A total of 5,013 visitors attended the show this year. At the beginning of the show, president Erik Juul-Mortensen, said that pre-registrations were down 8%. The association said the number of companies sending executives was 2,517, 11% down. The number of duty free and travel retail operating companies was stable but they sent fewer representatives (9%). The 463 exhibiting…

UK: A founder member of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list. Michael Hardman popularised the term real ale and has been at the forefront of a campaign to save traditional British beer and…

Constellation Europe has announced changes to its sales structure. The UK and European sales organisation will now fall under single leadership. Former managing director of Gaymer Cider Company John Mills has been appointed senior vice president European sales. He is responsible for wine sales in the UK and mainland Europe, including Ireland.  Mills has worked for…

    British scientists may have found an instant hangover cure, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.   A bloodstream ‘cleaner’  that quickly disables poisons could save lives and may provide an instant hangover cure.  …

German wine producer Henkell & Söhnlein has kicked off the new year with a change of name. As of Jan 1 2009 the company will be known as Henkell & Co. Sektkellerei KG – a name which, says the company, “makes clear that Henkell sparkling wines find themselves in good company both nationally and internationally.”…

Rheingau estate Schloss Johannisberg has been awarded Collection of the Year in the 2009 edition of German wine guide Gault Millau. The winery won the award for its 2007 vintage. Four wines from the 2007 vintage were listed in the guide’s top ten: Schloss Johannisberg Silberlack in dry…

Cadbury has announced the conditional sale of Schweppes Australia to Asahi Breweries.   The company has entered into a conditional agreement with Asahi for a total consideration in cash of approximately GBP550m* (AUD1,185m). The decision to sell the business was announced in the trading update on 16…