Carlsberg Group has started a consumer trial scheme for its new fibre bottle. The sampling initiative involves 8,000 bottles in 8 countries, including the UK. The bottle also contains beer brewed with “organic and regenerative barley”, the company said.  The fibre bottle includes a plant-based PEF polymer lining, which has been developed by Carlsberg’s partner Avantium. The brewer said PEF is made entirely from natural…

Waitrose has listed a “UK supermarket exclusive” premium Indian wine. The wine, from Vallonne Vineyards, India’s first boutique winery and vineyard, is a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Waitrose said it has seen an increase in demand for wines from lesser-known countries and sales for these up by 91% compared with last year. As a result of this it decided to introduce the wine from “one of…

Think Whisky 2020 will take place on April 28 and this year, for the first time, it will run alongside a number of spirits events as part of Think Spirits 2020. DRN caught up with Think Whisky’s ambassador and whisky consultant Neil Ridley to have a chat about all things whisky. What do you think retailers should do to enhance their whisky ranges? The good…

Retailers can taste 533 wines from 73 different producers at the ABS portfolio tasting in London on Wednesday, September 11. It tales place takes place at One Great George Street in Westminster from 10.30am to 6pm and it brings all of the agency’s growers together under one roof. Thirteen different countries will be represented and 43 growers have flown in especially for the event. A…

The UK’s largest drinks logistics firm has placed a hiatus on collections from EU countries until the government confirms what will happen on March 29. JF Hillebrand said it will not plan any collections for the next 48 hours or until the government indicates what will happen with Brexit. It said this is the “only responsible course of action” due to “continued uncertainty over whether…

Former England cricket captain Sir Ian Botham is launching a range of wines in partnership with Broadland Wineries. The range will include three tiers – Beefy, The Botham Series and Sir Ian Botham – that range from entry level to £20. The wines will be sourced from Botham’s favourite producers in the countries he toured during his career, so that means Australia, New Zealand, South…

Registration is now open for the 2018 Rioja Wine Educators Programme. This is the third year for the initiative, which is approved by the DOCa Rioja Control Board. The programme aims to recruit professionals with an ability to influence major wine consuming countries and it provides training on specific knowledge about Rioja wine. Following the course, these professionals will become Control Board approved educators, ensuring…