Fingertip alcohol scanner being introduced – said to have 96% accuracy with possible applications in cars and at workplaces
The first system to test alcohol levels at the touch of a finger is being launched today. The AlcoSense TruTouch, which is being launched at the Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham, can determine a person’s level of intoxication in seconds with just a touch of a...
European spirits exports grow to over €10bn, up 20% from previous year
European spirits exports were worth €10.2 billion in 2012 - 20% up from €8.5 billion in the previous year. As a result, spirits are and remain the EU’s biggest agri-food exports according to trade organisation Spirits Europe. The trade body said the US showed "solid...
Global warming will make it difficult to raise grapes in traditional wine production areas – will shift production to new regions
A study has found sharp declines in wine production from Bordeaux, Rhone and Tuscany, as well as California’s Napa Valley and Chile by 2050, as a warming climate makes it harder to raise grapes in traditional wine country. Bid adieu to Bordeaux, but also, quite...
Wine sales in U.S. reach new record: record California winegrape crop to meet surging demand
Wine sales in the U.S. from all production sources—California, other U.S. states and foreign countries—increased 2% from the previous year to a new record of 360.1 million 9-liter cases with an estimated retail value of $34.6 billion, according to wine industry...
Vodka producer CEDC files prepackaged bankruptcy plan, ceding 100% control to Russian Standard’s Roustam Tariko
Poland's Central European Distribution Corp (CEDC.O), seeking to reduce its debt load, has filed for a pre-packaged bankruptcy that will give Russian businessman Roustam Tariko full control of the vodka producer, a court filing showed. CEDC, which makes Absolwent and...
Rebirth of Chinese fine wine – Wine imports from China expected to rise
There are still a few wine-producing countries left on the map that command genuine novelty value. China may boast the world's fifth-largest vineyard area and a thirsty domestic population that consumes nearly all of its wine, but in fine-wine circles, its presence in...
German wine stocks at lowest levels since reunification
German wine stocks are at their lowest ever levels since reunification, with high demand also driving up prices. With an annual production of 9-10 million hl per year, German producers are already selling everything they produce within a year of harvest, said Steffen...
Creditors voting on CEDC restructuring plan that would hand control to Russian Standard’s Roustam Tariko
Going broke while dominating vodka sales in Russia and Poland may seem tough to do. A company founded by a Florida golfer, listed on Nasdaq Stock Market and until recently based in New Jersey, is almost there. Unable to repay $258 million in bonds due last month,...
Diageo’s deal for United Spirits in trouble
With the Bombay High Court allowing lenders to sell the shares pledged by Vijay Mallya's United Breweries Holdings (UBHL) as well as other group firms, doubts have risen over the Rs 11,000-crore deal structured by the billionaire in November 2012 with the world's...