The Brand Ambassador Academy (BAA) has launched in the UK with a professional development programme series designed to create the next generation of commercially trained drinks industry leaders.

The Lakes Distillery has announced the appointment of Brendan McCarron as its new whiskymaker.

Spanish winemaker Familia Torres has declared a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions as it continues to strive for net zero emissions by 2040.

Scotch whisky maker Compass Box has secured a £35m loan from British bank Santander in order to support the international expansion of the brand.

Having recently attended the Nordics leg of Naked Malt’s Live Naked Bar Swap competition in Copenhagen, Drinks International caught up with global brand manager Colette Duff and master blender Marc Watson to discuss the brand’s direction.

Altamura Distilleries has announced its entry into the Indian market through its partnership with Amistad Spirits, an import and distribution house based in Delhi.

London’s Arturo Burzio, assistant head bartender at Scares Bar at The Rosewood, has been announced as elit Martini Masters cocktail competition global finalist.

Digital platforms that can predict your favourite cocktail, sustainable socialising and the rise of at-home mixologists will reshape the drinks industry, according to Diageo.

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.