The Drinks Report | Archived Business News

the drinks report..ideas, news and views from the world of wines and spirits, with a special focus on packaging design and technology

Sales tripled
Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, announces that its Chivas Regal 18YO whisky has become the clear leader of the global ultra premium Scotch category having tripled its sales since 2004.
• Read the report

Business News | Archive May-Dec 09

Cert Octivan wins £30m+ Fosters EMEA contract
Foster’s EMEA has contracted logistics provider Cert Octavian to handle its distribution for three years from May 2010, with an additional two year option, in a deal which could exceed £30m.
Foster’s EMEA portfolio comprises over 80 brands including VB, Rosemount, Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Lindemans and Crown Ambassador.
Explaining the decision Foster’s EMEA director, regional supply services and production, Rob Hollis said: “We were determined to conduct a rigorous tender to identify the best logistics provider for our future needs. Cert Octavian put together a competitive and in the end a compelling, all round business case and beat fierce competition to be awarded with the contract. The service we receive from Cert Octavian is excellent. They have a high calibre management team, one that inspires us with every confidence. We are delighted to have chosen Cert Octavian and look forward to many years of working together productively.”
The contract will be handled principally from Cert Octavian’s distribution hub at Lutterworth.

WJ Deutsch announces joint venture with Corpora
WJ Deutsch & Sons, a leading US importer and marketer of wines and spirits, is partnering Corpora Group, the pioneers of the Bio Bio region of Chile and the Patagonia region of Argentina, in a joint venture to launch a brand from each of these emerging wine regions in South America.
• Read the report

Suntory acquires majority stake in China-based wine importer and distributor
Tokyo-based Suntory Liquors has acquired a 70% share in China-based wine importer and distributor ASC Fine Wines Holding while Kokubu & Co, also of Tokyo, acquired a 10% share in the company.
ASC conducts business from regional offices in 12 major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong as one of the largest wine importers and distributors in China, with fast-growing sales. The company imports and sells a broad international portfolio including fine Bordeaux from France, selections from Australia's Penfolds Wines, Freixenet sparkling wines from Spain, and many others, as well as luxury glassware.
The Suntory Group entered the Chinese beer market in 1984 and continues to develop business in China by the introduction of Hibiki, Yamazaki and other whiskies.
“Acquisition of ASC enables greater expansion into the surging domestic wine market and secures Suntory distribution channels in China, paving the way for further local business growth,” said the company.

Francis Ford Coppola sues packaging supplier
The film director Francis Ford Coppola claims 55,000 cases of his California winery's new Encyclopedia range of wines launched in 2008 were spoilt by faulty bottles and screwcaps.
Around US$685,000 was paid for the custom-made bottles with oversized screw caps in 2008 for an order in 2007. However, many of the bottles had bent necks, chipped glass and uneven bases, while many of the screw caps were badly made or bent after shipping. It also alleged that when replacements were supplied, they leaked and let in air that oxidised the wine.
Coppola states: "Virtually all of the wine produced and bottled in the 55,000 cases of the Encyclopedia collection was materially degraded or destroyed as a result of the defects in the bottles, screw caps and packaging products provided by Vinocor USA.”
• Read the report

Cider with cartoon label banned
The Portman Group, the drinks industry's self-regulatory body, has declared the labels on Rattler Cyder, which feature a grinning, sunglasses-wearing cartoon snake, are in breach of the agreed code of conduct and therefore must be changed.
The rattlesnake character was deemed "irresponsible" because of its obvious appeal to those under legal drinking age.
In defence, the Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm said Rattler is a Cornish variety of cider apple used to brew its Cornish Rattler Cyder and that it chose a cartoon snake image to denote the drink's provenance rather than a realistic image in order to avoid any association with poison.

