Amber Beverage completes Ten Locks asset purchase

Amber Beverage UK (ABUK) has completed an asset purchase deal with Kingsland Drinks-owned distribution business, Ten Locks.

Corruption and war: Ukraine's vodka revolution

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine which sparked the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Over the subsequent years, drone attacks and combat fighting have dominated the news, but for the vodka industry there’s a completely different narrative less told.

Patrón undergoes redesign

Patrón tequila has undergone a full packaging redesign of its core range for the first time in 36 years.

Winners, losers, and what’s next: a buyers’ guide to TFWA Cannes

More than 100 wine and spirits companies will be exhibiting at this month’s show, but what should buyers be on the lookout for? Joe Bates investigates

The World's 50 Best Bars 51-100 list drops for 2025

The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, has announced its 51-100 list in the build up to the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on October 8.

Adriatico Amaretto joins Maison Ferrand UK

Maison Ferrand UK has added Adriatico Amaretto to its premium distribution portfolio, alongside the launch of Adriatico Zero, the brand's first non-alcoholic expression. 

Drinks United launches survey to build a more inclusive UK drinks industry

Drinks United, the partnership between the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), and The Drinks Trust, has announced the launch of an industry-wide survey.

Spiribam France adds seven brands to distribution network

Spiribam has announced that its French subsidiary will handle the distribution of seven new partner brands across France.

Mojito’s muddled future

Clinton Cawood looks at the trajectory of an all time classic

Hacha to close Bermondsey site

London-based agaveria Hacha has announced it will close its Bermondsey site on 4 October.

Iichiko shochu lands in the UK

Japanese shochu brand Iichiko has signed an exclusive partnership with premium spirits distributor Speciality Brands as of 1 September.

Kay Sake partners with Nightcap

Kay Sake has announced a partnership with UK distributor Nightcap Brands to join its portfolio of premium beverages.

UK government to overhaul high street hospitality red tape

The UK government is introducing new rules to fast-track licensing for venues and protect them from noise complaints.

Abhishek Modi’s ambitious plans for Indian spirits

Modi Illva is capitalising on India’s global appeal by branching out into premium spirits for export. Shay Waterworth finds out more from the man at the helm.

La Martiniquaise-Bardinet acquires Warner's Distillery

French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet has acquired a majority stake in English gin producer Warner’s Distillery, for an undisclosed sum.

Bladnoch Distillery partners with Maison Villevert in French distribution deal

Bladnoch Scotch whisky distillery has partnered with premium spirits distributor Maison Villevert to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand in France.

BCB London confirms 2026 return

After a successful debut, BCB London has announced it will return in 2026.

TAKE tequila - refreshing your menu this summer

If there's one spirit poised to dominate UK bars this summer, it's tequila. Recent CGA data revealed that while overall spirits sales have declined, tequila's value in the on-trade rose by 3.2% in 2024, reaching £276 million. 

Age statement whiskey and the tariffs dilema

Age statement American whiskeys have finally caught up on demand, but is the timing unfortunate? Shay Waterworth find out.

Spiritseurope names new director general

Spiritseurope has appointment Mark Titterington as its new director general, effective 1 September 2025.

International Beverage launches Thailand's first single malt whisky

International Beverage has announced the global launch of Prakaan, Thailand’s first premium single malt whisky, following its entry into domestic and Asian markets last year.

Luxardo announces change of UK distribution

Luxardo, the family-owned Italian distillery, has announced a change in its distribution in the UK market.

Equal Measures to host trade event exploring allyship in drinks

Equal Measures UK has announced it will be hosting a panel discussion and drinks aimed at educating and exploring how those working in the drinks industry can best support their teams, colleagues, clients, and selves.

UKHospitality responds to new UK-EU trade deal

After months of negotiations, the UK and EU have agreed on a new post-Brexit trade deal, with talks still continuing on a youth mobility scheme.

Maverick Drinks launches Bols Blue 1575 into UK market

Maverick Drinks has announced the introduction of Bols Blue 1575 to its portfolio, as the liqueur launches in the UK for the on and off trade from this month. 

