Crossip breaks into new markets

Non-alcoholic spirits brand, Crossip, has expanded into new markets across Europe, GCC and North America, alongside key local distribution partners.

Empirical launches two new spirits

Flavour company Empirical has announced the UK launch of its two latest spirits, SOKA (43% abv) and Symphony 6 (40% abv).

Flävar’s Rolf Munding talks Swedish Schnapps and expansion plans

Swedish schnapps brand, Flävar, recently reached 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May 2022. Drinks International caught up with Rolf Munding, owner of Market Taverns Group, whose latest venture, Flävar, plans to grow its European presence this year.

Wines of South Africa releases its 2022 export report

The Wines of South Africa 2022 export report has revealed that export value has only seen a 2.4% decline following the pandemic with Rand Per Litre (RPL) income showing marginal growth as producers navigate rising costs, shipping challenges and shortages in the supply of packaging goods.

The Drinks Trust announces Guy Lawrence as chair

The Drinks Trust has appointed Guy Lawrence, CEO of Brockman’s Gin, as the new chair of the charity following Troy Christensen’s two-year tenure.

Nikka releases 2022 Discovery Series single malts to UK

Japanese whisky brand Nikka is releasing two new expressions in the UK, exclusively distributed by drinks agency Speciality Brands, as part of its Discovery Series.

Westons Cider announces £2m investment in new presses

UK cider maker, Westons Cider, has announced details of a £2 million investment to enhance its fruit pressing capacity.

Two Drifters partners with British Airways

UK-based rum brand Two Drifters has announced its partnership with British Airways, where its Signature Rum is available to pre-purchase on all short and long-haul flights through the High Life Shop.

Wild Beer Co persists after acquisition by Curious Brewery

Curious Brewery has reached an agreement to add Wild Beer Co to its portfolio, an acquisition that will double the size of the existing Curious operation.

UKGB and Molinari join forces

The UKGB and Molinari have announced a joint partnership to build awareness and relationships within the UK hospitality industry.

UK licensing hours to be extended for royal coronation

The UK government has outlined plans to extend licensing hours in pubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales to mark the royal coronation.

UK alcohol duty freeze to be extended

The UK government’s freeze on alcohol duty is to be extended until August 2023 to help UK hospitality venues amid rising costs.

No and low category surpasses $11 billion

The no- and low-alcohol categories grew by more than 7% in volume across 10 key global markets in 2022 to surpass a market value of $11bn, a new report from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has revealed.

Everleaf partners with UK bars this ‘Try January’

This January, Everleaf non-alcoholic aperitif will be partnering with bars across the UK for its ‘Try January’ initiative, offering a complimentary cocktail to consumers.

Swedish schnapps Flävar plans for European expansion

Swedish schnapps brand Flävar reaches 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May this year, with plans to grow its European presence in 2023.

Toku Saké launches Junmai Daiginjo in UK on-trade

Toku Saké, a new super premium saké, has announced the release of Junmai Daiginjo, its debut liquid. 

The Macallan unveils new guest expression

The Macallan has introduced a new single malt whisky into The Red Collection, The Macallan 77 Years Old.

Lixir becomes UK's first B Corp Tonic Water & Mixer

Tonic and mixer brand, Lixir, has announced its certification as a B Corporation, the first of its category in the UK to reach this status. 

Buffalo Trace Distillery launches Old Fashioned Trolley

This month, Buffalo Trace Distillery will launch The Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Trolley, in partnership with JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.

1906 Black Coupage named Supreme Champion at International Beer Challenge 2022

Spanish-lager 1906 Black Coupage by Hijos de Rivera brewery has been crowned Supreme Champion at the International Beer Challenge 2022 as well as winning the award for Best Lager above 5%.

Diageo training course supports Ukrainian refugees in accessing hospitality jobs

Diageo is celebrating the graduation of 14 students, including seven Ukrainian refugees, from its Learning for Life hospitality training programme.

White Peak Distillery reveals Christmas whisky

White Peak Distillery, from Derbyshire, UK, has revealed a special whisky release in time for the festive period, Wire Works Whisky Virgin Oak Finish.

Amaro Santoni partners with The Liana Collection

Dolce-amaro aperitivo, Amaro Santoni, has announced it will be partnering with British distributor The Liana Collection this year, as they continue their expansion within the UK. 

Global mezcal market expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031

The global mezcal market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031, new data by Straits Research has revealed.

