Cazcabel tequila builds on brand success with ambitious growth plans and a new distillery

On the back of exponential international growth through 2020, Cazcabel Tequila is announcing exciting plans to build a new distillery in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco. 

Putin anti-champagne law sparks controversy

A new law in Russia ordering French champagne to be labelled sparkling wine has caused unrest among producers.

Bacardi identifies three key social groups as on-trade reopens

Bacardi has identified three key consumer groups after conducting an extensive survey on attitudes towards revisiting bars as lockdown measures are eased.

The Glenlivet opens visitor centre following refurbishment

The Glenlivet has opened its newly refurbished distillery and visitor centre in Speyside after undergoing 18 months of renovations.

Ardgowan Distillery announces construction of new distillery following £8.4 million investment

Ardgowan Distillery has announced a new one million litre single malt distillery and visitor centre, built on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverclyde, Scotland.

Naked Wines shares drop 3% despite strong sales growth

Naked Wines stock decreased by 3% this morning after the online retailer posted an annual pre-tax loss of £10.7 million.

Coa Shanghai layout revealed by founder Jay Khan

Coa founder Jay Khan has revealed further details about his new bar which is set to open in mid-July in Shanghai.

Casillero del Diablo signs up Hollywood star Pedro Pascal

Hollywood star Pedro Pascal has signed up as the new global ambassador for Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo.

Kahlúa launch new coffee-inspired label design

Kahlúa has unveiled a new label design, inspired by the coffee culture of the brand’s native Veracruz, Mexico.

Pernod says wine business will not meet Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc demand

Pernod Ricard says its New Zealand wine brands Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh will be unable to meet global Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc supply this year after one of the smallest New Zealand harvests in 10 years.

Eden Mill extends distribution through La Martiniquaise-Bardinet

Scottish distiller Eden Mill has entered a new partnership with French drinks group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet for the UK distribution of its gin portfolio.

Agung Prabowo: Tending from the heart

Agung Prabowo is described as “one of the nicest people in bartending” in his bio for Drinks International’s Bar World 100 and his infectious smile transmits even across a Zoom call outside his new Dead& bar in central Hong Kong.

How bars must adapt to post-Covid industry

Nick Strangeway on how bars must adapt to a new and improved hospitality sector as we emerge from lockdown.

Fentimans launches 200ml mixer range

Fentimans is to replace 125ml mixer bottles with a new range of 200ml mixers, as the premium mixer brand aims to “tap into the growing popularity for long mixed drinks”.

The New Thomas Henry Botanical Tonic

The Berlin mixer experts of Thomas Henry are always on the lookout for new flavours to inspire bartenders and bar lovers around the globe and catch up on trends within the industry. 

X by Glenmorangie targets mixed drinks sector

Glenmorangie has released a new single malt scotch whisky called X by Glenmorangie which has been specifically designed for mixing.

Strykk gets Canada and Netherlands deals

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Strykk has secured new distribution agreements in the Netherlands and Canada.

The Famous Grouse launches new bottle for British & Irish Lions tour

The Famous Grouse has launched a limited-edition label to celebrate the brand’s role as the official sponsor of The British & Irish Lions.

New Zealand wine: Covid's highs and lows

While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Japan's new whisky regulations: What do they mean?

Plans to protect the reputation of Japanese whisky have been unveiled, but do they go far enough? Shay Waterworth looks at the implications.

Jura launches new rum cask finish

Jura single malt whisky has launched a new rum cask finish as the latest member of the Jura Cask Editions.

Tito's signs new Italian distribution deal

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has entered a new distribution agreement with Genova-based Velier S.p.A for the Italian market.

Campo Viejo to launch Winemaker’s Blend in the UK

Campo Viejo has announced the launch of Winemaker’s Blend, a new blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Bobal.

Covid-19 and Brexit hit UK gin exports

UK gin exports decreased by £100 million in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs.

Ghost Tequila gains US national distribution deal

Ghost Tequila has signed a national distribution agreement in the US with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) that will see the brand enter four new states immediately.

Beam Suntory invests £6m in Glen Garioch distillery

Beam Suntory has announced a £6m investment in the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, which will see the reintroduction of floor matings and installation of direct-fired heating.