The cider must change its label and marketing

Pernod Ricard UK makes channel director changes
Nick Yates, formally business unit controller, has been made channel director for on-trade spirits reporting directly to the newly appointed commercial director for spirits, Simon van Moppes.
Chris Ellis maintains his position as channel director, off-trade spirits, but has increased responsibility for the wholesale cash and carry channel.
Lee James, who has been overseeing Pernod Ricard UK’s wine business in the grocery multiples, has become channel director for wines and champagne sales activities across the convenience, specialist, wholesale cash and carry and on-trade sectors. He reports to Simon Thomas, deputy MD for Pernod Ricard UK.
Pictured L-R: Ellis, Yates and James

Scotch whisky exports resilient despite recession
New figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) show that, despite recession, more than 807m bottles of Scotch Whisky valued at £2.11bn were shipped abroad during the first nine months of 2009 – up 1.5% compared to the same period last year. The value, however, was 3.5 per cent down on 2008, which was the industry’s second best export value performance.
The SWA reports that the international spread of Scotch whisky export markets has helped mitigate the impact of weaker economic conditions in certain countries. Within the top 10 markets, the value of exports to France, South Africa, and Venezuela increased. Shipment value to the US, Spain and South Korea was lower. The UK market continued to struggle with releases from bond down 11 per cent – raising further questions over the need for, and impact of, minimum pricing in Scotland.

Cutty Sark UK distribution comes in-house
Cutty Sark Scotch whisky has ended is UK distribution arrangement with Emporia Brands after two years. With immediate effect, UK distribution of Cutty Sark will be handled once again by Berry Bros. & Rudd.
James Rackham, chairman of Emporia Brands comments: “I am very proud of our work on Cutty Sark. Although the UK market for blended Scotch whisky has been declining for a number of years, we targeted the premium sector with Cutty Sark and achieved some excellent results, especially in the London area. I am delighted we are able to hand Cutty Sark back to Berry Bros. & Rudd with far more on- and off-trade listings than when we took the brand on.”
James Steiner, Regional Business Director for Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits states: “Emporia Brands was a good fit for Cutty Sark in the UK and I would like to thank James and his team for all the hard work they have put in for the last two years. As there are significant plans for Cutty Sark from 2010, we have decided to bring distribution in-house to give us greater control and focus.”

New interim CEO at De Kuyper Royal Distillers
Ben van Doesburgh is the new CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers. He succeeds Bob de Kuyper who leaves the company at the end of this year after a career spanning 32 years with De Kuyper. Doesburgh will act as CEO for an interim period of five years, during which he will prepare the next (11th) generation of De Kuypers for senior management roles in the family firm.

Changes at 30th LIWF and Distil exhibition
The next London International Wine Fair (LIWF) and Distil exhibition at ExCeL, May18-20, is to have a new layout. Major on-site improvements and an extension to the south hall will mean that Distil, now in its third year, will join the LIWF in the south hall adjacent to the west entrance.
• Read the report

CEOs like Paul Walsh support new book
The International Center for Alcohol Policies has published Working Together to Reduce Harmful Drinking as a contribution to the WHO's global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, as well regional organisations and national governments involved in alcohol policy. The aim of the book is to stimulate the private and public sectors to work together.
• Read the report

C&C to buy Gaymer Cider from Constellation
C&C Group, the manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded alcoholic beverages in Ireland and the UK, has agreed to acquire the UK cider assets of Constellation Brands, The Gaymer Cider Company for £45 million (€50 million). The deal, which is expected to be completed by mid-January 2010, includes the Blackthorn, Olde English and Gaymers brands, a cider production facility at Shepton Mallet, and a distribution warehouse in Bristol.

BrewDog Tokyo* banned in UK markets
The drinks industry's self-regulatory body The Portman Group has banned BrewDog's controversial 18% abv Tokyo* beer from bars, clubs and shops across the UK after finding the marketing of the brand encouraged excessive drinking. The Scottish brewer's website said: "Everything in moderation, including moderation itself. What logically follows is that you must, from time [sic], have excess. This beer is for those times."

Bacardi achieves world class company status
Bacardi has become the first major spirits company to achieve certification under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 for all its production facilities globally. Bacardi began its quest to achieve “Triple Crown” certification just three years ago.

