to join wine research company Wine Intelligence as associate director.
Russia could be the next growth market for cider, according to a new report.
Chinese wine: the next big thing
Wine producer François Lurton has said he expects China to become the largest wine producing country in the world.
Baron de Ley-El Coto buys Rioja winery
Spanish wine group Baron de Ley-El Coto has announced the purchase of winery Carbonera-Bergasa as part of a €5m investment in Rioja white wines.
Prosecco Follador enters UK market
Winemaker and Prosecco brand Follador is launching to the UK market with a portfolio of sparkling and still wines.
3 Amigos Tequila to enter global market
Brand marketer, The Paddington Corporation, has announced a joint venture with 3 Amigos Tequila to market its range globally.
Australian fine wine classification is published
Langton’s Classification, the quinquennial (occurring every five years) guide to Australia’s best performing and most prized wines, has been published.