Il Palagio – the Tuscan wine brand co-owned by musical artist Sting and his wife Trudie Styler – has launched in the UK.  The couple has co-owned the estate, which dates to the sixteenth century, for almost three decades. Now, five wines named by the couple will be available to UK consumers.  The selection includes 2022 Message in…

As part of its market-wide audit focused on responsible drinks marketing, the Portman Group has chosen not to uphold complaints against beer giant Brewdog.  The complaint concerned Brewdog’s Lucky Break beer. It argued that the bright, playful design – including a Japanese lucky cat – made the product appealing to under-18s. In response, Brewdog conducted a consumer survey…

Co-op has partnered with a series of UK breweries to expand its selection of British craft beers.  The convenience retailer has introduced new offerings from seven independent breweries, now available across Co-op stores nationwide.  The new additions include Polly’s Brew Co, Saxo Edit; Vault City, Orange Creamsicle; Lakes Brew Co, NZ Hazy Ale; Fierce Beer, West Coast IPA;…

Saicho, the producer of luxury non-alcoholic sparkling tea, has secured a £1.5m investment to support its growth plans.  The funding comes as sparkling teas gain traction as a premium non-alcoholic alternative, both in retail settings and increasingly in Michelin-starred restaurants.  The investment round was led by a £500,000 contribution from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Future Planet…

Female-founded RTD tequila brand Pimentae has secured £1.5m in funding, led primarily by FIGR Ventures, a fund known for backing early-stage consumer businesses.  The funding round also included participation from Revenge Capital, Solo Investments and entrepreneurs Puneet and Poonam Gupta.  The new capital will support Pimentae’s plans to scale UK retail partnerships, strengthen its presence in travel retail and expand…

RTDS & MIXERS    Funkin Cocktails Spritzes  4.5% abv  £2.30  USP: Funkin Cocktails has expanded its RTD range to include Limoncello and Raspberry. The brand said spritzes remain a consumer favourite over the summer and sees the RTD format as ideal for parties, picnics and festivals. They will be sold in Tesco.  Four Loko Hawaii 8.4% abv £3.49 USP: Four Loko has…

Absolut Vodka has announced a new paper-based cap and bottle duo as part of its Future Packaging Programme, two years after the brand first unveiled its paper-based bottle at select Tesco stores.  In collaboration with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures, the cap is made with 95% FSC-certified fibres and a thin top seal barrier made of plastic.  Absolut has not yet disclosed what percentage…