The Lost Explorer Mezcal appoints new UK brand ambassador

The Lost Explorer Mezcal has appointed Alan Uresti Silva, previously of Annabel’s, as UK brand ambassador.

Stock Spirits acquires Clan Campbell and the Dugas Group

Stock Spirits Group has announced the finalisation of two acquisitions including Clan Campbell from Pernod Ricard and the purchase of the Société Dugas.

Maker's Mark appoints new UK brand diplomat

Edrington UK has announced the appointment of its latest UK brand diplomat for Maker’s Mark bourbon, Charlotte Pederson.

Puerto de Indias announces UK distribution partner

Spanish gin brand Puerto de Indias has announced its partnership for distribution in the UK with Love Drinks.

Cherubino Wines acquires Margaret River Winemakers

Australia-based Cherubino Wines has announced the acquisition of winery and spirits brand, Margaret River Winemakers.

Desolas Mezcal expands into Canada

Desolas Mezcal has announced a new distribution partnership with Renaissance Wine Merchants to expand its footprint into Canada.

Conor McGregor stout brand Forged enters UK market

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has announced the launch of his Irish stout brand Forged into the UK market through 350 ASDA stores on August 5.

New tequila Sphynx enters the agave market

Former Big Brother contestants, Sukhvinder and Imran Javeed, have founded a new tequila brand called Sphynx. 

Trivento named leading Argentinian wine brand by value by IWSR

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

Jinro launches series of UK activations

Korean soju brand Jinro has launched the first of three activations in Europe planned for 2023 after breaking 100m 9-litre cases.

Celebrity tequila - the long term effects

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.

Outcast Brands joins forces with bbb drinks for UK Distribution Partnership

Outcast Brands, the company behind Blood Monkey Gin and Two Shores Rum, has announced their partnership with bbb drinks for the distribution and brand activation of their premium spirits in the UK market. 

High Point changes name to Wavelength

High Point, the fermented non-alcoholic aperitif and digestif brand, has changed its name to Wavelength and unveiled a new logo. 

London Essence, Avallen and ecoSpirits create low waste serve

Mixer brand The London Essence, Calvados brand Avallen and low carbon, low waste spirits distribution technology ecoSpirits, have joined together to create ‘The Sustainable Spritz’, a low waste serve that eliminates single use glass.

Jinro tops The Millionaires’ Club with over 100 million cases sold

Korean Soju brand Jinro has once again topped the list of Drinks International’s The Millionaires’ Club having sold more than 100m 9-litre cases in 2022.

Oslo’s Himkok hosts international cocktail bars

Norwegian cocktail bar Himkok, will be hosting ten international cocktail bars for two nights of takeovers in celebration of Himkok’s eight year anniversary and the 2023 Norse Bar Show, on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 June.

The Macallan reveals newest instalment to its Archival Series

The Macallan has revealed the next instalment in its series celebrating the classic advertising campaigns of the brand, Folio 7.

Everleaf achieves B-Corp Certification

Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitif has become B-Corp certified, marking a major milestone in the brand's sustainability journey, which has been key to the business since its launch in 2019.

Antinori named World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2023

Antinori has been named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2023 and it is the first Italian winery in history to top the list.

THREE SIXTY VODKA AT THE TOP

Three Sixty Vodka is market leader in the premium vodka segment in Germany.

Don the Beachcomber makes a comeback

Last year, 23 Restaurant Services acquired and added Don the Beachcomber restaurant brand to its portfolio, now in honour of Donn’s birthday on 22 February, the Tampa, Florida-based hospitality company is moving forward with an expansive growth strategy for its new tiki-themed restaurant brand.

Shortbarrel Bourbon acquires Atlanta’s Old Fourth Distillery

Atlanta-based Shortbarrel has announced the acquisition of the Old Fourth Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in Atlanta, US.

Havana Club unveils sustainable initiatives to cut carbon footprint

Havana Club is reducing the weight of glass bottles across its core portfolio in a move that it estimates will save 2.2K tons of CO2 per year.

ItalSpirits appoints advocacy director

Drinks marketing, events and brand activation agency, ItalSpirits, has appointed Roberta Mariani as advocacy director.

Takamaka Rum launches in Taiwan

Trois Frères Distillery, the makers of Takamaka Rum in the Seychelles, has announced that it is launching into Taiwan through boutique importer and distributor Bring The Rocks.

UKGB and Molinari join forces

The UKGB and Molinari have announced a joint partnership to build awareness and relationships within the UK hospitality industry.

