Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WT0), after 18 years of negotiation, has been welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Diageo has announced a 6% net sales growth and 9% increase in operating profit for the year ended June 30, 2012.

ProWein is heading to a trade show in China. The German show is to take a Tasting Zone – called ProWine - at Wine & Spirits China 2012, which takes place in Shanghai from November 14-16.

New Zealand winemankers Tiki Wines has released a 2011 Pinot Gris to the UK, Finland, Iceland, Channel Islands, Ireland and the domestic market.

Heineken has agreed a final offer for Fraser & Neave's shares in Tiger brewer Asia Pacific (APB).

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately-held spirits company in the world, has announced the appointment of Siddik Tetík as regional president of Asia Pacific.

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.

Carlsberg has announced that sales advances in Russia and Asia offset difficulties in Europe during H1 of 2012.

Heineken has announced it will take the US distribution of its global-leading cider brand, Strongbow, in-house from next year.

The Obama administration has confirmed that there is a microbrewery at the White House which produces a beer called White House Honey Ale. 

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show will take place at Vinopolis in London in October.

US craft beer grew by double digits during H1 of 2012 despite the malaise of the US beer market, says the Brewers Association.

Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) is to auction 26 rare cognacs at the upcoming charity auction, La Part des Anges.

Consumers in the UK are drinking less wine and continuing to shun the on-trade, according to research published by Wine Intelligence.

Edrington has appointed a global marketing manager for The Macallan single malt whisky.

Twenty-eight women have been chosen for the next phase of Bacardi’s global search to find the next Martini Star, the face of the Italian vermouth brand.

Distributor Marblehead Brand Development is looking to satisfy demand for craft spirits in the UK with the launch of the Polish bison grass vodka, Davna Bizon.

Suffolk brewer Adnams has launched two lower-alcohol bottled beers to target daytime drinkers this summer.

Accolade Wines, which is the fifth largest global wine company, is to split the existing role of European commercial general manager into two, covering mainland Europe and UK & Ireland, to focus better on these two strategically crucial markets.

Sarah Miles (pictured) has been appointed managing director of Diageo Wines Europe (DWE), which includes Justerini & Brooks and Percy Fox & Co.

Heineken has reached an agreement with the board of Fraser and Neave to acquire F&N's interests in Tiger brewer Asia Pacific Breweries for $50 a share.

Gruppo Campari has announced sales growth of 5% for H1 of 2012, with strong performances in North America and Asia Pacific offsetting difficulties in Germany, Italy and South America.

Beam has reported half-year net sales increases of 8% on a comparable basis, thanks in part to the succes of product innovation. 

US: Beam has elected Gretchen W. Price to its board of directors.

Heineken USA has announced the appointment of Colin Westcott-Pitt as vice president of marketing, effective immediately.

UK consumers' openness to new forms of wine packaging could mean the traditional glass bottle’s stranglehold on the market is relaxed, says Wine Intelligence.

An NHS report into smoking and drinking among young people has revealed that the number or 11-15 year olds that have tried alcohol has reduced from 61% in 2001 to 45% in 2011.

Treasury Wine Estates and Accolade Wines has announced that TWE will pack wine for Accolade in Australia with Accolade will pack wine for TWE in the UK.

Wemyss Malts has released Darnley’s View Spiced Gin to Europe and selected Asian markets, with the US to follow.

Rémy Cointreau is to purchase Islay distillery Bruichladdich for £58m.

The International Beer Challenge has named a lager made by an English winemaker among the world’s best beers.

Heineken has made a move to purchase Tiger Beer brewer Asia Pacific Breweries. 

Courvoisier has crowned bartenders from 8 Bar in Falmouth winners of its Courvoisier Cocktails on a Grand Scale competition.

The New York Vinexpo show will not take place this year, due to lack of exhibitors.

UK and European drinks trade organisations have announced they are challenging the Scottish government’s minimum unit pricing (MUP) legislation.

Constellation Brands has completed the acquisition of the Mark West wine brand from Purple Wine Company for approximately US$160 million.

Michael Cox has been installed as the 518th Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners for the forthcoming year.

The organiser of South Africa’s famous Nederburg Auction, has announced that US economics professor and ‘wine economist’, Mike Veseth, will make a keynote speech on Saturday September 29 at Nederburg in Paarl.

Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of the board of directors at Bacardi Limited has announced the appointment of two directors to the 16-member board.

David Cox, director – Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers has left the organisation to pursue other interests and projects.

First Drinks has outlined the continued importance of premium drinks brands in driving growth in the UK market.

Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement with Arcus-Gruppen for the sale of the Danish aquavit brands Aalborg and Brøndums, the German brand Malteserkreuz Aquavit and the Danish bitter brand Gammel Dansk.

Bacardi has announced the appointment of Ron Anderson as senior vice president and chief commercial officer.

South African wine estate Kleine Zalze has signalled its intention to target the independent retailing channel in the UK by moving its entire portfolio of wines to Hatch Mansfield.

Adnams, the Suffolk brewer, has announced the launch of a limited edition beer to commemorate the London 2012 Olympics.

Inver House Distillers, the Scotland-based spirits arm of International Beverage Holdings has reported a 28% increase in turnover for the year ending December 2011.

The Sherry Institute of Spain has appointed Beltrán Domecq as its new president.

South Korea scotch whisky producer, Hiscot Ltd has merged fully with Korean brewing company,Hite-Jinro Group Co Ltd.

Drinks International will celebrate its 40^th birthday with the great and the good of the UK drinks industry on Thursday in London.

Rémy Cointreau has entered talks to buy Islay distillery Bruichladdich.