Editor

The orginisation, which had 18 spirits in the 2016 Millionaires’ Club list, will combine Travel Retail Asia Pacific, Travel Retail EMEA and Travel Retail Americas from July 1, 2017. The Travel Retail channel is a significant part of the wine and spirits industry and is Pernod Ricard’s fourth largest market. Global Travel Retail will be supported by market-based business units to maximise its value creation…

The global soft drinks company said that a ‘shift in consumer behaviour’ has led to the increase in sales because people are choosing soft drinks on a more regular basis. Russell Goldman, commercial director foodservice and licensed at Britvic GB, said: “The soft drinks category performed well in 2016 in the Foodservice and Licensed channels with consumers choosing soft drinks on more occasions, driven by a…

The largest privately owned spirits company was ranked 84th, up eight spots from the previous year, according to the Global RepTrak 100 list compiled by the Reputation Institute. Mike Dolan, chief executive officer, Bacardi Limited, said: “Making this prestigious global list for the fifth time in a row, and moving up ever higher since our first appearance, demonstrates that our efforts to continuously evolve our…

A committee within the House of Lords published a report on April 4 to review the successes and failures of the Legislation Act since it was put into force in 2005. WSTA CEO, Miles Beale, said: “The recommendation of a major overhaul including a series of new licensing regulations, that would add significant burdens and costs to retailers, is not sensible. “Specific recommendations around minimum pricing,…

Sixty-nine Oregon producers contributed a sample of their Pinot noirs from the 2015 vintage for auction and more than 400 attendees raised $472,000 for the WVWA. Pat Dudley, vintner and auction co-chair, said: “The response to this event has been nothing short of remarkable, and we could not be more pleased.” “At the same time, I’m not entirely surprised. The Willamette Valley…

Chairman Jim Anderson has been appointed executive chairman to continue Acolade’s quest to acquire a portfolio of premium wines from Fine Wine Partners, plan the construction of a bottling line in South Australia and improve distribution and sales in China. East said: “I had always intended to retire at the beginning of 2019 and I believe it is the right thing to do so now…

Krombacher Kellerbier (5.1%ABV) is an amber beer which is unpasteurised making it naturally cloudy and carbonated and is available via importer Morgenrot in 50 litre kegs. Stephan Kofler, Krombacher UK sales and marketing director, said: “The appetite for naturally cloudy beers has boomed in recent months so we’re thrilled to be unleashing this master brew on consumers this spring. “We think our latest launch will…

Star of Bombay (47.5ABV) is a ‘slow distilled’ gin launched by Bombay Saphire which contains 12 botanicals chosen by Ivano Tonutti, head of botanicals at Bombay Sapphire. Julian Davies , global marketing manager at Bombay Sapphire, said: “For a brand like Bombay Saphire, which most people have heard of,  it is important to take a little bit of a leadership role within the gin industry.

The Brewers Association, which represents small and independent craft breweries in America, recorded that more than 5,300 breweries produced 24.6 million barrels in 2016. Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association, said: “Small and independent brewers are operating in a new brewing reality still filled with opportunity, but within a much more competitive landscape.” Small and independent craft brewers represent 12.3% market share by…

The Guardian newspaper reported that Brewdog had threatened a bar with legal action over the use of ‘Draft Punk’ as its name. BrewDog owns the trademark to the word ‘punk’ preventing its use among similar goods and services. It is the second occasion it has challenged the word’s use. Brewdog is one of the ‘mainstream’ brands in the recent resurgence of craft beer and the…