Desmond Payne retires as Beefeater master distiller emeritus

Published: 17 December, 2025

Beefeater gin has announced the retirement of master distiller emeritus, Desmond Payne MBE, following a career spanning almost 60 years.

Diageo sells East African Breweries to Asahi for $2.3bn

Published: 17 December, 2025

Diageo has agreed to sell 100% of its shareholding in Diageo Kenya Limited, which holds 65% of the shares in EABL, to Asahi including Kenyan spirits business, UDVK.

Bacardi trials robotic dog to detect ethanol leaks

Published: 16 December, 2025

Bacardi has introduced a trial to explore whether advanced robotics could help identify small but potentially expensive ethanol leaks in ageing warehouses.

Anora renews regenerative farming initiative

Published: 15 December, 2025

Anora and Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) renew long-term collaboration to promote regenerative farming and protect the Baltic Sea. 

Penrhos Spirits partners with Fortitude Drinks in the UK

Published: 15 December, 2025

Penrhos Spirits has announced a new partnership with Fortitude Drinks UK as the brand’s first national distributor.

RNDC names new president and chief executive officer

Published: 15 December, 2025

US-based distributor, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), has announced the appointment of Marc Sachs to permanent president and chief executive officer.

Tara O’Reilly on the premiumisation of cream liqueur

Published: 18 December, 2025

Industry veteran Johnny Harte launched Five Farms Irish Cream in 2017 in a joint venture with Missouri-based McCormick Distilling Company, which produces its own namesake Irish cream liqueur.

Craft beer’s tax crisis

Published: 16 December, 2025

In the wake of the UK autumn Budget, independent breweries brace for higher tax and further financial challenges. By Eleanor Yates

Caribbean Cocktail Tour to launch in January

Published: 15 December, 2025

Kyle Jones, managing director and co-founder of The Bahamas-based cocktail bar Bon Vivants, alongside industry leaders Jim Wrigley and Roberto Berdecia, have launched the Caribbean Cocktail Tour.