Beam Suntory has announced it has completed the organisational integration of Suntory Holdings’ spirits business. 

Introducing minimum unit pricing on alcohol in England would be up to 50 times more effective in tackling problems caused by cheap drink than the government’s recent policy of a ban on below cost selling, according to researchers from the University of Sheffield.

Mayfair Japanese restaurant Sake no Hana will celebrate International Sake Day with complimentary sake and exclusive masterclasses on October 1- 4.  

A fire has destroyed a previous The World’s 50 Best Bars ‘One to Watch’, Dvars in Amsterdam. 

Drinks International has announced the winners of the Travel Retail Awards. 

Chivas Brothers is to launch a Miltonduff edition of its Ballantine's 17 year old blended scotch. 

An Australian wine producer has announced that it has planted Greek vines that produce white wine grapes, Assyrtiko – a first for Australia.

The first book dedicated to Canadian whisky, according tohe publishers. So, not before time then.

Yes, it is that time of year: late summer/autumn when publishers start releasing books with an eye to the Christmas gifting market. Well, here’s one for anyone looking for either a coffee table book or an easy-to-read/glance at, authoritative book on whisky.

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

The International Orgisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is to provide definitions for for beverages obtained by dealcoholisation of wine and beverages obtained by partial dealcoholisation of wine.

The general assembly of the of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV, has announced the election of Claudia Inés Quini, deputy head of research at the National Institute for Vitiviniculture of Argentina (INV), as its incoming president.

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”.

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.

Drinks International is delighted to announce that Patience Gould, its former editor and a well known figure in the drinks industry, is returning to write a regular column.

The Isle of Jura Distillery has opened a £100,000 visitor centre.

The Rémy Cointreau Group has announced the sale of Piper-heidseick – Compangni Champenoise to EPI (Européenne de Participations Industrielles)

Laithwaites, the international wine mail-order company, has released Van Ruiten Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 from California.

Drambuie has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as future CEO and added Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Brown to its board of directors.

Wine producers looking to export to China for the first time need to get to grips with demands for high-quality packaging and culturally-sensitive labels, according to Wine Intelligence.

Foster’s Group has appointed Dean Matthews to the role of chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23.

Entrants aiming to crack the US market need to take a bold approach, according to a wine importer.

Gin and vodka distiller G&J Greenall has opened premises in London.

Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits has appointed Maxxium UK to distribute No. 3 London Dry Gin from June 1, 2011. Since its launch in 2010, the brand has been distributed by Inspirit Brands.

New World brands continue to dominate the global wine sector and now constitute 13 of the top 15 wine brands, according to a recent study.

Chivas Brothers, the premium gin and scotch whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, has launched a gin website, www.ginandtales.com.

Moet & Chandon has launched a champagne designed to be served over ice.

Lanson International has launched a website to educate trade and consumers about champagne, called L‟Académie de Lanson.

The International Wine and Spirits Institute (IWSI), based in Bordeaux, is to open an eight-week spirits training programme in London next year.

The Glenmorangie Company has announced the release of Pride 1981, a 28-year old single malt whisky that has been finished in Sauternes casks for ten years.

Patrón Spirits has appointed Phil Gervasi, a former VP at Diageo, as executive vice president of sales for North America.

Irish Distillers, the Irish whiskey arm of Pernod Ricard, unveiled two new single pot still Irish whiskeys today (May 5).

Pernod Ricard’s board of directors have co-opted Laurent Burelle to replace Lord Douro, who has resigned from his duties for personal reasons.

SABMiller has announced the appointment of James (Jamie) Wilson as deputy chief financial officer.

Chivas Brothers has introduced new packaging across its “core range" of The Glenlivet.

Online whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a 40-year old whisky liqueur.

Gerard Chaussee, director of French liqueurs specialist Vedrenne, has said that he hopes to present a new organic creme de cassis at next year's International Spirits Challenge.

The absinthe ban in France has been lifted, according to absinthe brand La Fée.

SPI Group has acquired shares in Argentinean winery Achaval-Ferrer, as part of its strategy of investing in “jewels of the wine world”.

Pernod Ricard US has announced that Malibu has added Cranberry-Cherry to its range of rum liqueurs, following a vote by consumers.

Two of London’s bartenders drew swords in San Francisco in the final of the No. 209 Gin Duel.

Jim Beam has launched its Red Stag bourbon-based drink in the UK market and in travel retail outlets across Europe.

SABMiller has launched a new Peroni Nastro Azzurro global ad campaign that celebrates the Italian summer.

Brazilians are increasingly turning to wine as their beverage of choice, according to consumer research published by Wine Intelligence.

Christie’s has conducted a 36-hour wine auction in Hong Kong and New York, with sales totalling US$11.2m.

Champagne cooperative Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has appointed Julie Campos as commercial director.

Glazer’s, the Dallas-based wine, spirits and malt beverage distributors, has appointed Jim Oliver as senior vice president of fine wine.

Glazer’s, the Dallas-based wine, spirits and malt beverage distributors, has appointed Jim Oliver as senior vice president of fine wine.

SABMiller subsidiary company Southern Sudan Beverages (SSBL) is to invest US$15m to increase production capacity.

10% of cancer in males and 3% in women is attributable to alcohol, according to Europe-wide research by the British Medical Journal.