Swedish schnapps brand, Flävar, recently reached 100k bottles sold since launching in the UK on-trade in May 2022. Drinks International caught up with Rolf Munding, owner of Market Taverns Group, whose latest venture, Flävar, plans to grow its European presence this year.

The wine industry doesn’t often mix naturally with the bartending community, but for Thibault Massina, an early education in Bordeaux lay the foundations for an organic pairing behind the bar.

There’s a buzz about Italian spirits in many markets. Campari and Aperol are kicking up a storm in aperitif drinking occasions through spritz and other mixer serves, while amaro is getting some love on the back of the wider trend for herbal, digestif-style liqueurs.

Online retailer Master of Malt has unveiled three key trends that could define the spirits industry during the next year.

Diageo has become the first ever official spirits sponsor of the NFL.

A Fever-Tree survey suggests that a third of Brits use an evening drink to mark the end of the working day during the lockdown.

A study suggests that alcohol consumption has remained broadly stable during the coronavirus lockdown in Belgium.

Some young people are drinking to help them cope with problems, according to latest Drinkaware research. 

US consumption of imported sparkling wine will reach new heights in 2012 due to the increased penetration of prosecco and cava, says Wine Intelligence. 

Brazilians are increasingly turning to wine as their beverage of choice, according to consumer research published by Wine Intelligence.

UK charity Drinkaware has said that tougher action is needed to counter UK binge drinking.

The European Spirits Organisation (CEPS) has launched a new five-year commitment to promote responsible drinking.

UK: Alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware has found that more than half (53%) of parents who plan to provide their 16 and 17 year olds with alcohol for a week long summer holiday with friends will give them five or more bottles of spirits or wine.

Belgium: The European Spirits Organisation CEPS and The European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD) have teamed up with the Belgian Federation of Wine and Spirits to launch a responsible drinking campaign during the World Cup.

Alcohol awareness charity the Drinkaware Trust has issued a response to the Eurobarometer survey on alcohol.

Global brewer SAB Miller has launched a web-based campaign to help parents discuss alcohol with their children.

Europe’s spirits producers have launched a catalogue of industry-led programmes to reduce alcohol related harm.