William Grant & Sons has announced that it is the official spirits & champagne tournament provider to the Rugby World Cup 2015 which starts in September.

Marlborough Lines has agreed to invest NZ$89 million to purchase an 80% shareholding in New Zealand wine producer, Yealands.

Plamen Pitropski from Tom@101 of Stockton Heath, Cheshire, has won the northern heat of the UK Bartenders’ Guild National Cocktail Challenge.

Martin Riley, Pernod Ricard’s former chief marketing officer, has joined brand marketing agency, Nude Brand Creation.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced that Gisborne will host New Zealand’s first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium early next year.

Diageo has announced the sale of Gleneagles Hotel to a private investment group led by Ennismore for an undisclosed amount.

Deidre Mahlan to be appointed president, Diageo North America. Tom Looney is appointed president, open and control states; Tom Day is becomes president, Diageo-Guinness USA and Jeff Ivey takes on national accounts leadership.

Wines of South Africa UK is launching a new event with a trade tasting targeting independent merchants and on-trade buyers.

Last night's inaugural Oslo Bar Show Awards saw Bergen's No Stress named Best Bar in both the people's choice and jury's votes.

Accolade Wines has announced a £4 million above the line campaign for its leading Australian wine brand Hardys, to coincide with its sponsorship of the English and Australian  cricket teams ahead of the Ashes test matches with Australia.

Vinexpo says 48,500 people visited its recent Bordeaux show, claiming that is stable with 2013.