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UK: First Quench Retailing update: 1738 jobs axed

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The joint administrators of First Quench Retailing (�First Quench�), which trades as the Threshers, Wine Rack, The Local, Haddows, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine brands, have announced the closure of 373 stores, resulting in 1,738 redundancies.

Australia/UK: Constellation and Australian Vintage could join forces

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Constellation Brands is looking to Australian Vintage to improve the prospects of its Australian and UK businesses.

Sweden: Nigab to distribute Cinzano

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Sweden: Nigab is to become Cinzano's Swedish distributor as of January 2010. Nigab already distributes some of Gruppo Campari's other products in Sweden, including Campari, Glen Grant, SKYY, Ouzo 12 and Wild Turkey.

Ireland: Aspall Cyder launches on draught

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Ireland: Suffolk cider Aspall is to launch on draught in Ireland.

Stock Spirits Group appoints marketing director, changes CEO

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Central Europe spirits and liqueur producer Stock Spirits Group has appointed Tomas Tarcala to the role of marketing director of Stock Plzeň.

Ballantine�s self-illuminating bottle is a bright idea

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Chivas Bros is breaking new ground in the on-trade with a new self-illuminating bottle design for its leading whisky expression, Ballantine�s Finest.

Spier switches to on-trade

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

UK: Stellenbosch-based producer Spier is planning an aggressive push into the on-trade.

Bacardi and Schumacher renew responsible drinking campaign

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Bacardi Limited is to renew its partnership with seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, to promote the �Champions Drink Responsibly� campaign.

Diageo presents 4Fs of vodka tasting

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In an effort to establish a "new language" for the vodka category, Diageo has devised a new analytical approach to tasting the spirit, known as the "4Fs" � Fragrance, Flavour, Feel and Finish.

UK: First Quench goes into administration

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

UK off-licence chain First Quench has entered into administration.

Chivas launches Christian Lacroix whisky bottle

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Chivas Brothers has launched a new Regal magnum designed by Christian Lacroix.

UK/Amsterdam: Heineken to acquire UK pub estate

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Heineken has entered into contractual arrangements with a pub company in the UK and plans to acquire full ownership by 2010.

Israel/UK: Rimon Winery appoints Cert Octavian for UK distro

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Family owned Israeli wine producers Rimon Winery have appointed Cert Octavian to distribute their new range of pomegranate wines to the UK.

TFWA Cannes visitors down 13%

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Tax Free World Association has announced that visitors to its recent trade exhibition in Cannes, were down 13% this year.

European Court Advocate General: minimum pricing is illegal

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In a major blow to Scottish Government plans to introduce minimum prices on alcohol, the European Court�s Advocate General has ruled that minimum pricing is illegal.