The results of the International Cider Challenge (ICC) have been announced, with NeRø Issider being crowned Supreme Champion in the tasting competition. This marks the second year running that a Norwegian producer has won this accolade.  ICC chairman James Finch described the supreme champion as “a well-balanced, beautiful drink with a wonderful expression of the fruit”.  A further five ciders were awarded taste…

Scotch whisky producer International Beverage Holdings has finished a £4 million upgrade at its Balmenach distillery in Speyside. The distillery, which produces around three million litres of alcohol a year for blended whisky, is also home to the company’s Caorunn gin. The upgrade includes an anaerobic/aerobic digestion plant which “uses micro-organisms to break down the liquid co-products of whisky”, the company said. The process produces…

The trade body for New Zealand wine is platforming white wine this May to coincide with International Sauvignon Blanc Day (May 5), International Pinot Gris Day (May 17) and International Chardonnay Day (May 25).  May represents New Zealand Winegrowers’ ‘Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand’ month, and this year, the annual campaign is focusing on the country’s white wine varietals. Charlotte…

Italy is rich in both native and international grape varieties – which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Drinks Retailing caught up with Cecilia Pasqua, third generation family member and export manager at Veneto-based Pasqua Wines, to talk grapes, trade organisations and the drinkers of tomorrow. Drinks Retailing: What are the main challenges for Italian wine in the UK off trade? Cecilia Pasqua: Getting…

The organisers of Prowein have reported an increase in trade visitors on 2022, despite public transport strikes in Düsseldorf during the show. Messe Düsseldorf said the number of trade visitors reached 49,000 this year – up from 38,000 in 2022. In a recent interview with Drinks Retailing, Prowein director Michael Degen said the company was aiming for 50,000. Organisers said 86% of…

Though we’re firm believers that women are for life, not just International Women’s Day, this is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the initiatives out there to help women further their careers in all aspects of the drinks industry. SPIRITS “The OurWhisky Foundation’s mentorship programme is the first of its kind for the global whisky industry,” says…

Tequila Herradura launched its first ever advertising campaign last week to coincide with International Margarita Day on February 22.  The activation, entitled Tequila Herradura – Extraordinary Awaits this Margarita Month, saw a series of guerrilla projections across central London. The projections featured imagery of the tequila and its ingredients to drive brand awareness, particularly among the rising number of tequila drinkers in the…