SBL to distribute EABL/Diageo spirits in Tanzania
Serengeti Breweries (SBL) has taken over distribution of all EABL/Diageo spirits brands in Tanzania, including Johnnie Walker, Bond 7, Smirnoff, Richot brandy, Chelsea, Captain Morgan, Popov vodka and Gilbeys Gin. SBL will use their existing distribution system to ensure the Tanzanian consumer has access to these popular spirits brands.
SBL director Ajay Shah said investments will be made in warehousing to logistics and more people will be employed. The new general manager for spirits sales in Tanzania is Stansalaus Theophil.

Bacardi named SAR best supplier
The Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division has been named Best Supplier by Schiphol Airport Retailer, the first such award the retailer has given. Recent promotions that were particularly successful at Schiphol included: a Mojito sampling promotion – supported by a muddler kit and a Bacardi flavoured rums backpack – which created 19% uplift vs. the prior year, and a Grey Goose chiller bag, which increased sales by 25%. Currently, a Bombay Sapphire “Reign” gift box is being featured in the five main stores (pictured).

SWA calls for responsible drinking messages and a ban on alcohol prices below tax
All future Scotch Whisky adverts and printed point of sale materials are to carry a responsible drinking message, says Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
The new requirement is part of a revised SWA Code of Practice for the Responsible Marketing and Promotion of Scotch Whisky. The Code’s provisions have also been extended to apply to Scotch Whisky adverts across the EU.
The industry also proposed that a ban on alcohol sales below tax (duty and VAT) to prevent loss-leading would be an alternative and better floor price mechanism than the Scottish Government’s minimum price proposal. It would ensure tax is passed on to the consumer. Under the revised SWA Code, every Scotch Whisky industry sponsorship is required to deliver an initiative that promotes responsible alcohol consumption.

New whisky protection measures laid in parliament
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has announced that new regulations to protect Scotch Whisky and the consumers of it worldwide have been laid in the House of Commons.
The regulations, which include measures to outlaw the bottling of single malt outside Scotland and improve labelling for consumers, will come into force on November 23. The intention is to further enhance the high quality image of whisky and protect it from misuse overseas.
• Read the report

WSTA urges Treasury rethink on excise duty
The Wine and Spirits Trade Association in the UK is TA is the Treasury to cut excise duty rates on wine and spirits when it restores VAT to its standard 17.5% rate at the end of next month.
The temporary VAT reduction was introduced in November 2008 and was accompanied by an increase in duty on wine and spirits by 8% and 4% respectively because the Treasury wanted to ensure the impact of the VAT change was broadly cost-neutral for alcohol.
The WSTA has argued consistently that the tax increase was not, in fact, cost neutral for over 90% of the wines sold in the UK off-trade. Coming on top of the excessive duty increase in the March 2008 Budget, the tax rise exacerbated the impact on the industry of reduced consumer spending, the adverse exchange rate and increased cost of production.

Ogier appoints Mistral as UK distributor
Southern Rhône producer, Ogier, part of the Jeanjean Group, has appointed London-based Mistral Wines as its exclusive UK off-trade representative. A subsidiary of Berry Bros & Rudd, Mistral is an agency specialising in the wines of the Rhone Valley, Southern France and the Loire.

Global marketing director announced
Trent Russell has been promoted to marketing director for Bacardi Global Travel Retail after threee years as marketing director Bacardi China. He had previously held a number of marketing roles in Bacardi's joint venture business, Bacardi Lion, in his home country Australia. A replacement for the marketing director in China has yet to be announced.

Stock appoints marketing director for Pizen
Stock Spirits Group, the central Europe branded spirits and liqueurs producer, is has appointmented of Tomas Tarcala as marketing director of Stock Plzeň to lead the company’s marketing operations in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where Stock Plzeň accounts for 35% of the spirits market.

William Grant appoints Rajiv Bhatia
Rajiv Bhatia is leaving Inver House Distillers (a subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings) to join William Grant & Sons in January 2010 as regional manager for the Middle East, Gulf and Indian sub continent – travel retail. He is presently regional sales director for the Middle East, Africa and Indian sub continent – domestic and travel retail for Inver House and was instrumental in developing its single malt business within the region and establishing its travel retail business.

