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.

Ballantine's 7 Bourbon Finish launches at selected whisky retailers

Ballantine’s has honoured its founder by launching a seven-year-old blend finished in bourbon barrels.

New York breweries discontinue Aqua Shiva beer after Hindu protests

Two New York breweries have apologized and swiftly discontinued a “highly inappropriate” collaboration beer named after a Hindu deity.

Bacardi prepares for a new era of summer socialising

Bacardi has launched a number of initiatives to help bar owners and retailers make the most of a new era of summer socialising.

World of Zing launches 18 luxury pre-made cocktails

Premixed cocktail specialist World of Zing has launched 18 new bottled cocktails and pouches in time for the summer.

Finsbury gin redesigned and Wild Strawberry variant launched

Borco has invested in a redesign for its Finsbury gin range and launched a Wild Strawberry variant to attract new consumers.

Naked Wines' new UK managing director outlines strategic priorities

Naked Wines announced that chief financial officer James Crawford will take over as managing director of its UK business when it delivered its full-year results this morning. We caught up with him to learn more about his plans for the business, the opportunities ahead and the challenges that must be overcome. 

BrewDog Distilling Co. launches Distiller's Cut spiced rum

BrewDog Distilling Co. has launched a limited-edition Distiller’s Cut spiced rum under its Five Hundred Cuts range.

Bar Convent Brooklyn replaced with online conferences

Bar Convent Brooklyn has been called off after the organisers decided it would be too risky to host a trade show during this age of contagion.

Irish Distillers master distiller heads to Minneapolis to work for O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company

A craft spirits startup in Minnesota has secured the services of Irish Distillers’ master distiller Brian Nation.

Martin Miller's launches seasonal gin called Summerful

Martin Miller’s has launched a seasonal gin called Summerful to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary.

Nyetimber increases production capacity by expanding into Kent

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber expects to increase its production capacity by 220,000 bottles per year after expanding into Kent.

India allows liquor stores to reopen during new phase of coronavirus lockdown

Liquor stores across India reopened this morning after the country moved into a new phase of its coronavirus lockdown.