France: Champagne Gosset has announced the acquisition of  ‘substantial premises’ in Epernay. The company plans to move its administration to this site. Domaine Gosset, in Rue Malakoff is the former mansion of the Trouillard family. It was previously owned by Chateau Malakoff and has always had strong associations with champagne. The building dates back to the 19th Century and…

The Consumer Intelligence survey for the WSTA (Wine and Spirit Trade Association) shows the numbers of wine drinkers drinking red have dipped in the last three months from 78% to 72%. Consumers say that the amount of red wine they drink as a proportion of total wine consumption is also down, from 44% to 40%. Yet the amount of white…

Havana Club International has repackaged its Añejo 7 Años rum. The new bottles will be available in markets worldwide from Summer 2009. The new packaging features updated elements including higher visibility for the figure…

Finland/France: Altia has acquired Grönstedts cognac from Pernod Ricard. The acquisition is to be approved by EU commission. After Pernod’s acquisition of V&S in July 2008, the company had an agreement with Norwegian group Arcus Gruppen AS regarding the disposal of Grönstedts Cognac, Star Gin, Red Port and Dry Anis. The transaction was subject to approval by the…

Australia: Kirrihill Wines and Cheviot Bridge plan to extend their partnership to assume shared sales and marketing from 1 April. Kirrihill will also release two new wines in 2009 – the Clare Valley Shiraz and Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Cheviot Bridge will take over distribution on the Australian Eastern Seaboard as of April 1, while Wine…

US: The spirits industry is recession resistant, not recession proof. That’s the message from Distilled Spirits Council US (Discus) CEO Peter Cressy. The Discus 2008 report showed slowing revenue growth of 2.8%, totalling $18.7 billion and volume growth of 1.6% to 184 million cases.  He said: "Contrary to popular belief, the entire…

The Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) has announced the winners of the 23rd Annual Chablis Wine Awards, identifying the finest wines of the 2006 and 2007 vintages.  …