Indie Brands has extended its UK portfolio by adding a Mezcal producer that provides business support to other Mezcal families. Mezcal Union is so-called because it was set up with the aim of creating unity among Mezcal-producing families. It has its own brands – Mezcal Union Uno and Mezcal Union Viejo – which will be available in the UK via Indie Brands. The story of…

Henkell has completed its acquisition of fellow sparkling wine giant Freixenet after gaining approval from the European Commission’s competition watchdog. It makes the group the world’s largest supplier of bubbly, with Freixenet joining the likes of Mionetto in a wide portfolio of sparklers. The German firm has purchased a 50.67% controlling stake in the business from the Hevia and Bonet families. It…

The prime minister, David Cameron, has been blasted as “ill-informed” and “incorrect” over Sunday trading, by the Association of Convenience Stores. The claim comes after the government back-tracked on a pre-election commitment to maintain the current regulations. The government is now planning to devolve decisions on Sunday trading to local authorities. “There is a strong case for change,” Cameron told the House of Commons after…

Birmingham’s director of public health has urged Britain’s second city to adopt the Reducing the Strength campaign pioneered in Ipswich. Dr Adrian Phillips said it was “ridiculous” that strong cider is “sold cheaper than water” in a report to the city council’s Health and Wellbeing Board. He recommended the city adopts the scheme, which sees the authorities ask retailers to strip shelves of beer…