Rum education day Think Rum is returning next month, after a hiatus during the pandemic. The one-day event will take place at The Trampery, Old Street, on November 8. The programme includes a panel discussion about the growing potential for the category, featuring Waitrose spirits buyer John Vine, Whisky Exchange head buyer Dawn Davies, Think Rum ambassador Peter Holland, Muck and Dunder owner Michelle Field…

Campari Group has acquired a 15% interest in Howler Head Kentucky straight bourbon, with a medium-term route to total ownership. The deal, with Catalyst Spirits, saw Campari agree to pay US$15 million for the 15% share. Banana-flavoured Howler Head is the official flavoured whiskey partner of UFC and it recently launched in the UK. “With bourbon whiskey serving as one of our global priority brand…

NielsenIQ’s Homescan survey in February showed that 53% of shoppers are looking for packaging that is “easy to recycle” and 26% want products with minimal or no packaging. With most drinks products coming in easily recyclable glass bottles or cans, the sector has potentially got a head start on some other FMCG categories, but there are new initiatives coming along to bring about further…

Last week, M&S held its spring/summer press tasting. Drinks Retailing caught up with Andrew Shaw, head of trading for drinks, to talk about the customer experience, new product development and the department’s approach to sustainability How does M&S differ from other retailers when it comes to drinks? Andrew Shaw: Other retailers sell more promotable lines because a lot of brand owners have the investment…

Quintessential Brands has created a head of convenience role, as it looks to grow the convenience channel.   The position will be filled by Andy Williams, who joined Quintessential nearly two years ago as national sales manager for the on-trade. He has worked in the drinks industry for 20 years.  James Lousada, CEO Quintessential Brands, said: “The convenience sector is a key area of focus for…

Kingsland Drinks has appointed Charles Overin as head of marketing and insights. The company said Overin will “play a pivotal role in the development of the company’s consumer-centric branded portfolio”. Kiingsland’s brands include the wine brand Campaneo and the canned RTDs Vin Crowd and Mix Up. Overin was previously head of shopper marketing at Treasury Wine Estates, before which he spent…

Leeds-based Northern Monk has created two beers in partnership with wood stain and paint company Ronseal. Released in time for the August Bank Holiday weekend, the beers carry Ronseal’s slogan: ‘Does exactly what it says on the tin’ and the range has been colour matched with Ronseal Fence Life colours – ‘Medium Oak’ is a 4.5% Best Bitter, while ‘Harvest Gold’ is a 5.8% abv…