Minimum pricing illegal under EU rules
European Court’s Advocate General has ruled that minimum pricing is illegal. The legal opinion is that minimum prices were “not necessary in order to protect public health” and were a distortion of competition.
The ruling follows complaints to the Court by the European Commission against Austria, Ireland and France for violation of EU rules in trying to impose national minimum pricing for tobacco.
The Court’s Advocate General has concluded that France and Austria are not able to impose minimum prices on health grounds. Ireland put forward different justification but here too minimum pricing was rejected on the grounds that it distorts competition.
The Advocate General’s rejection of minimum pricing has cast fresh doubts on the legality of the Scottish Government’s plan to impose minimum price controls on Scotch Whisky and other drinks.

Diageo brands lead Elite league tables again
Diageo's Smirnoff vodka has maintained its No.1 spot in the IWSR Elite Brands List for the third year running having sold over 24 million cases worldwide – 9.9m in the US. Diageo's Johnnie Walker ranked No.2 with case sales of nearly 14.5 million.

Johnnie Walker and Absolut lead in travel retail
Two spirits brands sell more than 1m cases in travel retail – Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky and Absolut vodka – according to The IWSR Drinks Record Top-50 list of leading travel retail spirits brands in 2008.
• Read the report

New gin brand director at Pernod Ricard
Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has appointed Simon Burley as brand director for Beefeater and Plymouth Gin. Burley, who comes Australia, worked for Pernod Ricard Australia on the marketing of the company’s Scotch whisky brands before moving to Chivas Brothers in 2006 to market the Ballantine’s range of blended Scotch whiskies.

Diageo/Sainsbury's Pimm's dispute settled
Diageo and Sainsbury’s have announced confirmation that the dispute regarding Diageo’s Pimm’s brand and Sainsbury’s Pitchers brand has been amicably settled and the legal proceedings withdrawn. Sainsbury’s will continue to sell the Pitchers brand but with a modified label. The colouring of the will change from gold to orange and the supermarket's name added.
The dispute arose over Sainsbury’s new gin-based Pitchers, which is promoted as a summer drink to be enjoyed with lemonade and fruit in the same way as Diageo’s Pimms. The bottle and label design of Pitchers was similar to Pimms although the names were different.

JeanJean and Laroche wine groups in planned merger
The proposed merger, agreed on September 22, will create a market leader in the premium wine sector with over 1,450 hectares of vineyards, a portfolio of brands and an annual turnover of some €200m, of which almost 50% comes from the international market.
• Read the report

Aspall appoints Creativevents
Aspall has signed a five-year deal with UK events specialist Creativevents, which will enable the super premium cyder brand to be showcased to over 8 million consumers in the next year.
Creativevents provides bespoke catering solutions at sports, music and lifestyle events.

• A new 500ml PET bottle that is the same shape as the glass version and closed with a crown cap has been specially developed for the cyder on sale at the events.

UK Government to allow sample measures of wine
The UK Government has announced it will legislate to deregulate wine measures under 75ml in a move that will allow bars and restaurants to offer sample measures of wine to their customers.

BrewBog reacts to outcry over its 18.2%abv beer
UK independent craft brewer BrewDog has launched a 1.1% beer called Nanny State in direct response to the outcry caused last month after launching Tokyo* (The Drinks Report July 09), the UK’s strongest beer at 18.2% abv.
• Read the report

WSTA conference highlights changing drinks market
Mike Penning, MP, told delegates at The Wine & Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) annual conference held yesterday (Wednesday): "If we win the next election, we will abolish 24 hour drinking, which we opposed at the time. We will not ban advertising and we oppose minimum pricing.”
Key themes arising from the conference:
• Consumers are demanding lower alcohol wine
• Many lower income drinkers are leaving the market
• Health lobby gaining ground
• Scottish legal regime for alcohol becoming tougher
• All on-trade venues declining
• Night club scene in double digit fall
• Rose wine is soaring in sales
• Average wine bottle has never been more expensive
• On-line sales of alcohol booming
• Read the report

Discounting risks cannibalising on-trade margins
Consumers are increasingly focused on ‘value’ for money. The challenge is to wean consumers off coupons, according to an analysis of the restaurant and managed pub industry by Deloitte, the business advisory firm.
• Read the report

