The Stellenbosch producer previously split its UK representation between Stevens Garnier, responsible for the off-trade with the Zalze and Foot of Africa ranges, and Hatch Mansfield, which looked after Kleine Zalze in the on-trade via Matthew Clark. Kleine Zalze’s co-owner and managing director Kobus Basson said that the strategic decision to appoint Hatch Mansfield as its sole agency in the UK has been taken to…

Rebeillion Spiced (RRP £16.99), Black and Blanco (both £15.99) have an abv of 37.5%. The range is led by Rebellion Spiced, which, according to Toorank, was created to satisfy demand from bartenders for “fuller tasting spiced rums”. Its spices comprise cloves, bitter orange, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and vanilla. Black and Blanco are both said to be “premium quality pouring rums” that can “stand…

Flame Runner is made from ingredients sourced from each of the competing continents, malted barley from Europe, hops from Australasia and spices from Africa, Asia and the Americas. It is described by the brewer as “a clean and refreshing” 3.9% pale ale with a “spicy citrus and subtle ginger aroma” and a “malty backbone balanced by an orange peel bitterness”. Emma Hibbert, head of corporate affairs at…

In its inaugural China Label Report, Wine Intelligence teamed up with wine label designers Amphora to test eight styles of label in interview environments. The sample was made up of 40 upper-middle class Chinese consumers from Beijing and Shanghai who drink imported wine regularly. According to Wine Intelligence, the overriding need among consumers was for reassurance, which typically correlated with traditional labels. The interviews also…

Based at the Bacardi Americas headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida, Perego replaces Rich Andrews who was recently named managing director of Bacardi operations in the UK & Ireland. From July 9 Perego will be responsible for all operations and strategy for the entire Bacardi portfolio of spirits in the region, which consists of 19 countries. Perego was most recently chief operating officer for Campari North…

Talking to Drinks International the Commission’s president Manuel Pinheiro said: “Portugal is undergoing a very challenging phase. The internal market is in recession and will remain so, all through 2013. “Exports on the other hand are booming, this year 12% up from 2011 which was our record year. The good news for the client is that, given the recession, labor costs are being reduced and…

Talking to Drinks International in Vinho Verde, Ferreira said that while indigenous grape varietals are Portuguese wine’s “point of differentiation”, foreign consumers may need to see more familiar grapes as part of the offering. He said: “We have more than 280 varietals in the country and our vineyards have been here for a long time. But some Portuguese varietals are almost impossible to pronounce [outside…

The New York-based on-premise show is in its 13th year and this time around the two-day event is set to be the biggest yet. Organisers are expecting thousands of visitors from US bars, restaurants, chain operators, single and multi-unit operations, nightclubs, taverns, hotels, chefs and caterers. Exhibitors for this year’s show include members of the following sectors: bar supplies, distributors and suppliers of spirits, wine,…

Talking to Drinks International, Cottin-Bizonne said current sales growth of Havana Club in Asia has been “interesting” from a “small base” but that Pernod Ricard has the distribution network to respond “when” the demand swells.  Yves Schladenhaufen, Havana Club’s international marketing director said: “Pernod Ricard has the most powerful distribution network in Asia, especially in China”. “We are not worried. If something is happening [in Asia]…

The Bordeaux producer said the fortified wine “has already taken the US by storm” and is hoping to capitalise on the UK consumer’s predilection for the rosé style. Lillet Rosé, which is priced at £20 and has an abv of 17%, is created from blending the red and white Grand Cru Bordeaux wine varietals used to produce Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge. UK distributor, Marblehead…