Pernod Ricard has announced a new campaign for Irish whiskey brand Jameson, in the run up to St Patrick’s Day. The international push, called Widen the Circle, is described as part of a “multi-year multi-channel investment”. The campaign features a TV ad, called That Spark, starring Irish actor, writer and comedian Aisling Bea. Brendan Buckley, global marketing director at Pernod’s Irish Distillers unit, said: “Our…

The Scottish government has announced a new date for the implementation of its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The scheme, which was scheduled to go live in July 2022, will now be implemented on 16 August 2023. The announcement follows an independent review which highlighted the impact of Covid-19 on the scheme. DRS measures include a 20p deposit charged to consumers when they buy a drink…

RumFest will take place as an in-person event this year, alongside an online element for those that can’t attend. The three-day festival will take place from 15-17 October at the ILEC Conference Centre in Earl’s Court, London. RumFest, which marks the end of London Rum Week, features a trade day and conference on 15 October, a consumer day on 16 October and a new Spiced…

Drinks by the Dram has revealed a new line-up of advent calendars for 2020. The brand is bringing back a selection of its popular drinks-filled advent calendars for the ninth year running, with prices ranging from £50 to £1,000. Each calendar features 24 hand-waxed 3cl drams, one for each day on the countdown to Christmas. The 2020 range offers collections for spirits enthusiasts, explorers and…

The Worshipful Company of Distillers’ online auction goes live this Sunday June 7. The whisky auction, which will include historic and highly sought-after bottles, aims to raise funds for The Drinks Trust. The money raised will be in aid of those in the industry facing hardship, illness and despair during these difficult times for the drinks and hospitality industry. Highlights include a bottle of Glenmorangie…

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust is launching a series of online events, which it hopes will help to raise much-needed funds for The Drinks Trust. The events, which are accessible via Zoom, will include a weekly drinks-themed quiz – hosted by school principle Richard Harding and supported by WSET educators – and a selection of Tuesday evening webinars. Those interested can sign up for…

Lidl has announced it is building its first pub, which will also include an in-store off-licence.  The venue will sit alongside the discount supermarket’s Dundonald store, outside Belfast in Northern Ireland.  The pub, which will have a different entrance from the supermarket, will include seating and a bar area and separate toilets. It will also have an off-licence section, where…