UK industry group pens open letter urging government to rethink alcohol duty

A group of over 100 UK drink industry figures have signed a letter written to The Times urging the chancellor to rethink its decision to reverse the alcohol duty freeze.

Diageo World Class GB opens for entries

Diageo Reserve’s World Class bartender competition, now in its 14th year, has opened for entries in the UK. 

The Drinks Trust launches Energy Crisis Fund

The Drinks Trust has launched an Energy Crisis Fund to help hospitality members pay for their heating and electricity bills throughout the winter.

The Glendronach releases latest cask strength edition

Highland whisky producer The Glendronach Distillery has announced the release of the eleventh batch of The Glendronach Cask Strength Editions.

The Madame Bollinger Foundation announces 2022 medal winner

Justin Martindale MW has been announced as this year’s winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams.

East London Liquor Co joins Mangrove Global portfolio

Mangrove Global, the premium UK spirits distributor, has announced the addition of East London Liquor Company to its portfolio.

Kyrö secures UK expansion with Waitrose listing

All-rye Finish distiller, Kyrö Distillery Company has secured a nationwide listing with UK supermarket Waitrose with the brand’s Kyrö Dairy Cream and Kyrö Ginnow available for purchase in-sotre and online.

RTD growth led by cocktails and long drinks

The IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has released results for its 2022 Strategic Study examining and forecasting growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category.

Amázzoni Gin and Nomad Collection support NGO Vem do Xingu

Owner’s of Amázzoni, Brazil’s first craft gin, have arranged with their UK distributor the Nomad Collection, to donate £2 for every bottle of Amázzoni sold in the UK to NGO Vem do Xingu.

Fred Sirieix named UK ambassador for G’Vine French gin

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

Cazcabel Tequila unveils plans for new $37million distillery

Premium tequila brand Cazcabel has announced that its $37million distillery is set to open in Atotonilco El Alto in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico in 2023.

International Beverage appoints Malcolm Leask to new managing director role

Global drinks business International Beverage Holdings has announced the appointment of vice president of sales, Malcolm Leask, to the new post of managing director.

UK Government freezes alcohol duty in mini-budget

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has announced that planned increases in alcohol duty have been ditched in his mini-budget.

Rampur Distillery launches range of Indian single malt whiskies

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.

Procera Gin releases 2022 vintage

Kenyan gin distiller Procera has launched the 2022 annual vintage of its ultra-premium Red Dot and Green Dot gin expressions both distilled using fresh Juniperus procera harvested in the nearby Kenyan highlands.

HiteJinro: Soju’s export mission

A spirit historically bound to the South Korean market, soju consumption is rapidly increasing in key global markets.

Cost of living crisis: UK hospitality lifeline

The cost of living crisis is a sobering prospect for hospitality. Of course, the entire drinks industry will be affected, from production to distribution, but hospitality is once again likely to take the biggest hit.

What next for Royal Warrants?

On 8 September 2022 Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland aged 96.

Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood bartender to represent UK at elit Martini Masters global final

London’s Arturo Burzio, assistant head bartender at Scares Bar at The Rosewood, has been announced as elit Martini Masters cocktail competition global finalist.

Luxco reports 27% growth in sales across Germany and Europe

US-based drinks group Luxco has reported a 27% uplift in annual sales across Germany and Europe.

Sheffield’s Bamboo Door wins Chairman’s Reserve UK Mai Tai Challenge

Sheffield-based bar Bamboo Door was crowned the winner of the annual Chairman’s Reserve UK Mai Tai Challenge at a final held at Merchant House in London.

Kranebet Italian Gin Liqueur launches in the UK

Kranebet Italian Gin Liqueur, produced in Italy by Rossi d’Asiago distillers since 1924, has launched in the UK.

Heineken UK takes full ownership of Beavertown Brewery

Heineken UK has announced the purchase of the remaining shares of Beavertown Brewery, having purchased a minority stake in 2018, assuming full ownership of London’s largest brewery.

Edrington appoints new master blender for The Famous Grouse

Spirits company Edrington, has announced the appointment of Craig Johnstone as master blender for The Famous Grouse.

Pernod Ricard sales increase 17% in FY22

Pernod Ricard has released its FY22 Results, showing that sales grew organically by 17% in 2022, equalling €10.7m, with sales growing by double digits across each of its regions and spirit categories.