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Wine became New Zealand’s fifth largest export good by value after exports reached a record $1.63bn in March 2017, according to Statistics New Zealand. The wine industry has a global goal of $2bn of exports by 2020 and Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, believes the US market will keep expanding. “New Zealand wine, especially sauvignon blanc, is very popular in the US and…

The capsule of each bottle now features calligraphic script telling the legend of the devil’s cellar, and the label itself features an enhanced ‘Reserva’ and brand logo, as well as the latest version of the Concha y Toro logo and a new roundel monogram. Marketing controller at Concha y Toro UK, Laura Thomas, said: “This is a timely and well executed brand refresh for the…

Scotch whisky accounts for more than a fifth of the UK’s total food and drink exports and has seen a 4% increase in the customs value which is worth £127 per second. Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scotch Whisky Association acting chief executive, said: “Demand is rising in mature markets, such as the USA, and newer markets, including China. This confidence is reflected in the number of new…

Scorcher IPA has been launched in two new formats this spring, with draught available in on-trade, and cans available in the off-trade market throughout the UK. Brooklyn Brewery beer is imported into the UK from New York and overseen by brewmaster, Garrett Oliver. Oliver said: “It’s funny to note that we actually first released Scorcher in 2004. At the time, most people seemed to only…

The pale pink ale has been introduced as part of the Uniqlo Tate Lates series which is a free monthly evening event taking place throughout the summer. Tate representative, Andrew Downs, said: “We are delighted to work with one of the best UK breweries to create a brew specifically to celebrate the brilliant partnership with Uniqlo for Uniqlo Tate Lates.  “It is a lovely…

Caorunn is a Scottish gin first launched in 2009 which is available in more than 35 countries around the world. Uk sales director at caorunn, Nial Mackinlay, said: “Caorunn has consistently performed very well throughout the year within Scottish Tesco stores, proving extremely popular with our customers. “This in turn has led to extended distribution throughout the UK and we are delighted that more customers…

Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, and the sale of Glenrothes Speyside will reunite Glenrothes with its distillery and cooperage, which has been owned by Edrington since 1887. Chief executive of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Dan Jago, said: “It has been a great honour to be the guardians of the Glenrothes brand over the past seven years. “Berry Bros. &…

The Debate will be introduced by Richard Watling, master of the worshipful company of distillers, and chaired by Ian Buxton, liveryman, commentator and author. The motion: ‘This house believes that innovation is a more effective tool for growth than acquisition in the spirits industry,’ will be spoken for by Diageo’s global head of innovation Michael Ward and Tom Sandham, co-founder of the Thinking Drinkers. Opposing…

The London-based brand donates its profits to water projects in the world’s poorest communities and has launched One Gin to continue growth. One Gin’s master distiller, Sarah Thompson, uses nine botanicals from around the world plus British sage and the gin is distilled in an alembic copper still and filtered seven times. Duncan Goose, founder of One Drinks, said: “Adding sage lends One Gin a…

The blind tasting event took place at the Vineyard Hotel, US and the wines were paired according to style and price point. Wine director at The Vineyard Cellars and The Vineyard Hotel, James Hocking, said: “Although we are known for being Californian specialists, tasting Trump wines was a first for The Vineyard team and was certainly eye-opening. “Trumps Cru Fortified Chardonnay is somewhat unusually produced;…