Mixto tequila brand El Sueño launches to promote sustainable practices

The founders of super-premium tequila brand VIVIR have launched a new mixto tequila brand called El Sueño to bridge a gap in the market and support sustainable practices.

Beefeater to launch new TV ad campaign

Pernod Ricard has announced a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign for Beefeater starting on 19 April targeting 25-34-year-olds.

Avallen launches new sustainability campaign with Nat Geo

Calvados brand Avallen has partnered with National Geographic Traveller Food to launch its new creative campaign designed to drive greater consideration of sustainability and environmental impact within the drinks sector.

London's Bimber confirms plans for Scotch distillery

The team behind London’s Bimber Distillery has confirmed plans to open a new Scottish whisky distillery in Dunphail, south of Forres.

Japanese whisky gets new production regulations

The Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association has announced a new set of rules and regulations for the production of Japanese whisky.

Class Bar Magazine launches new website

Class Bar Magazine has launched a new website which will provide the latest news and insights into the UK bar industry.

Regal Rogue launches training series for furloughed UK bartenders

Australian vermouth brand Regal Rogue has launched a new bartender training initiative in collaboration with The Liana Collection, the brand’s newly appointed UK distributor in 2021.

Avallen gains global distribution deal

Avallen has announced a global partnership with UK-based Charter Brands to drive new routes to market beyond Europe, Hong Kong & Australia.

Pietro Collina: The roaming Roman

While most enter hospitality via high-volume bars or nightclubs, Pietro Collina got his first role at private members’ bar Mark’s Club in London aged 16.

Martin Miller's Gin launches "From Madness To Genius" campaign

Martin Miller’s Gin has unveiled a new ad campaign that tells the story of the brand’s “transformation from a mad idea to a genius gin”.

JW Filshill acquires Eldorado Tonic Wine

JW Filshill, the Glasgow-based wholesaler, has acquired Eldorado Tonic Wine as part of its purchase of KB Agencies for an undisclosed sum.

Worshipful Company of Distillers focuses on diversity with new education scholarships

The Worshipful Company of Distillers has announced a new programme of scholarships and bursaries for more than 100 students over the next three years.

Foncalieu trains focus on rosé, ecommerce and innovation

Premium rosé, ecommerce and innovation in packaging will form the bedrock of Foncalieu’s strategy as it bids to enjoy a strong commercial performance in 2021.

UK hospitality lost almost £200m a day in 2020 reveals new figures

The latest edition of the UKHospitality and CGA Quarterly Tracker has revealed a 54% drop in sales for 2020 from £133.5bn in 2019 to £61.7bn.

Carlsberg 0.0 ad brings Mads Mikkelsen back to screens

Hollywood star Mads Mikkelsen has resumed the role of a cycling philosopher in a new ad for Carlsberg 0.0.

Richard Paterson awarded OBE in New Year's Honours

Whyte & Mackay master distiller Richard Paterson was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Scotch whisky industry.

Kingfisher brewer adapts to new trading conditions

Kingfisher has launched a 6x33cl can format in time for the festive trading period as it bids to ramp up off-trade sales.

Irish whiskey trade group names new chairman

Tullamore DEW brand ambassador John Quinn has been named the new chairman of trade group Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association.

Famous Grouse unveils new global advertising campaign

The Famous Grouse has launched a global ad campaign encouraging viewers to focus on “occasions and the outdoors”.

Naked Wines revenues increase 79.6%

Naked Wines enjoyed 79.6% revenue growth in the six months to September 28 after demand for online wine purchases soared during the lockdown.

Hofmeister secures investment from beer industry veterans

The former managing directors of Greene King and Ei Group have invested in Hofmeister after growing excited by its potential to take the world beer category by storm.

Bacardi unveils world's first biodegradable spirts bottle

Bacardi has unveiled plans to put the world’s first 100% degradable spirits bottles on shelves and back bars by 2023.

Clive Jones elected New Zealand Winegrowers chair

Nautilus Estate winemaker Clive Jones has been elected chair of the board at New Zealand Winegrowers.

Glenturret relaunches with new core whisky range

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.