Indian alcoholic beverage company Tilaknagar Industries (TI) has entered India’s tequila category through a strategic investment in Black Tiger Distilleries (BTD) for ₹22 crore (£1.72m).

Altamura Distilleries has appointed Lucia Montanelli, bar manager at The Dorchester’s Vesper Bar, as its new head of luxury hospitality, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

Henkell Freixenet has acquired a 60% stake in Irish wine importer Cassidy Wines, combining both companies to build a leading wine distribution business in Ireland.

Italicus founder Guiseppe Gallo has stepped down from his role as CEO as Pernod Ricard takes full ownership of the brand.

Actor and film producer Chris Hemsworth has joined Australia’s Archie Rose Distilling Co as co-owner alongside founder Will Edwards, as the company prepares to enter the US for the first time.

New distribution company Freed From has launched, focused exclusively on bringing non-alcoholic wines, spirits and elixirs to the UK trade following a three-year global search.

Two Suntory-owned brands complete the podium in Drinks International’s annual top 50 list, with The Yamazaki taking second-place for the third year in a row while Hibiki sits in third for another year.