Distill Ventures has committed to increasing diversity within the drinks industry through the launch of a new pre-accelerator programme dedicated to early stage founders from underrepresented groups.

Major South African drinks producer, Distell, has confirmed a three-year sponsorship of the Africa-based Team Dimension Data Qhubeka cycle racing team.

Les Compagnons du Cognac, a social enterprise designed to support and protect small and independent producers of VSOP and XO cognac, is about to be launched.