Global hospitality community platform launches
A new purpose-built digital networking platform designed specifically for hospitality professionals has launched.
Bar Leone named Asia’s best bar for second year running
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.
Nightjar Shoreditch celebrates 15th anniversary
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 51-100 launches for 2025
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.
Franklin & Sons expands US distribution
UK-based tonic, mixer and soft drinks brand, Franklin & Sons, has expanded its distribution across the US through a partnership with Empire Distributors.
Spiritseurope names new director general
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.
Trump tariffs blocked by US trade court
The drinks industry has been left in suspense after a trade court in the US blocked Donald Trump from imposing global import tariffs.
Montana: Inside Antinori x Caporale's new bar
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.
Speciality Brands moves into sake with Kanpai
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.
The Cocktail Report 2025 launches
Drinks International has launched The Cocktail Report 2025, the third standalone edition of the annual cocktail roundup.
Antinori and Caporale to open new bar Montana in Hong Kong
Lorenzo Antinori and Simone Caporale have announced the opening of a new bar in Hong Kong called Montana, Drinks International can exclusively reveal.
Trump unveils plans for reciprocal global tariffs
In what has been dubbed ‘Liberation Day’, US president Donald Trump has announced steep reciprocal tariffs.
ItalSpirits departs from Roma Bar Show
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.
Majestic to acquire Enotria & Coe
UK-based specialist wine retailer, Majestic, has entered into a formal agreement to acquire wine and spirit supplier, Enotria & Coe.
Lucas Bols chief executive to step down
The Lucas Bols Company has announced that Frank Cocx, current chief financial officer, will take over as chief executive of the company.
Catena named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2025
Argentinian wine producer Catena has been The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2025 in the 15th edition of the ranking.
Three Cents enters Singapore and Hong Kong
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 World's 50 Best Bars heads to Hong Kong for 2025
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.
Aigin: The gin using AI to create recipe
Spanish spirits producer Beveland has launched Aigin, a gin which used artificial intelligence in the creation of its recipe.
India Bartender Week founders reflect on inaugural show
The first edition of India Bartender Week (IBW) took place from 20-27 February and Drinks International was there to meet the founders.
Martini undergoes bottle redesign
Bacardi has launched a new bottle design for its Martini vermouth range as it continues to target the ‘aperitivo moment’ globally.
Celebrate Her launches Data Census Survey to improve employment practice
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.
Scarfes Bar partners with Celebrate Her for IWD
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.
Tres Monos owners to open Victor
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.
González Byass invests in Los Danzantes mezcal
Emperador Group and González Byass have formed a joint venture called Casa Pedro Domecq which has injected capital into Los Danzantes mezcal.
Martell struggles lead to -4% sales drop for Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard has recorded a 4% sales decline for H1 FY2025 as the premium spirits market continues to show a downward trend globally.
US tariffs on Canadian imports delayed by 30 days
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 addresses tariffs amid sales decline for HY24
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.
Berry Bros & Rudd set to lay off 30 staff
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.
Brands Report 2025: Mezcal
In an increasingly popular category the bestsellers have remained unchanged for the past three years
Angelos Bafas to release debut book
Angelos Bafas, also known as Mr Ungarnished, is set to release his debut book, Hyper Drinks, next week.
Brands Report 2025: Cognac
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 appoints first executive director
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.
Brands Report 2025: World whiskies
While Japanese brands have further made their stamp in the top three, there’s plenty of diversity to be seen elsewhere
Brands Report 2025: Vodka
There’s no change in the top three, but the lower echelons see some shifts and a new entry.
Proof Drinks co-founder James McDermott passes
James McDermott, co-founder of Proof Drinks has died at the age of 47.
Brands Report 2025: Rum
Bacardi has completed a run of seven consecutive years of being at the top of the rum chart.
Brands Report 2025: Tequila
There are definite signs of change being afoot in brands’ popularity stakes in this always exciting category.
Brands Report 2025: Gin
Despite tales of its demise, gin is very much alive and kicking when it comes to the top bars.
Brands Report 2025: Bartenders’ Choice
There’s been quite a shake-up in this list as agave spirits and gin have ousted six of last year’s residents.
Brands Report 2025: How We Did It
The Drinks International Brands Report provides insights into the buying habits and drinking trends within the world’s best bars.
Savoia Orancio launches in the US
Savoia’s latest expression, Savoia Orancio, is launching in the US, following a successful UK debut in 2023.
Drinks writer Forest Collins passes
International drinks writer Forest Collins unexpectedly passed away in Dubai last week, Drinks International can confirm.
Aumont Brewery introduces new sake brand
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 to leave Maverick Drinks
Michael Vachon is to leave Maverick Drinks – the craft spirits distributor he co-founded in 2013 - at the end of this year.
Crossip launches in Malaysia
Non-alcoholic drinks brand Crossip has partnered with Tea and Toast Asia and Spirits Syndicate to launch in Malaysia.