Brands news - Wine & Spirits Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Pernod strips Absolut bare

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Pernod Ricard UK has stripped its Absolut Vodka bottle bare for a limited period.

Bacardi-Martini wins rights to market Leblon

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:47:00 GMT

Bacardi-Martini has won the marketing rights to Leblon — the Brazillian Cachaca spirit.

Diageo plans gin ‘renaissance’

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:55:00 GMT

The gin category received a boost this week as Diageo unveiled its strategy to lead a “renaissance” in the sector.

Shane Warne and Shilpa Shetty at Whyte & Mackay bash

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:13:00 GMT

Whyte & Mackay was the Scotch whisky of choice at a charity cricket match at Lords to raise money for the British Asian Trust.

Whyte & Mackay bowls in on cricket action

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:47:00 GMT

Whyte & Mackay is supporting the Twenty20 champions match to be played at Lord's on 6 July by hosting a charity event.

Russian sets standards

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:03:00 GMT

Ninety VIP trips to Moscow can be won as part of a £1.2m marketing campaign for Russian Standard.

Smirnoff in £15m UK push

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:08:00 GMT

Diageo is planning an ambitious new global campaign for Smirnoff vodka set for launch next month.

Wimbledon win for UK drinks brands

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:04:00 GMT

Drinks suppliers are making the most of Andy Murray's winning streak and the sunny weather to boost trial of drinks brands at Wimbledon this week.

VK Vodka Kick offers to supply Queen's drinks

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:20:00 GMT

VK Vodka Kick has written to the Queen offering to supply her new pub in the Balmoral estate.

Bacardi Oro changes name to Bacardi Gold

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:08:00 GMT

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands is to change the name of its Bacardi Oro rum to Bacardi Gold rum from 1 July.

Maxxium launches new premium tequilas

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:01:00 GMT

Maxxium UK has launched a new super premium range of tequilas from Sauza.

Heavyweight campaign for Smirnoff flavours roll-out

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:24:00 GMT

Diageo is to back the national rollout of its Smirnoff vodka flavours with a £3.65m marketing campaign.

Jameson launches new website

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:17:00 GMT

Irish whiskey brand Jameson has launched a new website — the site encourages users to ask questions about the whiskey making process.

Diageo plans Morgan's Spiced investment

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:23:00 GMT

Diageo GB plans to double the investment in its Morgan’s Spiced brand this year in order to grow awareness outside of its Scottish heartland.

UK launch for Eristoff

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:20:00 GMT

The producer of a premium vodka brand that has taken Europe by storm is gearing up for its UK launch.

Hi Spirits adds to its fold

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Hi Spirits has created a new premium arm for its high-end brands, which from 1 July will include bourbon brand Buffalo Trace.

Luxardo range expands

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Cellar Trends has plans to extend the range of flavours for its sambuca brand Luxardo.

Zameretto unveils Southern League sponsorship

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:54:00 GMT

InterContinental Brands (ICB) has signed a sponsorship deal with the Southern Football League under its Zamaretto brand.

On trade summer promo for Glavya

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Whyte & Mackay has launched a new campaign for its Glavya brand promoting it as the drink for all seasons.

Malibu ramps up on-trade give-aways

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:04:00 GMT

Pernod Ricard is offering pub drinkers the chance to win a Malipod Bag for their I-pod when they order a Malibu and Mixer this summer.

New Bramble flavour for Funkin cocktails

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:56:00 GMT

Fruit puree brand Funkin is extending its range of cocktail mixers with the launch of Funkin Bramble.

Absolut on-trade push

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:53:00 GMT

Pernod Ricard UK is on the look out for a new “brand advocate” for Absolut vodka.

Ibiza Ice’s summer cocktails

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:52:00 GMT

A new low-calorie sparkling wine cocktail called Ibiza Ice has been launched in time for the summer.

Maxxium promotes Harveys and lemonade

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:46:00 GMT

Maxxium has invested in new point of sale kits in a bid to encourage customers to try its Harveys sherry cocktails.

New look for Drambuie

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:38:00 GMT

Whisky liqueur Drambuie is to get a makeover as the family owned company looks to tap into a younger audience.

