Beam, the US-based global premium spirits company, has announced that Arthur Aroney will join the organisation as managing director of Emerging Markets for its Asia Pacific/South America (APSA) region.

Pernod Ricard’s super premium gin, Beefeater 24, is now available in 50 markets worldwide.

Altia Plc is buying the Xanté Company and the Xanté spirits brand from the Swedish Tilander family.

There has been a seismic shift in the Chilean and Argentinian wine industries, according to some leading experts.

French wine is the favourite of regular wine drinkers in the UK and China and the second preference in Germany, says Wine Intelligence.

Chivas Brothers is introducing a new look for its Plymouth gin brand, re-positioning it above Beefeater 24, as a “super premium-plus”.

Bacardi Limited is planning a raft of activity to celebrate its 150th birthday. Besides parties and commemorative gifts, the company is to launch a $2,000 limited-edition decanter of "rare" Bacardi rum.

Diageo has completed the acquisition of the Meta Abo Brewery in Ethiopia for US$225 million.

US consumption of imported sparkling wine will reach new heights in 2012 due to the increased penetration of prosecco and cava, says Wine Intelligence. 

The 2012 Pre-mixed Drinks Challenge was Drinks International’s fourth examination of the category and our most wide-ranging yet.

Pernod Ricard will release Irish whiskey Redbreast 12 Cask Strength to the US in February, following the expression’s September launch to Ireland, Germany and France.

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.

The European Union and the US Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) have welcomed a decision that finds the Philippines to be in breach of trade rules when it comes to tax on imported spirits.

Pernod Ricard has furthered its line of Absolut Vodka flavours with the launch of Miami and Gräpevine to the US market.

Rémy Cointreau has created a limited edition bottle for its Cointreau orange liqueur brand, especially for Dubai Duty Free.

Beam Inc has announced an agreement to purchase Irish whiskey producer Cooley Distillery.

Direct Wines, the world's largest independent wine merchant with a turnover of £350 million, has announced major changes to its buying and merchandising teams.

US consumer goods company Rok Stars has stuck a deal with Castle Trade Services to launch its recently acquired Oval vodka in the UK.

The rise of craft beer in the US can benefit Peroni Nastro Azzurro, says the lager's global brand director Andrew Walker.

Rémy Cointreau has attributed its positive half-year profits to “remarkable” growth in Asia and “strong” performances in the US and Europe.

Penfolds has launched Bin 620 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz to global markets, the first release of the ‘special bin’ since 1966.

US: Mexico-based La Madrileña is to distribute Beam’s entire portfolio in Mexico. As part of the performance-based agreement, effective on January 1, 2012, La Madrileña will be the exclusive distributor of Beam’s brands, including Jim Beam bourbon, Sauza tequila, Courvoisier cognac and Cruzan rum.

We’re all interested in ‘what’s going to be next?’ Well I returned recently from New York where, courtesy of Pernod Ricard/Irish Distillers I witnessed the launch of Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel. Apparently the brand kicked off in the US in Brooklyn so the new limited edition ‘dialled up’ Jameson was launched there and at the moment it is only available there...

US: Diageo has launched two new Smirnoff flavours. Whipped Cream and Fluffed Marshmallow are to be fronted by model and socialite Amber Rose. 

World number one Irish whiskey, Jameson, is teaming up with film actor Kevin Spacey and his production company to launch a short film competition to discover talented screenwriters and directors from Russia, South Africa and the US.