Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to sell Czech herbal liqueur Becherovka to Poland’s Maspex Group for an undisclosed sum.

The advisory board of Familia Torres has agreed to begin a generational transition process in which the current chief executive, Miquel Torres Maczassek, will be appointed president of the company.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has announced that planned increases in alcohol duty have been ditched in his mini-budget.

This winter, The Drinks Trust is launching a dedicated grant-giving campaign, the Emergency Energy Poverty Fund, that will run from October 2022 until the exhaustion of funds.

Washington State’s Ste Michelle Wine Estates has announced the acquisition of Oregon winery A to Z Wineworks, the first strategic acquisition for the winery under the ownership of private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Independent tequila brand, Código1530, has announced its entry into the mezcal category with the launch of two mezcal expressions.

Surging demand for premium spirits powered Pernod Ricard’s 17% year-on-year sales growth in the six months to December 31, 2021.

The former British ambassador to Argentina will succeed Karen Betts as the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues landed one of the top jobs in the Scotch whisky industry when he took over as chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers this summer.

It has been a sobering quarter for hard seltzers. Sales of the canned RTD that disrupted the US alcohol market when it burst on to the scene in 2016 have finally stalled.

It’s been a sobering quarter for hard seltzer. Sales of the canned RTD that disrupted the US alcohol market when it burst onto the scene in 2016, have for the first time, stalled.

Stars continue to flock to give their endorsement to 100% agave brands, but sustainability has become an issue as consumer demand has risen.

Ardgowan Distillery has announced a new one million litre single malt distillery and visitor centre, built on the Ardgowan Estate in Inverclyde, Scotland.

Melissa Draycott will take over from Martin Skelton as managing director of Gonzalez Byass UK in September.

Global drinks industry data provider IWSR has purchased consumer insights firm Wine Intelligence for an undisclosed sum.

The Portman Group has announced that Matt Lambert will replace John Timothy as chief executive in January 2021.

Leading gin producer Quintessential Brands has promoted James Lousada to the role of chief executive.

Canada’s third largest cannabis company has agreed a $300 million deal to purchase Atlanta-based brewer SweetWater.

Naked Wines has reported 81% year-on-year revenue growth during April and May as online orders spiked during the coronavirus lockdown.

Spanish wine producer Codorníu has announced that Sergio Fuster will take over as chief executive in September.

The British pub and bar industry will be lost within days if the government does not take swift action to prop it up, leading operators have warned.

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.

SAB Miller has announced a number of directorate and senior management changes that will become effective from the company’s annual general meeting on July 26, 2012.

UK: The Chancellor has added another 41p to a bottle of spirits and 11p to a bottle of wine in the latest Budget.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, the lead body for the UK wine and spirits sectors, has announced the appointment of Miles Beale as its new chief executive.

LVMH has appointed new chief executive officers for its champagne brands Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

The board of Alcohol Concern, the anti-alcohol lobby group in the UK, has announced a restructuring of its senior management following the loss of core funding with the role of the CEO becoming part time for a year alongside the recruitment of a full time director of fundraising and campaigning.

The UK government has urged the drinks industry to back its Responsibility Deal aimed at countering binge drinking and alcoholism.

Moderate drinking can help prevent heart disease, according to a new report in the British Medical Journal. The report, which is a review of research published over 30 years, said individuals who drink alcohol in moderation are less likely to develop heart disease compared to non-drinkers.

China - an important market for scotch whisky – has announced that it will recognise and protect ‘scotch whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Brand marketer, The Paddington Corporation, has announced a joint venture with 3 Amigos Tequila to market its range globally.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) met with the UK Home Office to air concerns over government proposals to change the Licensing Act.

Amsterdam: Heineken has announced a new 10-year sustainability agenda.