Drinks giants AB Inbev and Diageo have reported strong UK sales as the warm weather and sporting action sparked rising demand for beer and spirits. Stella Artois and Budweiser supplier AB Inbev reported 0.9% volume growth in the UK in Q2, as Stella retained is status Britain’s biggest off-trade alcohol brand. Jason Warner, president of North Europe for AB Inbev, said: “Our UK business momentum continued,…

Sussex wine has been granted temporary protected status, pushing it closer to the official PDO status it seeks. PDO status, which could result in wines from Sussex receiving the same protection as Champagne or Prosecco, would allow producers from Sussex to label their wines as Sussex wine, guaranteeing their product’s authenticity and origin. Defra has confirmed that this PDO application has now been formally submitted…

Status Quo has teamed up with British producers to create a cider and an ale. Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of Status Quo have launched Dog of Two Head ale and Down Down cider, which will both be bottled and available to buy from Spar from 18 May. Draught versions are also available in selected outlets from June. Both will also be available online. Dog…

Rockers Status Quo have passed a million sales for the first time since the 1970s after the millionth pint of the bands Piledriver ale was downed this week. The 4.3% abv ale was launched seven months ago in a partnership between the Whatever You Want rockers and Wychwood brewery. It picked up a listing at Morrisons, along with various off-licences across the UK and…

Cockburn’s has reclaimed its status as the UK’s top selling port after strong sales growth during 2012, according to new Nielsen figures.  The brand increased it 2012 MAT volume by 32% after investment from brand owner the Symington family, which commissioned and released the Nielsen figures. It achieved a 26.9% share of the UK branded port market, driven by Cockburn’s Special Reserve, which grew…