A new purpose-built digital networking platform designed specifically for hospitality professionals has launched.

Bar Leone from Hong Kong has been named the best bar in Asia for the second year in a row, at the tenth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in a live ceremony held in Macau.

Diageo has completed the sale of its 54.4% shareholding in Seychelles Breweries to Phoenix Beverages Limited, a subsidiary of Mauritius-based IBL Group.

East London speakeasy Nightjar Shoreditch is celebrating its 15th anniversary by partnering with Woodford Reserve for a Europe-wide tour of seminars, workshops, and bar takeovers.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars has announced the extended 51-100 list for the fifth year running.

Edinburgh’s Iain McPherson has been voted the most influential figure in the global bar industry, according to Drinks International’s Bar World 100 in association with Perrier.

UK-based tonic, mixer and soft drinks brand, Franklin & Sons, has expanded its distribution across the US through a partnership with Empire Distributors.

Spiritseurope has appointment Mark Titterington as its new director general, effective 1 September 2025.

The Whisky Exchange has appointed Natalie Tennent as its new managing director which will be effective from 7 July 2025.

The drinks industry has been left in suspense after a trade court in the US blocked Donald Trump from imposing global import tariffs.

As far as bar collaborations go, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. The founders of number two and number three in The World’s 50 Best Bars, Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale, have joined forces to launch Montana in Hong Kong.

Spirits distributor Speciality Brands has announced the addition of Kanpai, the London Craft Sake Brewery, to its portfolio.

Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy took the top spot for the second year running in the live awards ceremony of North America’s 50 Best Bars, held at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Canada, last night.

Drinks International has launched The Cocktail Report 2025, the third standalone edition of the annual cocktail roundup.

Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale have announced the opening of a new bar in Hong Kong called Montana, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

In what has been dubbed ‘Liberation Day’, US president Donald Trump has announced steep reciprocal tariffs.

ItalSpirits, the independent Italian spirits company founded by Giuseppe Gallo, has announced that it will not take part in the organisation of the upcoming 2025 edition of Roma Bar Show.

UK-based specialist wine retailer, Majestic, has entered into a formal agreement to acquire wine and spirit supplier, Enotria & Coe. 

The Lucas Bols Company has announced that Frank Cocx, current chief financial officer, will take over as chief executive of the company.

Argentinian wine producer Catena has been The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2025 in the 15th edition of the ranking.

Beverage brand Three Cents has appointed Proof & Company as its distributor in Singapore and Hong Kong as it seeks to boost its presence in Asia.

The organisation behind The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, has announced that this year’s live ceremony will take place in Hong Kong on 8 October.

Spanish spirits producer Beveland has launched Aigin, a gin which used artificial intelligence in the creation of its recipe.

The first edition of India Bartender Week (IBW) took place from 20-27 February and Drinks International was there to meet the founders.

Bacardi has launched a new bottle design for its Martini vermouth range as it continues to target the ‘aperitivo moment’ globally.

Celebrate Her has teamed up with hospitality training platform Allara Global and consumer intelligence expert CGA by NIQ to launch a Data Census Survey for the drinks industry.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London is collaborating with global community Celebrate Her to host ‘Accelerate Action’, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.

The owners of Buenos Aires’ Tres Monos - Sebastian Atienza, Charly Aguinsky and Gus Vocke – are days from opening restaurant-bar Victor in partnership with restaurant Niño Gordo.

Emperador Group and González Byass have formed a joint venture called Casa Pedro Domecq which has injected capital into Los Danzantes mezcal.

Pernod Ricard has recorded a 4% sales decline for H1 FY2025 as the premium spirits market continues to show a downward trend globally.

US president Donald Trump has agreed to halt the introduction of the 25% tariffs on Canadian imports to the States until 4 March.

Diageo chief executive Debra Crew addressed the implementation of US tariffs as part of the company’s six month interim results to 31 December 2024.

In a move reflecting the challenging economic climate, the CEO of wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has said the company is entering a consultation process with employees across 30 roles.

In an increasingly popular category the bestsellers have remained unchanged for the past three years

Angelos Bafas, also known as Mr Ungarnished, is set to release his debut book, Hyper Drinks, next week.

It may be suffering something of a slump when it comes to cocktail menus, but cognac still has presence in the world’s best bars.

The OurWhisky Foundation, the global non-profit supporting women in the whisky industry, has appointed its first executive director ahead of a restructure this year.

While Japanese brands have further made their stamp in the top three, there’s plenty of diversity to be seen elsewhere

There’s no change in the top three, but the lower echelons see some shifts and a new entry.

James McDermott, co-founder of Proof Drinks has died at the age of 47.

Bacardi has completed a run of seven consecutive years of being at the top of the rum chart.

There are definite signs of change being afoot in brands’ popularity stakes in this always exciting category.

Despite tales of its demise, gin is very much alive and kicking when it comes to the top bars.

There’s been quite a shake-up in this list as agave spirits and gin have ousted six of last year’s residents.

The Drinks International Brands Report provides insights into the buying habits and drinking trends within the world’s best bars.

Savoia’s latest expression, Savoia Orancio, is launching in the US, following a successful UK debut in 2023.

International drinks writer Forest Collins unexpectedly passed away in Dubai last week, Drinks International can confirm. 

Created at Japan’s Aumont Brewery, overseen by master brewer Tanaka-Toji, Kay Sake has launched in the UK with the aim to offer consumers an alternative to traditional cocktails.

Michael Vachon is to leave Maverick Drinks – the craft spirits distributor he co-founded in 2013 - at the end of this year.

Non-alcoholic drinks brand Crossip has partnered with Tea and Toast Asia and Spirits Syndicate to launch in Malaysia.