GlenDronach to be given £7m cash injection
The Aberdeenshire distillery is to receive a £7m boost this autumn to help restore the status of its GlenDronach malt whisky and accelerate growth in new markets worldwide.
A £5m investment in sherry casks over the next four years and a further £2m on brand promotion and extra staff will boost the sleeping giant, says MD Billy Walker. “In recent years, GlenDronach has fallen out of view but it has maintained a kind of cult status. This new investment will return it to centre-stage and is testament to our ambitions as a small, niche distiller.”
When Walker and his associates bought GlenDronach last year, (read the report) there were less than 20,000 bottles sold worldwide. This year, having added a number of new expressions (read the report) like the 15 and 18 year-old, GlenDronach will sell around 150,000 bottles. By 2014, the aim is to sell some 250,000 bottles.
The company currently employs 30 people and is looking for a further five.
Pictured: GlenDronach's regional sales director Alistair Walker.

First Drinks adds Tia Maria to its portfolio
Following Illva Saronno’s acquisition of Tia Maria from Pernod Ricard, First Drinks has secured the UK distribution rights, effective from October 1. The addition of Tia Maria will strengthen First Drinks’ presence in the non-cream liqueur market and complement the company’s portfolio of premium brands that include the Italian liqueur, Disaronno, another Illva Saronno brand.

Wyborowa announces new global ad agency
Wyborowa vodka from Poland has appointed Virtue Worldwide, part of the VICE Media Group and a full service communications agency headquartered in New York and London, to handle the Pernod Ricard brand globally.
A new campaign will be launched this autumn across the 90 markets in which Wyborowa is distributed.

Green award for groundbreaking whisky strategy The Scotch Whisky Association has been presented with a Scottish Council (Development & Industry) Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability for its environmental strategy. The whisky industry aims to cut its use of fossil fuels by 80 per cent by 2050 as well as reduce significantly the average weight of packaging used, eliminate sending waste to landfill sites, source future whisky casks only from sustainable oak forests and to maintain the highest standards of water management.

Largest sponsorship deal by Pernod Ricard

Ballantine’s Scotch whisky has strengthened its global commitment to the world of golf by securing a three year extension to the brand’s hugely successful Korean sponsorship – the Ballantine’s Championship. The Ballantine’s Championship is Asia’s fourth biggest golf tournament and the largest sporting event in Korea. It is now an established platform which will drive Ballantine’s long-term relationship with the sport. Worth €12m annually, the deal is the largest ever sponsorship investment made by Pernod Ricard Group.

New president at Institut del Cava
Joan Amat succeeds Magí Raventós as president of the Institut del Cava for the next three years. The Board of Directors also approved the election of María Del Mar Raventós as second vice president. Amat joins the Institut from his previous role as CEO and general manager of the Raventós i Blanc Winery. He has also held various positions with the Codorniu Group.

René Machon returns to Bacardi
The Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division has appointed René Machon to regional manager of Germany and Switzerland. He will report to Hauke Marquardt, TR regional director for central, eastern Europe and the Middle East. Machon joins from Gebr Heinemann where he was head of category management. Prior to this, he worked for Bacardi in Germany for 10 years.

Patrick Piana is appointed CEO of Rémy Martin
Patrick Piana has joined Rémy Cointreau as CEO of Rémy Martin. Experienced in managing luxury and consumer goods with global leaders such as Philip Morris, LVMH and Pernod Ricard, he leaves the post of senior VP Pernod Ricard USA to assume overall responsibility for Rémy Martin, based in Cognac.

Pernod Ricard reports Absolut success
Pernod Ricard reports that within a difficult economic climate the group has performed well over the 2008/09 financial year with 9% organic sales growth to €7,203m, and a net profit in excess of €1bn, up 13% – bolstered by the successful integration of Absolut (US sales up 51% compared with 1% in Europe) and significant debt reductions. The Group confirms that debt reduction remains its priority today, with the continuation of the asset disposal programme of €1bn (€700m achieved to date, including the sale of Tia Maria for €125m in July 09).