Beefeater 24 in London design celebrations

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:56:00 GMT

Premium gin brand Beefeater 24 has teamed up with the Design Museum to present a new exhibition celebrating the spirit of London design.

10-year-old Glenfarclas gets revamp

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:41:00 GMT

Speyside distillery Glenfarclas has unveiled a new look for its 10-year-old single Highland malt whisky.

Superior Cumulus

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:40:00 GMT

A new launch by Cumulus Wines aims to target the super-premium tier of the wine market.

Bacardi’s mojito push

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Bacardi is running a “more ambitious” Bacardi mojito campaign than before across the on and off-trades.

Draught wine for 2009

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Constellation Europe is to put its weight behind draught wine in pubs throughout 2009.

Blossom Hill set for tennis

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Pink table tennis and branded rickshaws will form part of Blossom Hill’s £750,000 Wimbledon campaign this year.

Caerphilly pub scoops Whyte & Mackay darts prize

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:48:00 GMT

The George in Aberbargoed will host a darts night featuring Terry "the Bull" Jenkins after winning the Whyte & Mackay darts competition.

Booker’s seven new wines for on-trade

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:27:00 GMT

Wholesaler Booker has developed a wine range exclusively for the on-trade.

Nun turns over gold leaf

Fri, 29 May 2009 07:52:00 GMT

Blue Nun fans are being treated to a new luxurious sparkling variant, complete with real gold-leaf flakes.

Constellation: Come Dine with Me

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:46:00 GMT

Constellation Europe has signed a deal to sponsor Channel 4's Come Dine With Me TV show.

Hibiki 12-y-o now in UK

Fri, 22 May 2009 07:49:00 GMT

A “more affordable” variant from the Hibiki portfolio of Japanese whiskies has been launched into the UK market.

Snow leopards benefit from Whyte & Mackay vodka

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:42:00 GMT

Whyte & Mackay has added Snow Leopard vodka to its spirits line-up and it will direct a proportion of its profits towards saving snow leopards from extinction.

Echo Falls to add Chilean

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:40:00 GMT

Constellation Europe has revealed plans to widen the appeal of its Echo Falls wine brand and add an exclusively on-trade range to its Houghton portfolio.

TV deal for Wolf Blass

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:49:00 GMT

Wolf Blass has secured a partnership with TV channel Five for the 2009 summer of cricket.

Pitcher battle for summer sangria

Thu, 14 May 2009 02:37:00 GMT

Pimm’s faces competition this summer as rival pitcher options look to capture a portion of the sharing market.

Pubs optimistic on wine

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:57:00 GMT

The trade's view of wine sales in the recession remains optimistic, says Geronimo Inns chief executive Rupert Clevely.

Pink drinks at Ember Inns for charity

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:55:00 GMT

Ember Inns customers are being asked to swap their regular drink for a pink tipple to help raise money for charity Against Breast Cancer.

Punch unveils value wine list

Mon, 11 May 2009 03:31:00 GMT

Punch Taverns has launched a new wine list designed to appeal to consumers seeking value for money.

Wine is most popular drink in UK

Mon, 11 May 2009 08:22:00 GMT

One in three Britons who drink alcohol prefer wine to beer, according to a new survey by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Matthew Clark strengthens fortified wine offer

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:02:00 GMT

Matthew Clark is to increase its fortified wine offer after sealing distribution rights for and on behalf of Gonzalez Byass.

New Hardys packaging

Fri, 08 May 2009 07:54:00 GMT

Constellation Europe has redesigned the packaging for its Hardys wine brand.

ICB launches Zamaretto range

Wed, 06 May 2009 08:04:00 GMT

ICB has launched a range of eight flavoured amaretto liqueurs aimed at younger drinkers.

Foster's EMEA makes new appointments

Wed, 06 May 2009 06:44:00 GMT

Foster’s EMEA, which distributes brands such as Wolf Blass, Lindemans, Penfolds and Rosemount, has promoted Richard Trimby as marketing director.

Grand long summer

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:05:00 GMT

A marketing push for Grand Marnier’s long drink recipe aims to boost its position as a popular summer drink.

