Asahi Europe and International (AEI) has announced the acquisition of Octopi Brewing, with plans to brew Asahi Super Dry in the US for the first time.

Altamura Distilleries has introduced Lorenzo Di Cola, formerly of the Experimental Cocktail Club group, to its team as international head of brand across all key global markets, including Italy, the US, UK and India.

Absolut expands its product portfolio as the company’s global NPD plans this year include two new product ranges and a new addition to its current flavour vodka range.

Pernod Ricard USA has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in peanut butter-flavored American whiskey brand Skrewball.

Spiribam, the division that oversees the spirits activities of the GBH family group, has signed a distribution partnership with Cognac Hardy in the US.

Fercullen Irish Whiskey from the Powerscourt Estate will now be available across the US as a result of a new distribution partnership with Zamora Company USA.

Campari Group has announced it has reached an agreement to purchase an initial 70% interest, and in 2031 the remaining 30% interest, of the outstanding capital of Wilderness Trail Distillery, LLC.

G’Vine gin, the French gin made with grapes, has announced Fred Sirieix as their first ever UK ambassador.

Rampur Distillery has announced the launch of Jugalbandi, a series of eight Indian single malt cask strength whiskies, with the first two set to be unveiled at Whisky Live in Paris.

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.

Masahiro Urushido of Katana Kitten in New York City has been named the Altos Bartenders' Bartender at the inaugural North America's 50 Best Bars awards.

New York City’s Overstory has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars ceremony on 7 June.

Sales in the first nine months of 2021 of sparkling wines made under the protection of the DO Cava have increased by 16.45% on the same period in 2020.

Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has reported that net revenues in 2020 remained at 2019 levels despite an 8.4% drop in volumes due to the global pandemic.

Jagermeister Scholarship, a programme that traditionally gives young bartenders the chance of a three-month internship in Berlin’s bars, will be hosted digitally for the second year running.

Henkell Freixenet has reported that net sales decreased by 7.4% year-on-year in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic caused bars and restaurants to close for several months.

According to the Champagne Bureau USA, the exports of champagne to the US fell almost 19% in 2020 year-on-year.

Leading Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro increased net profit by 48.6% to Ch$77,994 million (US$107.4 million) in 2020.

Pernod Ricard sales for H1 FY21 have shown an organic decline of -3.9% on the previous year largely due to the ongoing struggles of travel retail.

Drinks International caught up with Naked Wines’ chief financial officer James Crawford to discuss the firm’s impressive H1 results.

Strong demand in the UK and China allowed Australia to increase wine exports by 4% during the 12 months to September 30.

Resilient off-trade sales in the USA and Europe helped Pernod Ricard rally during the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

The Glenturret has unveiled a new core range as it plans to launch in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and New Zealand next month.

Leading Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro has reported that Q2 consolidated sales grew 16.5% in difficult trading conditions.

Zamora Company USA has bolstered its spirits portfolio with the addition of Filipino rum brand Don Papa.