The state of California is suffering its fourth year of severe drought. The governor has recently imposed the state's first mandatory water restrictions, affecting nearly 40 million people. Farmers, business owners, and residents will be forced to cut their usage by 25%.

Pernod Ricard's new intenational brand development director says that it's number one Irish whiskey brand, Jameson, is on course to meet it's forecast of hitting 1.4 million cases in the US  within the next year.

Saxco, a US-based group of packaging companies affiliated to Saxco International, has appointed James Hartman as quality assurance manager.

Brown-Forman, the major US drinks company, has announced a strategic review with a view to offloading its Californina-based wine assets.