Quintessential Brands unveiled Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin yesterday at UK on-trade show Imbibe Live.

Patrick Ricard the titular head of the Pernod Ricard family, has died. He was 67. Cause of death has not been disclosed but it is believed to be a heart attack.

Michael Cox has been installed as the 518th Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners for the forthcoming year.

Asian demand for whisky has boosted investment in Scotland, says Lucy Britner

Pernod Richard is raising the stakes in scotch whisky after a week in which it hosted a ‘Capital Markets Day’ of presentations up at its flagship Glenlivet distillery on Speyside.

Halewood International has expanded the distribution of its Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer brand into the US and Canada.

Tetra Pak, the world leader in its eponymous packaging, has announced that wine can be packed in its cartons in the UK for the first time

Diageo has announced the completion of the mandatory tender offer for the outstanding shares in Chinese white spirits company, Sichuan Shuijingfang

Rémy Cointreau's consolidated turnover for the 2011/12 financial year was €1,026.1 million, an increase of 13% (up 15.6% organically) compared with the previous year.

SPI Group has signed a five-year agreement with Telford International Company for the distribution of its Stolichnaya portfolio in China.

Altia, the wine and spirits group that focuses on the Nordic countries, has announced a 7.6% net sales increase to €524.8 million for the year January to December 2011.

French spirits group La Martiniquaise has finalised negotiations to take over Quartier Français Spiritueux. The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. La Martiniquaise first announced their intention to acquire the company in early 2011. 

The Spencerfield Spirit Company has launched a Perthshire Raspberry edition of its Edinburgh Gin brand to the UK.

Beam, the US-based global premium spirits company, has announced that Arthur Aroney will join the organisation as managing director of Emerging Markets for its Asia Pacific/South America (APSA) region.

Bacardi Limited is planning a raft of activity to celebrate its 150th birthday. Besides parties and commemorative gifts, the company is to launch a $2,000 limited-edition decanter of "rare" Bacardi rum.

Budvar has reported record export results for 2011.

Heineken has declared an intention to increase its share in a brewery in Haiti to 95%.

US consumer goods company Rok Stars has stuck a deal with Castle Trade Services to launch its recently acquired Oval vodka in the UK.

Vodka company Russian Standard has purchased a 9.9% share in CEDC (Central European Distribution Corporation) for $25.35 million.

Accolade Wines has set its stall out, 10 months after Constellation Brands sold off its international wine division to an Australian private equity group.

The Absolut Company has entered into agreement with JF Hillebrand subsidiary, Lagena Distribution, for the management of the company's logistics and distribution.

Beam Inc has celebrated the filling of the company’s 12 millionth barrel of bourbon since the repeal of Prohibition in the US in 1933.

International wine producer Sogrape has acquired 100% of UK wine agency Stevens Garnier. The company previously owned 38% of Stevens Garnier and financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Norwegian beverage company Mack has redesigned and extended its Arctic Beer series.

Central European spirits and liqueurs company Stock Spirits Group is gearing up to acquire new business.

Shaker BarSchools, the international bartender training company, has moved into bar operating with the opening of a bar in London.

Sobieski vodka owner Belvedere has appointed Krzysztof Trylinski as chairman and chief executive officer of the group. He aims to clear the company's debt by selling two of its brands.

Angostura Holdings has announced the departure of managing director and CEO Wayne Yip Choy, effective September 21, 2011.

Pernod Ricard is pinning hopes of further growth on the US, central and South America to undermine Diageo’s position as the number one drinks company in the world.

Nemiroff Company has made its first step into eco-friendly spirits with the launch of Nemiroff Distinct, a vodka flavoured with aloe. 

US-based synthetic closure brand, Nomacorc, has announced it registered 10% year-on-year growth during Q1 and Q2 of 2011.

The Glenmorangie Company has promoted chief operating officer Paul Skipworth to the post of president and managing director.

Vietnam: Global drinks giant Diageo has closed a Public Offer to acquire an additional 5.07% stake in Hanoi Liquor Joint Stock Company (“Halico”) for approximately £6.4 million. 

StarBev has announced ‘significant investments’ in its Staropramen brand, as it eyes international expansion.

A bottle of 1811 Château d’Yquem has been sold for £75,000, setting a Guinness world record.

South Africa: The KWV board has announced that CEO Thys Loubser (pictured) has resigned as company CEO with immediate effect.

Costellation Wines Australia and Europe has officially become Accolade Wines - as of June 27. Accolade brands include Hardy’s and Echo Falls.

Remy Martin has launched its Louis XIII cognac in a jeroboam decanter. The new format has a £16,000 price tag and there are 100 jeroboams available.

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company has appointed Mhairi McDonald and Graeme Morrison, to together fill the out-going role of distillery manager.

The Xanté Company & Peter F Heering have announced the finalists of their Mad Men inspired cocktail competition, which will be part of Manhattan Cocktail Classic (MCC).

SABMiller has announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Wilson as deputy chief financial officer.

Stock Spirits Group has appointed Waldemar Maj and Dominique Bach as non-executive directors.

Brown-Forman has announced that its board of directors has authorised the repurchase of up to $250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common shares until November 30, 2011, subject to market and other conditions.

Canada: Brick Brewing Company has acquired the Canadian rights to the Seagram Coolers brand from Corby Distilleries. The transaction closed upon signing.

The Stock Spirits Group has announced double digit organic volume growth with total sales volumes of 162.4 million litres in 2010.

Nemiroff has reported strong growth in 2010. The Ukrainian vodka brand said sales volumes rose to $473.6 million – $56.8 million (13.6%) up on the previous year. The company said the largest growth areas were Ukraine and Poland.

Non-refillable closures company Guala Closures has acquired Spanish closure manufacturing company and former Guala Closures licensee Plastivit, which has facilities in Barcelona and Veracruz (Mexico).

Constellation Wines Australia and Europe has been renamed Accolade Wines following the completed acquisition of an 80% share in the company by Australian equity group Champ.

Foster’s Group has committed $500,000 to help Queensland flood victims.