Diageo discussions with United Spirits concluded
A Diageo spokesperson said on August 25: "Diageo has today announced that the talks which had been taking place with United Spirits, and aimed at finding a mutually beneficial arrangement for the future of both businesses in the India market, have been concluded. It has not proved possible for Diageo to resolve points of difference between the two parties, principally valuation, and Diageo has made the decision to pursue the potential it sees for its brands in India separately from United Spirits. Diageo remains confident as to the long term prospects of the Indian market."

Baileys new global brand director announced
Philip Almond is to replace Sharon Keith as global brand director at Baileys in Dublin commencing September 15. Philip has been with Diageo some 15 years and marketing director of Diageo GB for the past three years. Sharon Keith is leaving to pursue personal interests in her homeland of South Africa. Philip’s successor has yet to be announced.

Syska is duty-free manager for B-F Nordic region
Birte Syska has been names the new key account manager Nordic Duty Free for Brown-Forman based in Hamburg, Germany. She joined B-F in 2006 as sales development manager.

Cellar Trends to distribute Wild Turkey
Gruppo Campari has appointed Cellar Trends to distribute Wild Turkey Bourbon in the UK on- and off-trade. The agreement commences September 1.
Wild Turkey premium bourbon was acquired by Gruppo Campari from Pernod Ricard earlier this year for US$575m. The purchase, including other Wild Turkey brands and the distillery and spirits inventory in the US, has been the group’s largest to date.

Bruichladdich appoints new UK distributor
Privately owned Islay distiller Bruichladdich has appointed Blavod Extreme Spirits to distribute its single malt whisky and a selection of its other brands in the UK. The London-based company is changing it’s name to Blavod Wine & Spirits to reflect the portfolio of brands it now distributes in addition to its own spirits.

Rexam ceases can production at Moscow plant
Recession-effected demand in the Russian beverage can market has caused Rexam Beverage Can Europe & Asia to announce that it is to cease production at its Dmitrov plant near Moscow at the end of the high season. Customer requirements will be met by Rexam’s other Russian plants where, the company says, there is sufficient capacity to meet foreseeable volume levels. Dmitrov’s can lines will be mothballed while its end making equipment will be installed at Naro Fominsk.

UK retailers boost CAP project work
The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group has appointed Philip Loring, formerly head of central operations for First Quench Retailing, as a consultant to develop the work of Community Alcohol Partnerships in tackling underage alcohol purchase and possession in the UK. Loring has extensive experience of the off-licence trade, having previously worked for Augustus Barnett, Victoria Wine and Thresher. He will be based at the WSTA's offices in London.

WJ Deutsch creates spirits division
White Plains, New York-based wine importer WJ Deutsch & Sons has created a spirits division to be overseen by newly-appointed senior VP Jean-Francois Bonneté, former president and CEO of Mystique Brands. Deutsch will partner Cognac Ferrand to exclusively represent its Cognac Landy brand

Inspirit Brands adds to sales team
Alan Mason has left Moet Hennessy to join Inspirit Brands as senior national account manager. Whilst at Moet Hennessy he grew sales by 120,000 cases over a 13 year period.

WSTA condemns 80p minimum price per unit plea
UK drinks industry trade body, the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has condemned the call from a senior police officer for an 80p per unit minimum price for alcohol, which would equate to £8 for a bottle of wine. Only 3% of British consumers spend this much and more on a bottle of wine. The average price for a bottle of wine in the UK is currently £4.25.
Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "A minimum price of 80p per unit would punish 97% of British wine drinkers at a stroke. What is the aim here - tackling alcohol misuse or putting wine beyond the reach of ordinary people?"

Multiple job changes at Pernod Ricard
Bryan Fry, marketing VP PR Asia, is to succeed Gilles Bogaert (now MD finance) to become MD Pernod Ricard (PR) Brazil, while former COO for PR Brazil, Victor Jerez, becomes MD Wyborowa. Sergio Marly commercial director PR España has been appointed MD PR Argentina and Erik Zaal, sales director for Nederland has been promoted to MD PR Nederland replacing Jean-Marc Bryskère who has been made MD for PR’s Benelux Cluster. Béatrice Morane, the marketing and business development director PR Europe has become MD for Belgium. And Christian Barré, MD PR Swiss is now MD Domecq Bodegas, which becomes a direct affiliate of PR Europe. Francisco de la Vega, currently communications VP PR, has been appointed MD PR Swiss. He is replaced by Olivier Cavil who joins from GH Mumm & Perrier-Jouët.

