Tradeshow Insight: SIAL 2014

SIAL, the world’s leading trade fair for the food and drinks industry, returned in 2014 for its latest instalment. 2014 was an opportunity to mark the show’s 50 year presence on the FMCG scene and a diverse range of commemorative events helped to contribute to the sense of occasion. The mood was upbeat as more […]
UK: Chivas Regal launches first new blend in seven years

Chivas Regal, the luxury whisky brand belonging to Pernod Ricard, has seen the launch of a new blend named Chivas Regal Extra. In a statement the company described Chivas Regal Extra as a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest and finest Chivas malts, creating a rich and generous […]
Ireland: Diageo to target the luxury market with Guinness Signature Series

Diageo is exploring new possibilities in the luxury market with the launch of the first entry in its Guinness Signature Series™. The new launch, called The 1759™, is described as a limited edition ultra-premium beer made with both beer malt and whiskey malt. Said to be inspired by a 200 year old recipe, the “rich […]
France: Pernod Ricard “returns to growth” in Q1

Pernod Ricard, the world’s world’s co-leader in wines and spirits, has announced a “return to growth” for the first quarter of 2014/15. The company posted organic growth of 2% in the period, with earnings rising to € 2,037 million ($2,575 million). “Continued growth” in the Americas (3%) and a “gradual improvement” in Asia-Rest of the […]
UK: SABMiller volumes decline in second quarter

Leading global brewer SABMiller has reported its second quarter financials, with beer volumes declining by 3%. SABMiller said overall revenues rose 3% in the three months to the end of September, helped primarily by soft drinks. While total volumes were down 1%, soft drinks sales (which account for 20% of SABMiller’s sales volumes) bucked the […]
USA: Suntory releases Jim Beam Kentucky Fire

Suntory has added to the line of Jim Beam flavoured bourbon whiskey with the launch of the spicy Jim Beam Fire. According to Suntory, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire features the flavor of red hot cinnamon liqueur to deliver a fiery kick and a smooth finish that makes for a perfect shot. “We’ve led the category […]
UK: Pernod Ricard adds to vodka line-up with Absolut Cherrys

Pernod Ricard has added a cherry-flavoured variant to its Absolut vodka brand range – Absolut Cherrys. Pernod Ricard said the launch followed the success of existing flavoured varieties and stated it was confident that the addition of this new variety would contribute to overall category growth in the segment. Adam Boita, Pernod Ricard marketing controller, […]
USA: Diageo adds new Chocolate Cherry flavour to Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur range

Diageo, the world’s leading alcoholic drinks producer, has expanded its Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur portfolio by adding a new fruit-flavoured version – Chocolate Cherry. The new liqueur is described as a modern update on the classic Irish Cream that blends the flavours of luscious chocolate and seductive dark cherries for a unique Baileys taste experience. Stephanie […]
Mexico: Patron Spirits introduces Patron XO Cafe Incendio

Patron Spirits has announced the launch of a “fiery-hot” chilli chocolate liqueur called XO Cafe Incendio to its portfolio of ultra-premium luxury spirits. The new product is described as combining the taste of Patron Silver tequila with fiery-hot Arbol chilli, said to be characterized by its smoky and spicy complex flavour, and Sweet Criollo Chocolate, […]
Belgium: Colruyt opens ‘farm shop’ concept store

Colruyt, a Belgian supermarket chain primarily focused on discount retailing, is opening a new ‘deli’ concept store with the aim of showcasing quality artisanal produce. According to De Standaard, the store, named ‘Cru’, will not have a discount focus and will instead replicate the feel of a farm shop – from the rustic ‘farm’ styling […]