Brockmans gin expands its brand management and marketing teams

English gin, Brockmans, has expanded its brand management and marketing teams with drinks specialists, Eric Sampers and Helen Buchanan. 

DJ Carl Cox joins team behind Islena

Spanish drinks group Vantguard has announced a three-way partnership with DJ Carl Cox and investment group B-Ikonik with Ibiza-inspired brand, Islena.

Italicus’ Giuseppe Gallo talks new book release and brand progression

In September, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto celebrated the anniversary of its sixth year. To mark the occasion, the brand announced the release of a new book outlining the first five years of Italicus. Drinks International caught up with founder Giuseppe Gallo to talk about the evolution of the brand.

Cazcabel Tequila unveils plans for new $37million distillery

Premium tequila brand Cazcabel has announced that its $37million distillery is set to open in Atotonilco El Alto in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico in 2023.

Iichiko shochu changes US distributor

Iichiko shochu has signed an importer agreement with Shaw-Ross International Importers to expand its availability across the US.

Nemiroff partners with Disaronno in Benelux and launches charity bottling

Ukrainian vodka brand Nemiroff has partnered with Disaronno International for exclusive distribution in the Benelux market.

Diageo sells Archers brand to De Kuyper Royal Distillers

Diageo has announced the sale of Archers, the Peach Schnapps brand, to De Kuyper Royal Distillers. 

Heineken UK takes full ownership of Beavertown Brewery

Heineken UK has announced the purchase of the remaining shares of Beavertown Brewery, having purchased a minority stake in 2018, assuming full ownership of London’s largest brewery.

Brown-Forman confirms purchase of Gin Mare

Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman has confirmed the purchase of gin brand Gin Mare from Spanish premium drinks company, Vantguard.

Ukiyo Japanese Spirits launches in New Zealand

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

Diageo marks completion of Four Corners of Scotland investment with Caol Ila Distillery

Diageo has unveiled the new visitor experience at its Caol Ila Distillery on the Isle of Islay, following a multi-million pound transformation.

Loch Lomond named fastest-growing top 25 single malt brand in 2021

Highland single malt brand, Loch Lomond, has been named the world’s fastest-growing top 25 single malt brand in 2021 by IWSR, with a 73% year-on-year increase in volume.

Campari Group acquires a stake in Howler Head whiskey

Campari Group has acquired an initial 15% interest in Howler Head Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, after the signing and closing of an agreement with Catalyst Spirits.

House of Suntory announces Raffaele Di Monaco as UK brand ambassador

Edrington UK has announced the appointment of its latest UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, Raffaele Di Monaco.

Diablo announces the UK arrival of two new wines

Diablo, created by South American wine company Concha y Toro, has announced the arrival of two new wines to its portfolio.

Marcus Black: Capturing Harrogate’s spirit

Drinks International sits down with Spirit of Harrogate co-founder Marcus Black to talk heritage, sport, and how to create a gin that stands out from the crowd.

St-Rémy announces expansion into new global markets

French Brandy company, St-Rémy, is celebrating the success of its St-Rémy Signature which launched in 2020 and is showing growth in its pioneering markets of Canada, USA and Australia, as it continues to expand into new markets.

Jinro announces first Korean spirit sponsorship of major UK festival

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.

Mexican mezcal brand MayaJules comes to the UK

Mezcal brand MayaJules, crafted through sustainable practices by Mezcaleros who have perfected the art of distilling agave, is set to arrive in the UK this September.

Elephant Gin launches wildlife protection foundation

Gin-brand Elephant Gin has announced the launch of the Elephant Gin Foundation, an independent non-profit dedicated to protecting African wildlife.

Kahlúa to reach 100% sustainable coffee by November 2022

Coffee liqueur-brand Kahlúa has announced that it will reach a 100% sustainable coffee harvest to cover all production by November 2022.

BrewDog overtakes Carlsberg in global beer brand value rankings

BrewDog has been ranked 14th most valuable beer brand in the world by independent brand valuation and consultancy firm Brand Finance, in its Alcoholic Drinks Report 2022, which ranks the world’s top 50 most valuable beer brands.

Shane Lowry appointed new Jameson brand ambassador

Jameson has announced that professional Irish golfer, Shane Lowry, is to be the new brand ambassador, as they come together for a three-year global partnership.

Beckie Sullivan appointed as UK brand ambassador for Courvoisier

Edrington UK has announced its appointment of Beckie Sullivan as UK national brand ambassador for Courvoisier.