Of course, this lifestyle legacy does mean tequila has always had a natural affinity with the on-trade, but its popularity is gradually spilling over into retail channels. In the past 12 months in the off-trade tequila has grown in value by 12{7c69fd72f8e2bab9ee87ef5a2685d86c0107c79a8a610a3574925e3ec9a3ba47} (Nielsen, May 2016), but now the lemon wedges are less prominent and its popularity is being driven by the more sophisticated image…

Shots and shooters are inextricably linked with the on-trade. Their very names conjure up images of crowded bars and clubs, loud music and drinks that are swallowed, not savoured. Off- trade sales are a tiny fraction of the on-trade – but that could be about to change. Non-cream liqueurs, which include popular shot drinks such as herbal liqueurs, grew 11{7c69fd72f8e2bab9ee87ef5a2685d86c0107c79a8a610a3574925e3ec9a3ba47} to £172 million in the past…

Halewood International has launched a sub-brand into its Sidekick range – Sidekick Sours. The new range comes in three flavours – Apple, Redberry and Blueberry – and retains the brand’s original flavours, but adding a tangy sour taste. Sidekick comes in 50cl bottles with 14.5% abv, and is recommended as part of a long drink or cocktail or as a shot. Brand manager Lorna Tweed…