The Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel has not upheld a complaint about two craft beers produced by UK brewers. A member of the public expressed concern that the beers – Camden Town Brewery’s Show Off Lager and Beavertown Brewery’s Bloody Ell – could appeal to under 18s because they looked like cans of fizzy, energy drinks. Reviewing the Camden Town Brewery product in detail, the…

This Budgens store enjoys an eclectic customer mix and coordinates stock accordingly. Nathan Kandiah speak to DRN: How did the business start? I am a co-owner and there are three of us family members. The other two already had some stores so there are now four in total, but this is the only one I am a part owner of. We opened this store in…

Shorn, the wine brand distributed by Kingsland Drinks, has added two wines in a 1.5 litre pouch format to the range. ‘Shorn on Tour’, which will be priced at £11 for each 1.5 litre pouch, will initially launch in two varietals: Californian Pinot Grigio and Shiraz. These will join the New Zealand brand’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio Fizz. The new Shiraz is described as…

When Donald Trump licenced his name to a US vodka brand in 2005, it seemed like a drinks category that could do no wrong. That was back when the idea of Trump becoming president seemed as likely as the Pope announcing his engagement to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the spirits industry’s star category provided the teetotal entrepreneur with a more credible roadmap towards world…

Tesco has added a selection of new sparkling wines to its Finest range, increasing its range of price points as well as introducing its customers to some traditional styles from lesser-known regions. The newcomers include a Tesco Finest Franciacorta, a Cremant de Limoux Rose, Prosecco Frizzante and a Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Magnum. Tesco’s product develop for sparkling, Alex Runciman, said: “We have been working closely…

Xeco Wines is on a mission to give sherry “a total reinvention” by taking it into the aperitif scene. The start-up company, which is headed up by a trio of passionate ‘fino friends’, was created through a mutual desire to “bring sherry out of grandma’s cupboard” and into UK wine bars and retailers by launching a modern brand of sherry wines. The first Xeco Wines…

Thatchers has ventured into spirits for the first time by introducing its first apple gin. Thatchers Orchard Cut is made using cider from Thatchers’ Katy apples. The gin is then distilled by the English Spirit Distillery, using a selection of botanicals, as well as fresh apple for flavour. The drink is described as being citrusy and refreshing, with floral and apple notes. Botanicals include juniper,…