Tito’s appoints new European distributors

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has announced the appointment of new distributors in nine markets in Slovakia and the Balkans.

Swedish schnapps Flävar plans for European expansion

Swedish schnapps brand Flävar reaches 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May this year, with plans to grow its European presence in 2023.

Icewines lacking cold comfort

Producers of the always tricky-to-make wines are facing further challenges as the climate heats up, finds Oli Dodd.

Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge opens for European bartenders

Flor de Caña has announced the opening of inscriptions in Europe for the 2022 edition of its Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. 

European spirits exports declined 19% in 2020

The European spirits industry has urged governments to rebuild transatlantic ties and fight protectionist measures following a 19% export decline in 2020.

European Union suspends tariffs on American whiskey

The European Union has announced that it will temporarily suspend its tariff increase on American whiskey in an effort to reboot transatlantic relations.

Caribbean and French rum producers team up to improve exports deals

Caribbean rum producers have joined forces with French group CIRT-DOM, to help get the best deal for their exports into major markets including the European Union.

US spirits industry applauds UK for suspending retaliatory tariffs

The US spirits industry has applauded the UK’s decision to suspend retaliatory tariffs on American rum, brandy and vodka once it leaves the EU on January 1.

New management structure at Accolade

Accolade Wines, which is the fifth largest global wine company, is to split the existing role of European commercial general manager into two, covering mainland Europe and UK & Ireland, to focus better on these two strategically crucial markets.

Trade challenges Scottish minimum pricing

UK and European drinks trade organisations have announced they are challenging the Scottish government’s minimum unit pricing (MUP) legislation.

European Parliament slams one-bag rule

The European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) has welcomed the European Parliament’s recent motion to stop budget airlines charging passengers for carrying more than one bag in their hand luggage.  

Russian Standard proposes alliance with CEDC

Russian Standard Corporation has proposed the additional acquisition of nearly 20% of Central European Distribution Corporation’s (CEDC) shares as part of a "strategic alliance". 

Maxxium Travel Retail outpaces market growth

Maxxium Travel Retail’s sales grew by 11% last year, outpacing European travel retail growth of 8%, according to findings by International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR).

Jim Beam and Red Stag in travel retail push

Beam Global and Maxxium Travel Retail have ramped up travel retail activity in Europe.

SAB Miller appoints deputy CFO

SABMiller has announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Wilson as deputy chief financial officer.

Russian Distiller launches Polugar

Russian Distiller has launched two new ‘bread wines’, Rye Polugar and Rye Malt Polugar.

Sales of European spirits reach £58 billion in 2009

The economic contribution of Europe's spirits industry to the European economy has been revealed in a new report. The report was prepared by Ernst & Young and commissioned by CEPS – the trade body for the European spirits industry.

Bacardi appoints new EMEA head

Bacardi Limited has appointed Stefan Bomhard to the role of regional president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He is to be responsible for this area’s commercial operations.

European court rejects AB InBev’s bid for Community Trade Mark

An attempt by AB InBev  to register the Budweiser trademark  as a Community Trade Mark within the EU has been rejected by the European Court of Justice.

Carlsberg signs up for UEFA Euro 2012

Carlsberg Group is to sponsor the UEFA Euro 2012. It is the first UEFA Euro ever to be hosted in Eastern Europe. Carlsberg considers the UEFA European Championship its most successful marketing activity for the Carlsberg brand.

European Court rules minimum pricing illegal

Scottish Government plans to introduce alcohol minimum pricing have suffered a further setback, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).