Speciality Brands moves into sake with Kanpai

Spirits distributor Speciality Brands has announced the addition of Kanpai, the London Craft Sake Brewery, to its portfolio.

Speciality Brands adds New Zealand whisky to portfolio

Spirits distributor Speciality Brands is growing its world whisky portfolio with the addition of New Zealand’s Thomson Whisky.

Whisky tariffs halved in UK-India trade deal

The UK and India have agreed a new trade deal which will see tariffs on gin and Scotch whisky fall to 40%.

UK GI spirits see licensing fee reduction

From July, spirits protected by geographic indicator (GI) status will see current fees associated with the Spirit Drinks Verification (SDV) scheme replaced by a lower flat rate.

Stock Spirits acquires The Drinks Company

Stock Spirits Group has announced its acquisition of The Drinks Company, a UK-based independent spirits importer and distributor.

The Ada Coleman Project expands global directory

The Ada Coleman Project, a platform dedicated to amplifying the visibility of women and non-binary professionals in the drinks industry, has announced the expansion of its global directory.

Speciality Drinks to distribute Sakari Sake

Sakari Sake has announced a partnership with Speciality Drinks to distribute its range in the UK.

Desi Daru vodka enters South Asia and the Middle East

UK-based vodka brand Desi Daru has announced a partnership with Dhall Foods and Beverages, a leading Indian importer and distributor. 

Diageo India plans to 'build portfolio' of craft spirits

A Diageo India chief believes that the company has ambitions to "build a portfolio" of craft spirits in India.

WSET partners with Equal Measures to increase diversity in spirits

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has been named the new education partner for Equal Measures, the UK-based non-profit organisation dedicated to delivering intersectional diversity in the drinks and hospitality industries.

Ladydragón: Female-owned tequila hits UK market

In line with International Women's Day, Drinks International caught up with the co-founders of Ladydragón Craft Tequila JC Cortez and Heather Ann.

Fortitude Drinks to distribute Pampero Rum in the UK

Fortitude Drinks has gained the exclusive distribution rights for Venezuelan rum Pampero in the UK.

Mentzendorff adds Napa Valley's Spottswoode Estate to portfolio

UK wine importer, Mentzendorff, has announced the addition of Napa Valley’s Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery to its portfolio.

The OurWhisky Foundation appoints first executive director

The OurWhisky Foundation, the global non-profit supporting women in the whisky industry, has appointed its first executive director ahead of a restructure this year.

Limestone Branch Distillery increases European exports

Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery will increase UK and Europe exports by 22%, ahead of the official recognition of the American single malt whiskey category.

Soho House launches new non-alcoholic and low abv cocktail menu

Soho House has extended its drinks offering across its UK and North American Houses to feature a wider selection of low abv cocktail alternatives.

Isle of Barra Distillers breaks ground on new Scotch distillery

Isle of Barra Distillers has officially started construction on its new distillery in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra, Scotland.

Savoia Orancio launches in the US

Savoia’s latest expression, Savoia Orancio, is launching in the US, following a successful UK debut in 2023.

Aumont Brewery introduces new sake brand

Created at Japan’s Aumont Brewery, overseen by master brewer Tanaka-Toji, Kay Sake has launched in the UK with the aim to offer consumers an alternative to traditional cocktails.

Michael Vachon to leave Maverick Drinks

Michael Vachon is to leave Maverick Drinks – the craft spirits distributor he co-founded in 2013 - at the end of this year.

Trump return fears for global premium spirits

News of Donald Trump’s re-election as US president earlier this week has sparked fear over the possibility of further tariffs being implemented on the spirits industry.

New Scottish spirits brand launches

Living Souls, a new Scottish spirits brand specialising in small batch and single cask releases, has announced its launch.

DISCUS warns of renewed spirits tariffs

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has sounded an alarm over the potential return and doubling of the EU’s retaliatory tariff on American whiskey in a new report.

WSET appoints Regine Lee MW to board of trustees

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), has announced the appointment of Regine Lee MW to its board of trustees.

In praise of canned wine

They might still seem unconventional and even unacceptable to some, but plenty of people are championing these containers, as Oli Dodd finds.