Brown-Forman has launched its own distribution business in Japan to bring its distribution in-house for the first time since entering the market in the 1970s.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has appointed Spirit Cartel as its new distributor for the UK and signed a sponsorship deal with Equal Measures.

Beam Suntory France has officially begun operations and is directly responsible for the marketing and distribution of its portfolio in France.

A recent report by Allied Market Research has revealed that the global flavoured alcohol market is anticipated to generate $1.8 trillion by 2032, up from a $1.2 trillion market size in 2022.

Viña Concha y Toro's leading brand, Casillero del Diablo has launched Devil's Carnaval, a proposal with which it aspires to expand the market to younger adults.

American drinks group Brown-Forman has announced the launch of its own distribution business in Slovakia, bringing distribution in-house for the first time since the company entered the market.

The new Hospitality Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners has revealed that in the last 12 months, Britain has lost around one in 18 of its licensed premises, 5,736 pubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes.

After 127 years, having survived San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake, Prohibition and both World Wars, Anchor Brewing Company is closing down due to recent economic pressures.

The IWSR has recognised Trivento winery as the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand.

While they put a focus on the spirit, some experts believe the explosion of brands backed by famous faces does the category and quality expectations no favours.

Trois Frères Distillery, the makers of Takamaka Rum in the Seychelles, has announced its launch into Belgium in collaboration with independent importer, The Nectar.

A decade after the release of Rare Cask 42.6, Louis XIII has introduced its Rare Cask 42.1, the first edition to be presented as a ritual set.

Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky is launching The Laphroaig Market in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, forming the UK phase of ita global initiative, Taste Trailblazers.

Swedish schnapps brand, Flävar, recently reached 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May 2022. Drinks International caught up with Rolf Munding, owner of Market Taverns Group, whose latest venture, Flävar, plans to grow its European presence this year.

A recent IWSR report suggests that premium-plus producers are in for an economic rollercoaster.

The no- and low-alcohol categories grew by more than 7% in volume across 10 key global markets in 2022 to surpass a market value of $11bn, a new report from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has revealed.

According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the first half of 2022 (H1) saw value growth of beverage alcohol reaching historic highs, driven by a combination of post-pandemic demand and price increases.

The global mezcal market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031, new data by Straits Research has revealed.

Players big and small are benefiting from a rise in demand for premium products in this mixer category.

A spirit historically bound to the South Korean market, soju consumption is rapidly increasing in key global markets.

White rum has long been a star ingredient of cocktails and with consumers now demanding better quality drinks, it is ripe for premiumisation. 

The world’s number one selling spirit brand Jinro soju has announced it will be sponsoring Luno presents All Points East festival this month, the first time a Korean spirit brand has supported a major UK festival, making history for the global drinks market.

The UK’s on-trade and hospitality outlets are preferring to serve leading brands of gin and tonic as their house products instead of supporting local and small-batch counterparts, as market researcher Shepper finds. 

A recent report by Allied Market Research has shown that the global tequila market garnered $12.89 billion in 2021, and is estimated to generate $24.19 billion by 2031.