Nick Strangeway on how bars must adapt to a new and improved hospitality sector as we emerge from lockdown.

Fentimans is to replace 125ml mixer bottles with a new range of 200ml mixers, as the premium mixer brand aims to “tap into the growing popularity for long mixed drinks”.

Glenmorangie has released a new single malt scotch whisky called X by Glenmorangie which has been specifically designed for mixing.

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Strykk has secured new distribution agreements in the Netherlands and Canada.

The Famous Grouse has launched a limited-edition label to celebrate the brand’s role as the official sponsor of The British & Irish Lions.

While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Plans to protect the reputation of Japanese whisky have been unveiled, but do they go far enough? Shay Waterworth looks at the implications.

Jura single malt whisky has launched a new rum cask finish as the latest member of the Jura Cask Editions.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has entered a new distribution agreement with Genova-based Velier S.p.A for the Italian market.

Campo Viejo has announced the launch of Winemaker’s Blend, a new blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Bobal.

UK gin exports decreased by £100 million in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs.

Ghost Tequila has signed a national distribution agreement in the US with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) that will see the brand enter four new states immediately.

Beam Suntory has announced a £6m investment in the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, which will see the reintroduction of floor matings and installation of direct-fired heating.

The founders of super-premium tequila brand VIVIR have launched a new mixto tequila brand called El Sueño to bridge a gap in the market and support sustainable practices.

Pernod Ricard has announced a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign for Beefeater starting on 19 April targeting 25-34-year-olds.

Calvados brand Avallen has partnered with National Geographic Traveller Food to launch its new creative campaign designed to drive greater consideration of sustainability and environmental impact within the drinks sector.

The team behind London’s Bimber Distillery has confirmed plans to open a new Scottish whisky distillery in Dunphail, south of Forres.

The Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association has announced a new set of rules and regulations for the production of Japanese whisky.

Class Bar Magazine has launched a new website which will provide the latest news and insights into the UK bar industry.

Australian vermouth brand Regal Rogue has launched a new bartender training initiative in collaboration with The Liana Collection, the brand’s newly appointed UK distributor in 2021.

Avallen has announced a global partnership with UK-based Charter Brands to drive new routes to market beyond Europe, Hong Kong & Australia.

While most enter hospitality via high-volume bars or nightclubs, Pietro Collina got his first role at private members’ bar Mark’s Club in London aged 16.

Martin Miller’s Gin has unveiled a new ad campaign that tells the story of the brand’s “transformation from a mad idea to a genius gin”.

JW Filshill, the Glasgow-based wholesaler, has acquired Eldorado Tonic Wine as part of its purchase of KB Agencies for an undisclosed sum.

The Worshipful Company of Distillers has announced a new programme of scholarships and bursaries for more than 100 students over the next three years.

Premium rosé, ecommerce and innovation in packaging will form the bedrock of Foncalieu’s strategy as it bids to enjoy a strong commercial performance in 2021.

The latest edition of the UKHospitality and CGA Quarterly Tracker has revealed a 54% drop in sales for 2020 from £133.5bn in 2019 to £61.7bn.

Hollywood star Mads Mikkelsen has resumed the role of a cycling philosopher in a new ad for Carlsberg 0.0.

Whyte & Mackay master distiller Richard Paterson was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the Scotch whisky industry.

Kingfisher has launched a 6x33cl can format in time for the festive trading period as it bids to ramp up off-trade sales.

Tullamore DEW brand ambassador John Quinn has been named the new chairman of trade group Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association.

The Famous Grouse has launched a global ad campaign encouraging viewers to focus on “occasions and the outdoors”.

Naked Wines enjoyed 79.6% revenue growth in the six months to September 28 after demand for online wine purchases soared during the lockdown.

The former managing directors of Greene King and Ei Group have invested in Hofmeister after growing excited by its potential to take the world beer category by storm.

Bacardi has unveiled plans to put the world’s first 100% degradable spirits bottles on shelves and back bars by 2023.

Nautilus Estate winemaker Clive Jones has been elected chair of the board at New Zealand Winegrowers.

The Glenturret has unveiled a new core range as it plans to launch in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and New Zealand next month.

Ballantine’s has honoured its founder by launching a seven-year-old blend finished in bourbon barrels.

Two New York breweries have apologized and swiftly discontinued a “highly inappropriate” collaboration beer named after a Hindu deity.

Bacardi has launched a number of initiatives to help bar owners and retailers make the most of a new era of summer socialising.

Premixed cocktail specialist World of Zing has launched 18 new bottled cocktails and pouches in time for the summer.

Borco has invested in a redesign for its Finsbury gin range and launched a Wild Strawberry variant to attract new consumers.

Naked Wines announced that chief financial officer James Crawford will take over as managing director of its UK business when it delivered its full-year results this morning. We caught up with him to learn more about his plans for the business, the opportunities ahead and the challenges that must be overcome. 

BrewDog Distilling Co. has launched a limited-edition Distiller’s Cut spiced rum under its Five Hundred Cuts range.

Bar Convent Brooklyn has been called off after the organisers decided it would be too risky to host a trade show during this age of contagion.

A craft spirits startup in Minnesota has secured the services of Irish Distillers’ master distiller Brian Nation.

Martin Miller’s has launched a seasonal gin called Summerful to celebrate the brand’s 20^th anniversary.

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber expects to increase its production capacity by 220,000 bottles per year after expanding into Kent.

Liquor stores across India reopened this morning after the country moved into a new phase of its coronavirus lockdown.