China - an important market for scotch whisky – has announced that it will recognise and protect ‘scotch whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Laphroaig Quarter Cask has been voted Scotland’s best single malt by The Whisky Shop.

Scotch whisky exports are up 17% compared with last year, with nine of the category’s top ten markets in growth.

Elitemarket.com has created a virtual cellar for online shoppers to view, research and buy single malt scotch whiskies.

Guala Closures, the bottle closure producer, will invest €11m on new machinery following the acquisition of an aluminium printing and cutting facility.

Foster's Group has appointed Anthony Reeves to the role of chief financial officer (CFO), on a fixed term contract, effective from Monday 8 November 2010.

Ukrainian vodka producer Nemiroff has started producing its vodka in Belarus. Nemiroff has partnered with Minsk Kristall in Belarus, which is part of national food processing company Belgospischeprom.

An Estonian has been named Best Baltic Sommelier after winning the Vana Tallinn Grand Prix 2010.

US spirits company Proximo has entered into a UK distribution agreement with Marblehead Brand Development.

Ukrainian brand Nemiroff has begun producing vodka in the Republic of Belarus.

Diageo has launched its autumn Special Release Series, a collection of single malt scotch whiskies aimed at the world’s top bars and whisky connoisseurs.

Les Compagnons du Cognac, a social enterprise designed to support and protect small and independent producers of VSOP and XO cognac, is about to be launched.

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has announced that the ‘Napa Valley’ name has been granted Geographic Indication Status (GI) in India.

Irish whiskey Jameson has launched a new expression in South Africa. Jameson Select Reserve is made from a blend of small batch grain whiskey, not found in any other Jameson expression, and single Irish pot still whiskey.

Following a strategic review of its global operations, Pernod Ricard has confirmed that its key international wine properties will be grouped and managed under one business – Premium Wine Brands.

Whisky brand Glenglassaugh has announced the release of a limited edition range of single malt scotches named ‘Manager’s Legacy’.

East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a subsidiary of Diageo, has completed the acquisition of 51% of the issued share capital of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL). EABL made the purchase from existing shareholders for a total consideration of approximately US$60.4million.

Diageo brand Smirnoff has announced ‘country pairings’ for its global nightlife exchange project.

Two Asian wine experts are to host an introduction to the Institute of Masters of Wine education programme at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair in early November.

SABMiller has appointed Karl Lippert as its new president of Latin America, following the announcement of Barry Smith’s retirement.

Drinks International Travel Retail Awards trophy winners were announced during the Tax Free World Association exhibition in Cannes this week (October 19).

Wines Of South Africa’s (WOSA) first Sommelier World Cup has been won by an American.

The Absolut Company Global Travel Retail threw a swish party in Cannes last night (October 18) to unveil its latest limited edition Absolut vodka.

New York is tough for a small company trying to get its brand listed and stocked in the city, according to the chief executive of Xanté, the Swedish company with the eponymous cognac and pear liqueur brand.

SABMiller has recorded double-digit lager sales growth in its African and Asian markets

Brooklyn Brewery, New York’s craft beer company, has launched Brooklyn Lager and East India Pale Ale in India.

Altia has signed an agreement to acquire cognac brand Renault from Pernod Ricard for a cash consideration of €10m.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand has announced the disposal of its Lindauer wine brand. The company has also announced the sale of several other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their related inventories and assets.

G H Mumm has released its 2002 vintage champagne to the UK and Italy.

Treasury Wine Estates brand Coldstream Hills has completed a $5m upgrade of its winemaking facilities

The gang rehabilitation programme, created by Venezuelan rum brand Santa Teresa, is being rolled out to the most dangerous districts of Caracas.

Pernod Ricard has agreed a six-month sponsorship deal with UK TV channel Dave for its Australian wine brand Jacob’s Creek.

US: Diageo has launched a Swedish vodka in the US market.

Winemaker and Prosecco brand Follador is launching to the UK market with a portfolio of sparkling and still wines.

The inaugural London Cocktail Week (LCW) has begun - a seven-day event of shows, pop-up bars, parties, classes and tastings.

Glen Garioch, the 200-year old Aberdeenshire-based distillery, has re-launched its range of single malt whiskies.

Cognac brand Courvoisier has undertaken a global repackaging of its VS label, starting with the UK and US markets.

Sri Lankan spirit Ceylon Arrack has appointed Mangrove as its exclusive UK importer.

US: Bacardi Limited has completed the initial phase of a $250m investment into its scotch whisky brand Dewar’s.

Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh has been selected by the UK prime minister David Cameron to advise on business and economic issues.

Ballantine’s has unveiled its first seasonal limited edition whisky entitled Christmas Reserve.

The United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) has unveiled new wine schemes for English and Welsh still wines, in line with the wine regime changes implemented by the EU.  A new wine scheme for sparkling wines will be introduced later this year.

SKyy Spirits, Gruppo Campari’s US-based subsidiary, has unveiled a new global ad campaign entitled Skyy Sexy to market its unflavoured vodka brand Skyy Vodka.

Monarq Group is to distribute Tia Maria and Disaronno in the Caribbean domestic and duty free markets.

Brand marketer, The Paddington Corporation, has announced a joint venture with 3 Amigos Tequila to market its range globally.

Langton’s Classification, the quinquennial (occurring every five years) guide to Australia’s best performing and most prized wines, has been published.

Hine Vintage Cognacs has developed a new “high-end” VSOP which will be exclusive to travel retail. The new cognac will be revealed at TFWA Cannes from October 18 -22.

Havana Club International is to launch an ultra premium rum.

Spanish liqueur brand Licor 43 is targeting UK growth, after up-scaling its marketing operations with the appointment of a brand ambassador.

Global: Edrington Group has repackaged its Brugal rum, Añejo. The new design is said to reinforce the brand’s authenticity and reputation as the only rum distilled, matured and bottled in the Dominican Republic.