Drinks trade groups have welcomed the appointment of Liz Truss as the next prime minister, but they have warned that the industry is facing major challenges. Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said Truss takes office at a critical time, “with the cost-of-living crisis at the forefront of minds”. “Ahead of the Autumn Budget, it is vital that the UK government…

The chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has praised the resilience of the wine industry, though he also warned there are more challenges to come.   Speaking at the opening of this week’s London Wine Fair, Miles Beale said: “As we celebrate our resilience and some success, it is important to recognise that uncertain times lie ahead.” He added the trade has…

Former Enotria Winecellars chief executive Alison Levett has joined Berkmann Wine Cellars as non-executive chair. She is taking over the chair role from Peter Lowe, who will continue to focus on the fine wine sector for Berkmann while stepping-up to chair the board of Berkmann Family Holdings. Levett left Enotria Winecellars in 2014, a year before its acquisition of Coe Vintners to become Enotria &…

Chapel Down has announced that Andrew Carter, currently managing director Chase Distillery will be succeeding Frazer Thompson, chief executive of Chapel Down in September 2021. Carter will be joining the business as chief executive on September 13 and Thompson will work with him to ensure a seamless handover of office. Martin Glenn, Chairman of Chapel Down Group said: “Frazer has decided to retire after 20…

North Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery has made a vodka distilled from its Imperial Russian stout. It said adding the beer to the distillation gives extra depth and creaminess to the finished vodka. Black Sheep vodka is single-shot distilled in a copper alembic still over an open flame. It’s the brewer’s second venture into spirits after launching a gin in 2019. It…

Didsbury Gin, the premium gin which rose from Dragon’s Den fame to become a leading drinks brand, has made two senior appointments: Allan Beattie as finance director and Michael Saunders as non-executive director. The appointments follow the news that domestic sales of Didsbury Gin had surpassed the £3 million mark and the Manchester-based spirits brand has partnered with the C&C Group to distribute its popular…

Freedom Brewery, the award-winning, pioneering lager brewer, has announced the appointment of James Coyle as Executive Chairman. Coyle, the former managing director of Edinburgh craft brewer, Innis & Gunn, has a wealth of experience within the beer market, having held previous roles as Deputy Managing Director of Marston’s Beer Company and Sales Director of Wychwood Brewery. He has assumed the new role with immediate effect.