A taste of Oz with wine & food week

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:05:00 GMT

Wine Australia is working with the Australian Government this summer to boost the image of Aussie food and wine in the UK.

Fairtrade Chilean duo

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:03:00 GMT

Ehrmanns is boosting the UK’s Fairtrade wine market with the launch of two new Chilean brands.

Fresh angle for Grant’s

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:20:00 GMT

Grant’s whisky plans to shun traditional PoS material this year in favour of items that best support the brand’s key themes of gardening and triangles.

Lambrini's grapes of froth

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:21:00 GMT

Lambrini is about to hit the on-trade for the first time with a new variant that shuns its usual perry base.

Diageo plans a rosé spritzer summer

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Wine spritzers are set for a revival this summer, with a planned on-trade initiative under the Blossom Hill brand.

First Drinks unveils premium focus

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:55:00 GMT

First Drinks unveiled a new logo and £40m investment package for its recently-expanded business, which took on the Rémy Cointreau portfolio this month.

Test tube vodka makers hit out at Portman

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:49:00 GMT

Makers of a vodka-based test tube have hit out at Portman Group for blacklisting the drink.

Test tube vodka banned

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:26:00 GMT

A vodka-based test-tube drink has been banned because it encourages consumers to down-it-in-one and is linked to sexual success.

Courvoisier invests £12m

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:51:00 GMT

Courvoisier will be highlighting its mixability credentials in order to recruit new drinkers as part of a £12m investment in the brand this year.

55% of women prefer red to white, says wine survey

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:49:00 GMT

British women prefer red to white wine and are far more confident about choosing wine than women in the US, Germany, Japan and even France.

£5m spend on Martini

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:46:00 GMT

Bacardi Brown-Forman has revealed plans for a £5.6m investment this year for its iconic Martini brand.

E&J Gallo to launch male wine brand

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:29:00 GMT

Californian winery E&J Gallo is to launch a new male-oriented wine brand into the UK market.

Balkans wines to feature at LIWF

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:52:00 GMT

The London International Wine Fair will feature winemakers from the Balkans for the first time.

Jose’s easy Margaritas

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:45:00 GMT

Easy-to-make margaritas are set to take the trade by storm this summer as Diageo puts £300,000 behind a rollout of its Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

Hardys’ on-trade range in M&B pubs

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:44:00 GMT

A Hardys wine range designed exclusively for the on-trade is the latest offering from Constellation Europe.

Absolut brand new world

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:33:00 GMT

Pernod Ricard is hoping a “revitalised programme” of marketing activities for Absolut Vodka will help put the brand back in the spotlight this year.

Sovio cuts abv and goes single

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:27:00 GMT

Sovio, the low alcohol wine-style drink, is about to hit the on-trade for the first time in a single serve and even lower alcohol format.

Halewood unveils Lamb's Spiced Rum

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:36:00 GMT

Halewood International has introduced Spiced Rum under the Lamb's brand.

Rollout for Pimm’s on tap

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:32:00 GMT

Pimm’s and lemonade on draught is being rolled out across the UK this summer, following a successful trial last summer.

Jacob's Creek continues film sponsorship link-up

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:09:00 GMT

Jacob’s Creek is continuing its sponsorship of film as the official Supporting Partner of this year’s 15th London Australian Film Festival.

Online tips for Spring wines from Montana

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:04:00 GMT

New Zealand winery Montana is hosting a VODcast full of tips on wines to enjoy at the start of Spring.

Constellation to launch Jack Rabbit loyalty scheme

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Constellation Europe is to launch a new trade loyalty scheme for its Jack Rabbit wine brand.

Pernod Ricard disposes of Bisquit

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Pernod Ricard has sold its cognac brand Bisquit to Distell Group for 31m euros.

Diageo to roll out Sminoff Apple and Lime

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:04:00 GMT

Diageo is to roll out Smirnoff Apple and Smirnoff Lime across the on and off-trades following a successful six-month trial.

Blavod takes over EPM distribution

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Blavod Drinks has taken over the distribution of EPM Brands' drinks portfolio.

Month-long Scotch festival in May

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:30:00 GMT

A month-long festival to celebrate Scotch whisky will take place for the first time.

