An award-winning distiller has tipped the non-alcoholic spirits category to enjoy strong future growth thanks to a raft of innovation in the years ahead.

Market research exists in the short term, but reviewing past research projects can uncover trends relevant to the future, says Bryan Urbick of Consumer Knowledge Centre.

Following its €95m purchase of Cooley Distillery, Beam will phase out the supply of third-party brands to concentrate on building its core Irish whiskeys: Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, Connemara and Greenore.

Fortune Brands has said it sees a “bright and prosperous future for Beam Global as an independent spirits company”.

The Edrington Group has appointed a new brand controller for its newly acquired scotch whisky Cutty Sark.