UK-based distribution and brand-building company, Chimera Brand Development, has announced the addition of three brands to its portfolio.

Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced plans to acquire an 85% stake in ready-to-drink brand BeatBox, for approximately $490m. 

Madrí Excepcional has announced that it has surpassed £1 billion in annual sales, five years after launching.

James Gin, the gin brand created by James May, has announced its international expansion, partnering with global spirits consultancy Russell & Stellar to lead its growth beyond the UK and US.

50 Best has announced the launch of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

The Loire Valley harvest for 2025 has been described as “promising” despite a series of heatwaves and heavy rainfall.

The Drinks Trade Regatta, the annual sailing event for the hospitality trade, has announced a new partnership with The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away for 2026.

UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that alcohol duty will increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) from 1 February 2026, a decision that has been met with anger within the drinks and hospitality sectors. 

The WSET has appointed Tamara Roberts as chair of its Board of Trustees, taking over from Simon McMurtrie, who has chaired the board since December 2020.

Spain-based Varma Spirits & Wines has announced its first international distribution agreement for its Macaronesian Gin, which has launched in Italy through the OnestiGroup.

St Andrews-based Eden Mill Distillery has been acquired from administration by a private equity firm, saving the jobs of its 42 staff members.

Mike Carthy, founder and owner of Slingsby Gin, has invested in Hacien tequila for an undisclosed sum.

The Gin Guild has appointed two new directors to its board, Sophie Best, director at William Grant & Sons’ Silent Pool Distillery, and Andrew Parsons, master distiller and co-founder of The Sky Wave Distilling Company.