Despite challenging Portuguese economic conditions, Vinho Verde exports are on the increase and will become more competitive in the global market place, according to the Vinho Verde Commission (CVRVV).

Diageo, has launched Chinese white spirit brand, Shui Jing Fang, onto the UK domestic market.

CEO of Sogrape Vinhos, Francisco Ferreira, has ventured that the planting of further international varietals could help to attract more consumers to Portuguese wine.

Irish whiskey producer Cooley Distillery has appointed Maxxium UK to distribute brands, Kilbeggan, Connemara Peated Irish Single Malt, Tyrconnell Irish Single Malt and Greenore Irish Single Grain, in the UK.

The Macallan has unveiled a new range, the 1824 Series, which is being rolled out into the UK market this autumn.

Vergelegen, one of South Africa’s best wine producers, has unveiled a new wine, DNA.

Gallo Family Vineyards has partnered with Australian celebrity, Holly Valance, to publicise its newly launched Moscato wine in the UK.

Bacardi Martini BV has announced the appointment of Rich Andrews as managing director of the UK & Ireland Business Unit and a member of the European Leadership Team under regional president, Europe, Stefan Bomhard.

Wine journalist, Tim Atkin MW and d'Arenberg owner and winemaker Chester Osborn, were both named as recipients of the Wine Intelligence 10 for 10 Business Award.

The UK government’s Work and Pensions Secretary and former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, is due to  announce today (May23) that “alcoholics rendered unable to work by their condition will face active intervention in their lives to make them clean and employable”.

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

UK: Charles Heidsieck champagne is to move to a "fine wine-orientated partner" in the UK. Distribution is to shift from First Drinks Brands to Liberty Wines from June 1, 2012 .

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands has announced a £2m first-year investment for the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in the UK.

Campari Group is set to place its UK distribution in the hands of Matthew Clark's new business arm, Catalyst Brands, following the cessation of the Italian group's contract with Cellar Trends.

Pernod Ricard UK has promoted Chris Ellis to the role of commercial director of wines, with effect from July 1, 2012. 

The Manchester Drinks Company’s RTD line, MyCocktail, is set to be extended with the UK launch of frozen pre-mixed cocktail pouches.

InterLoire, the interprofessional body for Loire wines has announced that 18 wines from AOC Touraine and Vins de Pays du Val de Loire 2011 vintage have been selected as “Ambassador wines” for the Sauvignon Blanc de Loire project this year.

Pierre Ferrand Cognac's orange liqueur, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao - created in collaboration with cocktail historian David Wondrich - has been rolled out to the US.

Belgian beer company Duvel Moortgat has announced the launch of a marketing campaign that will see the back labels of its Vedett beer bottles given over to its consumers’ artwork and blogs.

Events firm Brintex has voiced optimism ahead of this year’s London International Wine Fair (LIWF) and Distil despite the absences of Pernod Ricard, Percy Fox (Diageo’s UK wine division) and PLB.

The UK government has pledged to introduce a minimum alcohol price of 40p per unit and the ban of by-one-get-one-free deals in a bid to counter binge drinking.

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.

As the third consecutive "great" Beaujolais vintage readies for market and glasses, the talk in the region has turned to another newcomer, the newly formed appellation of Coteaux Bourguignon.

The Champagne Bureau has reported increased shipments in 2011. Total shipments worldwide rose from 319.5 million bottles in 2010 to 323 million in 2011.

Pernod Ricard UK has unveiled an initiative titled ‘Building Premium Wine Brands’, to bring growth back to the UK light wine sector.

UK: Children as young as 10 are more familiar with some leading alcohol brands and adverts than those for popular foods and snacks, according to a new report by Alcohol Concern.

Mount Gay Rum Distilleries and UK distributor First Drinks have appointed Miguel Smith as European brand ambassador for Mount Gay Rum.

Danny DeVito’s Limoncello is about to be rolled out to international markets, following its US launch in 2011.

Wine merchant Laithwaites Wine has concluded the purchase of Chateau du Bois, a vineyard near the village of Castillon in Bordeaux, France.

Travel Retail operator World of Patria International has reached agreement with Chase Distillery to offer its range of spirits and liqueurs.

Consumers in Australia’s top two export markets are abandoning its wines for cheaper alternatives leaving producers wondering if Asia will grow big enough to compensate for US and UK declines. By Graham Holter

Pernod Ricard UK is hoping the release of Absolut London in time for the Olympics and the Queen’s diamond jubilee will lift sales of the brand by 10%.

How many units in your drink? Is the theme of a new campaign that has been launched at consumers in the UK.

Global business consultancy McKinney Rogers has appointed a former Bacardi USA president to its board.

Luxardo has added to its range of flavoured sambucas with the launch of Pear and Cola variants to the UK market.

First Drinks will be the new UK distributor of CEDC brands Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka and Green Mark - the world's fourth largest vodka.

UK spirits and liqueur agency, Mangrove, will no longer distribute Chase Distillery products. 

Pernod Ricard’s super premium gin, Beefeater 24, is now available in 50 markets worldwide.

Australian Vintage has recruited the senior buyer of one of the UK’s major multiple retailers.

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the following senior appointments within its executive committee and senior management group with immediate effect.

French wine is the favourite of regular wine drinkers in the UK and China and the second preference in Germany, says Wine Intelligence.

Chivas Brothers is introducing a new look for its Plymouth gin brand, re-positioning it above Beefeater 24, as a “super premium-plus”.

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the launch of a Beefeater ‘Forever London’ limited-edition pack, aimed at celebrating the brand’s heritage.

French syrup maker Monin will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year by embarking on a UK cocktail tour.

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

Pernod Ricard has announced a marketing partnership between Jacob’s Creek and former tennis player Andre Agassi.

Budvar has reported record export results for 2011.

UK: Grupo Codorníu has made four appointments. Carolyn d’Aguilar and Susannah Bearne move internally to roles in the marketing department while Jake Crimmin and Tom Barton join the UK sales team.