International Wine Challenge hits TV screens

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:38:00 GMT

A new TV series will follow the process behind choosing the winners at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

Brockmans competition seeks signature cocktail

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Gin newcomer Brockmans is launching a competition to find a signature cocktail.

£5m spend planned for Disaronno

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Disaronno brand owner First Drinks Brands has pledged to increase its spend on the brand for 2009, following strong sales last year.

Harveys backing fashion label

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:18:00 GMT

Harveys Sherry has signed a deal with fashion label PPQ to become its official drink for London Fashion Week.

Jameson's challenges consumers to name that film

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:50:00 GMT

Irish whisky Jameson's is challenging drinkers on how well they know their film endings as part of a new campaign in the run-up to St Patrick's Day.

Whyte & Mackay looking for happy couple

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:30:00 GMT

Whyte & Mackay has offered to create a personal, bespoke whisky for a couple who got engaged on Valentines Day.

Plum blend to launch

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:11:00 GMT

Sake producer Isake has blended its Japanese roots and French sommelier expertise to make a plum wine liqueur.

SoCo celebrates Mardi Gras

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Southern Comfort is pushing its New Orleans roots as part of a month-long Mardi Gras campaign in February.

Cockburn's teams up with chef Bulmer

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:34:00 GMT

Beam Global is teaming up top chef Steve Bulmer as part of its £500,000 investment to demonstrate how Cockburns can be best enjoyed with food.

Fashion focus for Harveys

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:31:00 GMT

Fashion and lemonade are the latest tools chosen by Beam Global Spirits & Wine in its ongoing plan to bring sherry into the 21st century.

Blue Nun launches unit awareness campaign

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:48:00 GMT

Blue Nun wine has launched a new unit awareness campaign under the "one glass: one unit" banner.

Old Pulteney’s sea legs

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:07:00 GMT

Old Pulteney used the London Boat Show as a launch platform for its latest campaign, which aims to reinforce its maritime links.

Beam to spend big on Cockburn's Port

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Beam Global is investing £500,000 in Cockburn's Port throughout 2009.

Famous Grouse offers rugby-goers free samples

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:04:00 GMT

Famous Grouse whisky is to offer rugby goers free samples and beanie hats as part of its sponsorship of the Scottish rugby team.

Waverley’s Oz wine deal

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:53:00 GMT

Australian winery Clairault has signed an exclusive distribution deal with WaverleyTBS as it looks to boost its business in the UK on-trade.

Pol Roger adds vodka

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:52:00 GMT

The UK arm of Champagne house Pol Roger has added a vodka to its portfolio of wines and spirits.

Constellation launches three new wines

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:57:00 GMT

Constellation Europe has three new wines under its Hardys Oomoo label.

Pernod Ricard wine director takes over at International Wine Fair

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:51:00 GMT

Brintex has appointed Pernod Ricard wine director Nick Blair as chairman of the London International Wine Fair and Distil Board.

Red wine set to drop

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:17:00 GMT

Red wine is set to fall in popularity in the UK over the next five years while white and rosé wine will continue to grow, according to a study.

Chairman’s Reserve returns to UK

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:44:00 GMT

St Lucian rum Chairman’s Reserve has been reintroduced to the UK, following a fire at the distillery that damaged rum stocks.

Glencadam relaunches

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:43:00 GMT

The Glencadam Distillery has relaunched its 15-year-old variant using an improved recipe and new bottle design. It has also introduced a 10-year-old expression.

Pig in a Poke stays simple

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:37:00 GMT

A wine that is designed to help the on-trade keep its wine offer simple for both staff and consumers has been launched by Wheelbarrow Wines.

Famous Grouse leads Burns celebrations

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:58:00 GMT

Famous Grouse whisky is providing bars across Scotland with Burns promotional kits to help celebrate Burns Night in January.

Constellation offers seafood promo

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:45:00 GMT

Constellation Europe is launching a neck collarette promotion for New Zealand wine Nobilo focusing on its suitability with seafood.

Glencadam relaunches its specially aged malt

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:55:00 GMT

Glencadam Distillery has relaunched its 15-year-old whisky, aiming for a more refined and elegant malt.