By Drew Lambert It’s the biggest indicator yet that Neil Perry’s QANTAS team of sommeliers mean business; QANTAS revealed exclusively to The Wine Wankers last week that 40% of the 270 wines chosen for the airline’s new wine list have never flown in First or Business class before. Oenophile fliers – those who choose their airlines according to the wines being served – will no doubt be salivating at the n…

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) has released its two-year report of ‘Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ Commitments’ to Reduce Harmful Drinking. Signed back in October 2012, the commitments were agreed upon by CEOs of leading global producers of beer, wine and spirits to improve harmful drinking worldwide. The report released this week now highlights the steps and successes that …

Shares in SABMiller soared to approximately 23 per cent on Wednesday on the back of news of a ‘super-merger’ between the world’s two largest brewers – Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) and SAB Miller. SAB Miller – owners of Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) here in Australia and brewers of VB, Peroni and Carlton Draught, is the target of a takeover by AB InBev, who between them would control roughly 30 p…

This week, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) handed out the 2015 National Awards for Excellence to members of the hospitality and accommodation industry. Atop a glow of highlights was the induction of New South Wales hotel industry stalwart, Bevan Douglas, into the Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame. The induction recognised Mr. Douglas and his family’s contribution to the city of Tamworth. Over the last 2…

Asahi Premium Beverages has announced two internal senior moves concerning Andrew Amarant and Michael Ritoli, who will now be tasked with readying the business for expansion outside of Australia. Previously General Manager – National Accounts, Mr. Amarant will take on the role of General Manager – International – a new role that will report into Chief Commercial Officer – Alcohol ANZ Scott Hadley and util…

From October 6, Suntory Wine International (Suntory) will begin distributing Yalumba and Oxford Landing Estates brands in Japan. Up until now, Jeroboam has been distributing both brands in Japan. Under the new partnership between both companies, the Yalumba and Oxford Landing Estates brands will be distributed by Suntory Liquors Ltd to both restaurants and retail outlets throughout the country. “We are ve…

Accolade Wines has become the first company to have a portfolio inclusive of all the major New World wine regions, following its latest purchase of Chilean supplier, Viña Anakena. The wine business now has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, North America and South America, making it one of the largest in the world. Located in the cool foothills of the Andes Mountains, south of the capital…

The Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, has announced the names of four new Directors of the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA). The new directors are Mr. David Dearie, Managing Director of Eastwind Consulting and former CEO of Treasury Wine Estates; Mr. Keith Todd, General Manager Global Operations, Accolade Wines; Ms. Mary Retallack, Managing Director of Retallack Viticulture; and Mr. Edoua…

Proximo Spirits/Jose Cuervo International brands (JCI) has ended its partnership with Think Spirits in Australia. The split will see major brands including Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, Gran Centenario Tequila, Agavero Liqueur and The Kracken Black Spiced Rum leave Think Spirits’ portfolio. Proximo/JCI and Think Spirits partnered back in 2011 and secured the rights to the Jose Cuervo portfolio from Diageo in…

Ex-McWilliam’s Wines employee, Bernadette Knight has reached new heights, joining Champagne brand, Armand De Brignac as Global Chief Marketing Officer in New York this week. A native of Australia, Knight’s experience spans more than a decade in the luxury wine and spirits industry, working with champagne brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart and Taittinger. Most recently the U.S Director for Hennes…