Fortune Brands has said it sees a “bright and prosperous future for Beam Global as an independent spirits company”.

The South African government has increased excise duty on spirits by 10% and wine by 8%.

UK spirits group Ian Macleod Distillers has recorded a 41% profit, buoyed by the growth of Glengoyne single malt whisky.

UK: Trade bodies Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have denied that UK alcohol consumption is rising.

Moderate drinking can help prevent heart disease, according to a new report in the British Medical Journal. The report, which is a review of research published over 30 years, said individuals who drink alcohol in moderation are less likely to develop heart disease compared to non-drinkers.

E&J Gallo has introduced a red wine that has been blended specifically so it can be drunk chilled.

Scotch brand Chivas Regal and designer Vivienne Westwood have collaborated to launch a new limited edition whisky.

Diageo has struck an agreement to acquire Turkey's "leading" spirits company, Mey Içki.

Whisky retailer Master of Malt has launched a liqueur made from single malt scotch whisky.

Nemiroff has reported strong growth in 2010. The Ukrainian vodka brand said sales volumes rose to $473.6 million – $56.8 million (13.6%) up on the previous year. The company said the largest growth areas were Ukraine and Poland.

Pernod Ricard has reported a sales increase of 13% to €4.28 billion in its half year results.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has appointed Albert Baladi as president of Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), effective March 5.

Foster’s Group has announced a proposal to demerge Treasury Wine Estates at a cost of AU$151m.

Brown-Forman has launched Canadian 'maple wood' whisky, Collingwood, in four US states.

Scotch whisky Royal Salute has announced its sponsorship of the Sentebale’s Polo Cup in Dubai.

Europe: The Glenmorangie Company has launched new expression Finealta at the newly-reopened Savoy Hotel in London.

UK importer PLB has been appointed by Rioja winery Bodegas Navajas, with effect from March this year.

Diageo has reported an 4% increase in organic net sales growth for H2 of 2010, despite a drop of 3% in Europe.

The Australian wine market faces tough challenges ahead because of a growing reliance on discounting, according to Wine Intelligence.

Ara, the Malborough-based New Zealand winery, has appointed Matthew Adams to the role of sales and marketing general manager.

Belgian beers Duvel and Liefmans have been launched in India.

Non-refillable closures company Guala Closures has acquired Spanish closure manufacturing company and former Guala Closures licensee Plastivit, which has facilities in Barcelona and Veracruz (Mexico).

The Supreme Court of Spain has ruled in favour of Pernod Ricard and the Cuban government in the Havana Club trademark dispute with Bacardi.

Diageo has announced a new global brand director for Guinness. Oliver Loomes has been appointed to the role, following Brian Duffy’s promotion to global category director for beer.

UK: AB InBev has launched a cider under the Stella Artois name. Stella Artois Cidre will be available from easter 2011 in 568ml bottles and 440ml cans and the company suggests serving the product over ice.

Santiago Quevedo has been appointed to the position of trade marketing manager and brand ambassador at Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas (RCTRA).

The owner of website domain name islay.com has announced that it will be sold on ebay.

Constellation Wines Australia and Europe has been renamed Accolade Wines following the completed acquisition of an 80% share in the company by Australian equity group Champ.

Diageo aims to cut its global carbon emissions by 50% by 2015, while Bacardi has published details of its environmental advancements.

In its fourth edition, the International Cognac Summit (ICS) 2011, attempted to answer the question: can you quantify pleasure when tasting cognac?

Bacardi has named Jon Grey and Robert Furniss-Roe regional presidents of Middle East and Africa, and Latin America respectively.

Diageo has announced a host city for the final of its World Class 2011 bartender competition. Delhi, India, will play host to the final of what has been dubbed “the Oscars of the industry”.

Cognac has reported record-breaking shipment figures for 2010. The region reported the value of 2010 shipments to be €1.86 billion.

The worldwide competition to appoint four Glenrothes whisky makers closes at the end of January. According to organisers, response to the competition has been very strong but there is still a chance to enter online. The successful candidates will be recruited to work as The Glenrothes whisky makers at the Speyside distillery, Scotland.

UK: The deputy prime minister Nick Clegg MP raised a glass to scotch whisky exports – up 12% in the first ten months of 2010.

The US Spirits division of Diageo North America has appointed Mark Hubler as president of Open States and Greg Armstrong president of Control States and National Accounts.

One hundred-year old whiskies that belonged to Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton have been sent to a Whyte & Mackay distillery for testing.

Join us for a live web chat with Jacob’s Creek chief winemaker Bernard Hickin on Wednesday January 19 at 1pm (GMT).

Diageo Gobal Travel Middle East (GTME) has announced three ‘key strategic leadership’ appointments to its senior executive management team.

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has launched two new whiskeys.

Brown-Forman has appointed Michael McShane as managing director for Asia Pacific, effective February 1, 2011.  McShane succeeds Stuart Beck who is to retire from the company in May 2011.  McShane will be based in Hong Kong.

Former Wine Australia boss Paul Henry is to join wine research company Wine Intelligence as associate director.

Bill Samuels Jr is to step down as president of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Africa: Heineken has announced the acquisition of two holding companies from the Sona Group. The two acquired businesses have controlling interests in each of the Sona, IBBI, Benue, Life and Champion breweries in Nigeria.

New Zealand: An organic wine group has set a goal for 20% of New Zealand vineyards to be organic by 2020.

Foster’s Group has committed $500,000 to help Queensland flood victims.

French wine barrel manufacturer, Groupe Charlois, has expanded into the US with the purchase of Winemakers Cooperage (WC) from Treasury Wine Estates.

Czech beer Budvar bucked a 12% decline in Czech beer exports in 2010 to record growth of 4%.

The fourth International Cognac Summit (ICS) will focus on the effect of cognac on the palate.