The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Heineken UK has announced the launch of a brand-new low-alcohol addition to its Foster’s range of beers: Foster’s Proper Shandy.

In the run-up to valentine’s day brands are releasing a selection of themed products and gift sets, from gold covered chocolate to prosecco.

Global wine brand 19 Crimes is entering the spirits category with the launch of its new spiced rum, now available in the UK.

Diageo-owned vodka brand Cîroc has expanded its permanent product range with citrus- and Mediterranean-inspired Cîroc Limonata. 

Echo Falls has expanded its Fruit Fusion portfolio with the introduction of a watermelon and kiwi-flavoured wine exclusively available at Booker Wholesale.

Edinburgh, UK-based gin, rum and whisky distiller, Holyrood Distillery, has secured a £2m funding package from wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum.

Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, has sold Irish brewery Eight Degrees back to its original founders, Scott Baigent and Cam Wallace.

Germany-based beverage producer Oettinger has acquired JoyBräu, a start-up specialising in the manufacture of protein-infused non-alcoholic beer.

Sazerac and American rapper Quavious Keyate Marshall, known as Quavo, has announced the launch of a new white cognac brand, White X Cognac.

Kirin Brewery Company has committed to exclusively use renewable energy for purchased electric power across all company plants and offices from January.

Pernod Ricard has added a new UK-exclusive honey-flavoured vodka to its Absolut range, designed to be mixed with lemonade for bar-quality drinks at home.

Heaven Hill Brands has announced it will cease bottling operations at its Black Velvet Whisky distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta.