With Patrón discontinuing its popular XO Café, the tequila liqueur category has opened up to other brands – and it’s a popular space, finds Shay Waterworth.

The value of the global alcohol market grew by 12% to reach US$1.17 trillion in 2021, making up for the 4% covid-driven losses in 2020, new data from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has found.

Harrison Kenney of Sydney’s Cantina OK! has been crowned winner at the 2022 Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition global final at Hacienda Patrón in Jalisco, Mexico.

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of a new cinnamon and chilli flavoured whiskey liqueur variant.

The Wine Intelligence Global Wine Brand Power Index 2022 has reported that Yellow Tail is again the world’s most powerful wine brand with Casillero del Diablo meaning an unchanged top two.

Diageo World Class will host the 13th edition of its global finals in Sydney, Australia from 12-15 September this year.

Cuban rum brand Ron Santiago de Cuba has announced the appointment of Antonio Naranjo as new global brand ambassador.

London Cocktail Week founders Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, alongside Global Bartending’s Dan Dove, have announced the launch of the Pinnacle Guide, a new one, two and three ‘Pin’ recognition system for the world’s best bars.

Drinks International's Global Bar Edition, which includes the official guide to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, has launched in digital form.

Logistics companies within the global drinks industry have been battered by an unprecedented confluence of headwinds during the past 18 months.

Manachain Monaghan from the UK has been crowned global champion of Flor de Caña Rum’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge with his ‘Steamship’ cocktail.

South African cream liqueur brand Amarula has launched a vegan variant to serve the growing proportion of consumers that are adopting plant-based diets.

Drinks giant Diageo have had their greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets, to achieve net-zero direct emissions by 2030, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as meeting the criteria for the 1.5^oC pathway.

The United States has once again topped the list of the most attractive wine markets in the world,  according to a new report from Wine Intelligence.

Absolut Vodka has announced a new bottle, the brand’s biggest design update since 1979.

Trivento has been revealed as the world’s best-selling Argentine wine brand in a report by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Flor de Caña has launched a global initiative called ‘Zero Waste Month’ for July which invites eco-conscious bars, restaurants and consumers to reduce food waste.

Global alcohol consumption is expected to increase by 2.9% this year, according to new IWSR projections. Martin Green reports.

The European spirits industry has urged governments to rebuild transatlantic ties and fight protectionist measures following a 19% export decline in 2020.

The global drinks industry is showing positive signs of recovery and will grow in volume by 2.9% by the end of 2021, according to new IWSR forecasts.

Hollywood star Pedro Pascal has signed up as the new global ambassador for Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo.

Kahlúa has unveiled a new label design, inspired by the coffee culture of the brand’s native Veracruz, Mexico.

While the pandemic has been felt universally, the unevenness of lockdown restrictions has lent wildly different experiences to bar owners and cocktail drinkers around the globe.

The global economy is now expected to grow by 6% this year after developed nations ramped up the Covid-19 vaccination drive, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Global Bartending Talent Agency is launching an online marketplace that connects cocktail lovers with some of the world’s best bars.

Hamburg based Broco-Marken-Import has appointed new members of its global business development team as part of its international focus for expansion.

The Peroni Libera 0.0% logo will take pride of place on Aston Martin Cognizant’s new Formula 1 car this season as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal. Drinks International caught up with Richard Ingram, global brands director at parent company Asahi Europe & International, to learn more about its plans for the partnership.

Avallen has announced a global partnership with UK-based Charter Brands to drive new routes to market beyond Europe, Hong Kong & Australia.

Martin Miller’s Gin has unveiled a new ad campaign that tells the story of the brand’s “transformation from a mad idea to a genius gin”.

Global drinks industry data provider IWSR has purchased consumer insights firm Wine Intelligence for an undisclosed sum.

The Famous Grouse has launched a global ad campaign encouraging viewers to focus on “occasions and the outdoors”.

The global drinks industry will enjoy a better than expected performance in 2020 as a result of dynamism in ecommerce and retail, according to new IWSR forecasts.

Leading Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro managed to increase consolidated sales by 28% year-on-year during Q3.

Ed Gerard has left his role of head of wines and spirits at upmarket retailer Harrods to join Mocktail Beverages as global business development director.

A former Diageo marketing executive has launched the world’s first dedicated talent agency for influential bartenders.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro has launched a global ad campaign that urges viewers to appreciate the small pleasures they were denied during the coronavirus lockdown.

Gin brand Beefeater has launched a global advertising campaign designed to celebrate the spirit of London.

Diageo has announced a $100 million support package to help the global bar trade get back on its feet as the coronavirus lockdown ends.

Jägermeister has launched a limited-edition #SaveTheNight bottle designed to support the bar trade in various key markets around the world.

Global drinks buyers, bartenders, business owners and managers can now enjoy a digital edition of Drinks International each month by following our online application process.

With age statements and innovation grabbing attention worldwide, Cognac sales are booming. But can it keep up with global demand? Gavin D Smith reports 

Pernod Ricard launched Absolut Exposure last night at an event at TFWA Cannes.

Bar Convent Berlin attracted 5,700 visitors this year, a 20% increase on 2011.

Bartender Kim Daniel Bergersen of Norway prevailed from a field of 11 finalists at Pilsner Urquell’s International Master Bartender (IMB) competition.

Treasury Wine Estates has appointed John Grant as managing director of its Beringer Brand Business Unit.

Angostura is on the lookout for bartenders to take part in the national heats of its Global Cocktail Challenge 2013, a competition which culminates in the selection of its global brand ambassador.

Lucy Britner on livening up tequila

Su Birch, CEO of Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is the winner of Wine Intelligence’s inaugural ‘10 for 10 Business Award’.

William Grant has released Glenfiddich’s first-ever vatted ‘vintage reserve’, the 1974 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve which the company claims was selected by a global panel of 16 experts.