Compagnie de Guyenne to distribute Cuban rum
The Cuba Ron Company and Compagnie de Guyenne in Cognac have agreed an exclusive distribution deal for Santiago de Cuba Rum across 30 countries.
Philippe Coste president of the family CDG group said: “We are extremely honored by the confidence of the relationships with Cuba Ron on Santiago de Cuba. Thanks to its very premium quality and also its very deep cultural inheritage, Santiago de Cuba expresses real intrinsic values in the same way as our Meukow Cognac with its panther bottle. No doubt that the synergies between the two brands will soon reveal new market developments for the satisfaction of both parties.”
The official launch of Santiago de Cuba range will take place at Vinexpo where CDG will show the five rum qualities baring new labels designed in light of the agreement.

Five stars for Chivas Brothers visitor centres
Strathisla Distillery owned by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has been awarded Five Star status by Visit Scotland, the country’s official national tourism organisation. Strathisla Distillery is the third of the company’s visitor centres to achieve this accolade in the past year, with The Glenlivet and Aberlour Distilleries recently enjoying the same success.

Stella David to be CEO William Grant Stella David is to leave her role as Bacardi Group’s global chief marketing officer to join William Grant & Sons as CEO, effective August 10. She has held a number of key appointments at Bacardi including VP global operations, MD Asia Pacific and CEO of the group’s UK and Dutch businesses.
BrewDog brings in operations manager Australian-born Des Mulcahy, founder of the Beer Exposed festival in London, has joined two-year-old Scottish beer brand BrewDog as its UK operations manager - a newly created position as the company gears up for expansion.
New MD at Champagne Jacquart Laurent Reinteau is to join the Alliance Champagne group in July as managing director of Jacquart and Associés Distribution – the exclusive worldwide distributer of Champagne Jacquart and other associated brands produced under license. Reinteau was formerly European director for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

Chivas claims trade mark victory in China
Chivas Brothers has won its battle to protect the name and reputation of its flagship Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal in China. The name Chivas (both in English and Chinese characters) and Chivas Regal (in English) have now been recognised by the Chinese Trade Marks Office as well-known trade marks in China.

Grand Marnier joins Diageo in Europe
Diageo is to distribute and market liqueurs in 61 markets across Western and Eastern Europe, Russia and former CIS countries, as well as duty-free.
From July 1, Diageo will start distribution in 26 markets, including Germany and Spain. France, along with a further four markets, will transfer to Diageo this year while pan-European distribution is expected upon the expiration of existing contracts over the next three years.

Bacardi announce new TR division MD Andrew Carter, currently global gin category director at Bacardi Global Brands, becomes managing director of the Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division in August. He replaces Maurice Doyle who leaves the company at the end of July to join William Grant & Sons as group marketing director.
Mark Halliwell joins VIA wines After eight years on- and off-trade experience with Australian winery, Brown Brothers Wine, Mark Halliwell has joined Maule Valley produce, VIA Wines as business development manager (UK and Ireland). Mark has also worked for olive oil brand Filippo Berio and Twinings tea.

Advert for cream liqueur banned by ASA
South African drinks company Wild Cape Liqueurs has been hammered by the Advertising Standards Authority after Alcohol Concern complained about its advertisement for Wild Africa Cream Liqueur, which appeared in a trade magazine. The advert showed a couple embracing. The woman's arm was covered in leopard skin, similar to that on the liqueur bottle, and scratch marks appeared next to the text: "Unleash your wild side." Alcohol Concern's objection was that it linked alcohol to seduction, sexual activity or sexual success.
• Read the adjudication details

	Olli-Pekka Lappalainen, presently manager of Brown-Forman Travel Retail/Duty Free in the Nordic countries, will be director of TR for B-F in Europe, Africa and the Middle East from June. Lappalainen came to B-F from Cadbury Schweppes where he handled international TR in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to that post, he held several TR positions for Pernod Ricard including Nordic Duty Free.
	English wine producer Nyetimber known for its sparking wines has appointed Francis Brackley as head of sales, effective June 2. Francis joins the Nyetimber team from Lay & Wheeler where he was sales and marketing director overseeing trade and agency businesses. Prior to that, he worked at Allied Domecq where he was responsible commercially for Champagne labels Mumm and Perrier Jouet.
	Christian Rose, former director of NAAFI, Alliance Boots, and Albannach Brands, has been appointed managing director of G&J Greenall. Rose will oversee the international rollout of the re-launch of Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin and a newly packaged ready-to-drink Gin & Tonic range. The company will launch a new super-premium gin in late 2009 and is now promoting its new premium vodka, Cristalnaya, currently an exclusive listing with UK’s Tesco.

Wild Turkey flies to Campari
Following satisfaction of regulatory closing conditions and in line with the previous announcement in early April 2009, Pernod Ricard has completed the sale to Campari of its Wild Turkey American straight bourbon brand and related businesses, for a total price of US$581m/€417m in cash.

Mont Tauch appoints first UK-based sales director
Mont Tauch, Fitou’s co-operative, has appointed a UK-based sales director, highlighting the importance of the UK market to the operation. Antoine Leray, formerly with Castel Freres, will be working closely with Thierry’s Mont Tauch’s UK agent, The move is announced as Katie Jones, Mont Tauch’s marketing and communications director, is leaving to pursue private interests and south of France PR activities. One of her ambitions is to make the first vintage from her own two hectares of vines in Maury.

Premier Rugby gives Diageo sponsorship extension
Premier Rugby agreed with Diageo, the owners of Guinness, to extend its sponsorship of the Premiership for a further season. The sponsorship will therefore extend up until the end of the 2009/10 season.

Pernod Ricard completes Euro 1bn capital increase
Pernod Ricard has completed its Euro1bn capital increase through a rights offering with investors buying up more than 38m new shares at Euro 26.7 per share, totalling just over EUR1bn.
The company says this capital increase is part of a set of measures aimed at strengthening the group’s balance sheet together with the €1bn non-strategic assets disposal program now well underway as well as cash savings resulting from the implementation of the proposed dividend policy for the 2008/2009 financial year. Stronger shareholders’equity will give the Group access to other financing resources under favourable conditions, ultimately enhancing its flexibility for future growth.

New distillery for Captain Morgan rum
Diageo's local operating company in the US Virgin Islands, Diageo USVI, has selected a parcel of land, approximately 26 acres, in St Croix to build a modern, environmentally sound, 20 million proof gallon rum distillery. The new facility will begin to produce rum in 2011. Beginning in 2012, the distillery will supply all rum used to make Captain Morgan branded products for the US. Captain Morgan is the second leading rum in the world.

Joel Gott inks distribution deal with Trinchero
Joel Gott Wines has formed a joint venture with Trinchero Family Estates for the global sale and distribution of Joel Gott Wines. The new venture leverages the market coverage of the Trinchero Family Estates sales force for Joel Gott Wines. Bob Torkelson, president and COO of Trinchero Family Estates, sasy: “We are thrilled and honoured to be selected by Joel and his family to help bring their wine to more consumers throughout America and internationally. Joel Gott Wines is a great fit for our portfolio.” Operations will remain in Saint Helena.

Thomas Hine appoints Pol Roger as UK distributor
Pol Roger is the new distributor for Hine Cognacs in the UK and Channel Islands. There has been a friendship between Bernard Hine and Christian de Billy of Pol Roger Champagne for many years. They already share the same distributor in a number of markets including Japan, Dubai and Finland.

	Eric Benoist is the new marketing director for Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard. He replaces Martin Riley	Alain Barbet has become senior advisor to Philadelphia Distilling. Barbet was most recently chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas, where he managed the integration of Absolut Vodka. Constellation Europe has restructured its UK and European sales team. John Mills is now senior VP European sales and Peter Spencer is managing director of Gaynor Cider
	Martin Riley has been promoted to chief marketing officer for Pernod Ricard in Paris
	Garvin Brown has become managing director Brown-Forman Western Europe/Africa. He is also presiding chairman of the B-F board of directors

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