All articles by Sonya Hook – Page 3

  • News

    Penderyn bids to raise profile of Welsh spirits

    2006-10-28T00:00:00Z

    A Welsh distillery plans to raise the profile of its native land as a premium drinks producer, by launching a range of spirits to tackle the off-trade market.

  • News

    'Link with government to stop binge drinking'

    2006-10-14T00:00:00Z

    The drinks industry needs to forge better ties with the government in order to address negative media attention directed at alcohol, according to a leading wine expert. Speaking at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust's annual lecture in...

  • News

    Brits now preferring US wine over French

    2006-09-30T00:00:00Z

    Britons now officially quaff more US wine than French, as consumers turn away from Old World classics in favour of rosé and branded wines, such as Blossom Hill. However, the growing thirst for the New World is yet to push the US over its...

  • News

    For a great start, Brighton rocks

    2006-09-30T00:00:00Z

    A liqueur that made its UK debut in Brighton is set for full national roll-out since joining the Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands portfolio. Niche Italian liqueur Tuaca is hand-crafted from ten-year-old cognac married with five-year-old...

  • News

    Diageo's heroes set for their winter warming

    2006-09-23T00:00:00Z

    Diageo GB has revealed plans to ensure it has a very merry Christmas through investment and festive activity for its key brands. It is investing in its classic brands Baileys, Gordon's, Guinness and Smirnoff, as well as its whiskey and...

  • News

    Cobra TV ads work for an effortlessly cool lift

    2006-09-23T00:00:00Z

    Cobra Beer has planned a big push to position its lager as unusual but excellent with the launch of its biggest national TV campaign yet. The £10m campaign, which targets 25 to 34-year-old lager drinkers, breaks on 26 September before the...

  • News

    boogie back to the 70s!

    2006-09-23T00:00:00Z

    We've already seen 21st century revivals of 1970s classics Starsky & Hutch, The Dukes of Hazzard and Shaft and heard most of the fresh-faced young bands of the moment plunder the sounds of chart-toppers from the decade such as the Bee Gees, The...

  • News

    'Vodka fatigue' to be cured by golden rum

    2006-06-03T00:00:00Z

    Golden and flavoured rums are poised to steal market share from white spirits, according to an in-depth analysis of the market. The 2006 Rum Report, by consultancy The Insight Connection, revealed a growing trend in premium bars in...

  • News

    Es Sidra targets English after Scottish success

    2006-06-03T00:00:00Z

    A Spanish cider, which has sparkling and cloudy variants, is heading over to England following its successful debut in Scotland.  Es Sidra, a 5% abv cider produced in Champagne-style bottles, is traditionally used for weddings in...

  • News

    Bordeaux wines made simple

    2006-05-13T00:00:00Z

    A French producer is bringing out a range of wines to help consumers discover traditional Bordeaux grape varieties without any confusing labelling. Vincent Lataste, already recognised for innovation in the wine industry, has...

  • News

    Czechs send in third dark beer

    2006-05-06T00:00:00Z

    A third dark beer from the Czech Republic is making its way into the UK off-trade from this month. Zubr Dark Beer, the 4.1% abv dark sister brand of the recently launched Zubr Premium, has been brewed in Pfierov in the Czech...

  • News

    Special organic port sails into UK

    2006-04-29T00:00:00Z

    Fine wine importer Mentzendorff is launching one of the UK's first organic ports, to appeal to the country's growing interest in organic products. Terra Prima Organic Reserve by The Fladgate Partnership, owners of the port house...

  • News

    A time to drink and be merry

    2006-04-29T00:00:00Z

    Despite increased consolidation in the wine industry, this year's London Wine & Spirits Fair will be even bigger - with more space for specialist sections and spirits, says Sonya Hook. With a huge number of wines on display, along...

  • News

    German Riesling seeks UK niche

    2006-04-22T00:00:00Z

    Wine importer Bottle Green is launching a branded German Riesling into the UK off-trade with the aim of capturing consumers at the £6 price level. Starling Castle Riesling, produced by Peter Mertes and priced at £6.99, looks set to...

  • News

    Cains - more than able

    2006-04-22T00:00:00Z

    Liverpool will be famous for premium lager, says Sonya Hook Former customers of the Dusanj brothers' old fish and chip shop in Kent would no doubt be surprised to discover the same pair now making waves in the UK's beer...

  • News

    Sponsor mustn't mention B word

    2006-04-08T00:00:00Z

    Budweiser, the official beer of the Football World Cup, will be banned from having its name directly appearing anywhere in Germany when the event kicks off in June - despite its parent company forking out $40m to become one of the...

  • News

    Gallo puts added faith in Chile

    2006-04-08T00:00:00Z

    Californian winery Ernest & Julio Gallo is continuing to branch into different wine markets with the UK launch of a new Chilean range. Viña Chilcaya - meaning 'liquid gem' in Chile - has been created with Viña...

  • News

    Stone's to rival Pimm's in sun

    2006-04-01T00:00:00Z

    Constellation Brands is going up against Diageo's Pimm's brand with the launch of a summer variant for Stone's Ginger Wine. Stone's Summer Cup will be launched next month and, like Pimm's No 1 Gin Cup, it will be marketed as a long...

  • News

    Pimm’s paints the town red

    2005-04-23T00:00:00Z

    Barbecues and the colour red are what consumers will associate with Pimm’s this year, according to Diageo, which has outlined its summer 2005 plans for the brand. The increased association with barbecues this year reflects Diageo’s long-term...