Coa tops Asia's 50 Best Bars 2021

Coa of Hong Kong has been crowned Asia’s Best Bar in 2021 following a virtual awards ceremony of Asia’s 50 Best Bars on Thursday, 6 May.

AB InBev announces Carlos Brito's successor following blowout quarter

AB InBev has announced that North America president Michel Doukeris will succeed veteran leader Carlos Brito as chief executive this summer.

Andrew Shaw appointed head of BWS at Marks & Spencer

Andrew Shaw has been appointed as head of beers, wines and spirits at high-end British retailer Marks & Spencer.

Campari Group reports 17.9% sales growth for Q1

Organic net sales at Campari Group increased by 17.9% to reach €397.9 million in the first three months of 2021.

Bordeaux wineries work collegiately to drive sustainability

Three organic wine producers in Bordeaux have joined forces in a bid to promote a sustainable future for the region.

Concha y Toro posts 8.2% revenue increase for Q1

Leading Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro has reported an 8.2% revenue increase in the first three months of 2021.

International Spirits Challenge 2021 announces results for gin, aquavit, world spirits and no/low

Pernod Ricard has claimed two double gold medals in the gin category at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.

Henkell Freixenet reports 7.4% sales decline for 2020

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.

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports results for 2020 and Q1 2021

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits has reported a net loss of €38.4 million for 2020.

Exton Park unveils Reserve Blend range

English winery Exton Park has unveiled a trio of sparkling wines following a 10-year development process.

Gonzalez Byass UK appoints Melissa Draycott as managing director

Melissa Draycott will take over from Martin Skelton as managing director of Gonzalez Byass UK in September.

Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year Revealed

Oscar Oliveras has won the prestigious Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year award for this image of Semillon grapes being gathered in Saussignac, France.

Tequila icon Tomas Estes passes

Tomas Estes, one of the drinks industry's most loved and respected figures, has passed away peacefully at his home in Oregan.

Carlsberg reports 3.8% revenue increase

Carlsberg has reported organic volume sales growth of 11.5% for the first three months of 2021.

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”.

Penicillin wins Asia's 50 Best sustainable bar award

Hong Kong’s Penicillin has been named the 2021 winner of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award by Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Beefeater enters RTD market with G&T range

Beefeater has launched three new RTD Gin & Tonic varieties into the UK off-trade in time for the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Global Bartending Talent Agency launches online marketplace and Helping Hospitality initiative

Global Bartending Talent Agency is launching an online marketplace that connects cocktail lovers with some of the world’s best bars.

Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction celebrates South Africa's winemaking skill and tenacious spirit

Wine lovers will have the opportunity to get their hands on some rare gems at the Cape Fine & Rare Wine Auction on May 22.

Fine wine delivers stability and growth for investors, says Vin-X

We caught up with Katie Souter of Vin-X to learn more about why fine wine could make an appealing investment opportunity during the current economic climate.

International Spirits Challenge 2021 announces results for vodka, tequila and mezcal

The world’s leading vodka, tequila and mezcal producers are celebrating after securing medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.

MO BAR wins Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award

MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has been awarded the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award from the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy.

Imbibe Live 2021 set to go ahead

Imbibe Live 2021 will go ahead from 13-14 September at Olympia London, organiser Reed Exhibitions has announced.

Freixenet Copestick signs distribution deal with The Garage Wine Co.

Freixenet Copestick has expanded its portfolio by signing an exclusive distribution partnership with Chilean producer The Garage Wine Co.

The rise of Rioja’s carbonically macerated reds

It’s December 2020 and I’m holding in my hands a Rioja whose vintage bears the same year. And it’s one of the brightest, freshest, easiest to drink wines I’ve had since moving to the area.

Concha y Toro net profits increased 48.6% in 2020

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

Glenfiddich Grand Couronne joins The Grand Series

Glenfiddich has bolstered its Grand Series range with the launch of a 26 Year Old Speyside malt called Grande Couronne.

Monkey Shoulder and Fever-Tree team up for ultimate mixing pack

Scotch brand Monkey Shoulder has teamed up with Fever-Tree in a bid to create the ultimate mixing pack for the off-trade channel.

Naughty Water builds up momentum in the burgeoning hard seltzer category

An ambitious start-up aims to turn hard seltzers into a hot summer drinks trend within the UK market.

Casillero del Diablo launches Spanish Tempranillo

Leading Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo is expanding into Spain by launching a Tempranillo from Cariñena.

Michter’s partners with Los Siete Misterios mezcal

The parent company of Michter’s Distillery, Chatham Imports, has entered into a partnership with mezcal brand Los Siete Misterios.

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.

Tequila regulatory body stresses the importance of respecting Geographical Indications of origin

Picture this scenario: a world-famous alcoholic drinks brand launches what it calls a “Tequila-flavoured” product, with the aim of persuading consumers that they are enjoying a drink with the purest expression of the country of Mexico.

London Cocktail week 2021 extends to full month of October

London Cocktail Week has announced that the 2021 festival will once again be extended to the full month of October and not host The Cocktail Village.

Heineken's Pure Piraña hard seltzer expands into Europe

Pure Piraña, Heineken’s hard seltzer brand, has announced an expansion into Europe following its exports into Mexico and New Zealand last year.

Ferrari Trento plans global expansion after Formula One deal

Drinks International caught up with Ferrari Trento chief executive Matteo Lunelli to learn more about the brand’s new Formula One sponsorship deal.

World's Most Admired Wine Brands 2021 to be revealed on April 1

The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2021 will be revealed in a countdown on YouTube from 6pm GMT on April 1.

Jigger & Pony launches two new RTDs through its PONY brand

Bottled cocktail brand Pony, launched by Asia’s Best Bar, has created two new flavours including Cassis & Rose and Martini 2021.

Diageo purchases Lone River Ranch Water producer

Diageo has maintained its acquisition drive by snapping up the firm that produces the Lone River Ranch Water hard seltzer brand.

Celebrate Her to 'raise glasses' for International Women's Day celebrations

Celebrate Her, an initiative to support gender parity, diversity and inclusion in the UK hospitality industry, will virtually champion the #ChoosetoChallenge campaign for International Women’s Day.

US Covid relief a 'great starting point' says Distilled Spirits Council

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States has released a statement praising the ‘great starting place’ created by the senate’s passage of a $28.6bn relief package for hospitality.

Havana Club unveils Cuban Spiced variant

Havana Club has launched a Cuban Spiced variant in a bid to bring more millennial and Generation Z consumers into the rum category.

Scotch whisky producers celebrate suspension of US single malt tariff

Scotch whisky producers are celebrating after the US government announced it would suspend tariffs on various UK goods for four months.

Kingsland Drinks champions alternative grape varieties

UK importer Kingsland Drinks is championing alternative grape varieties that have the potential to drive excitement and experimentation among consumers.

The Golden Vines Awards will raise money to fund wine education programmes for black and ethnic minority students

The Golden Vines Awards will celebrate the star performers in the fine wine industry when the inaugural ceremony takes place in London on October 7.

UK government announces duty freeze on spirits, wine and beer

The UK government has announced a second consecutive duty freeze on spirits, wine, beer and cider.