Battle lines have been drawn by two of the UK’s biggest specialist off-licence chains in a bid for supremacy in mainstream off-licence retailing in the eastern half of northern England.

Diageo has submitted pre-planning applications for three potential locations for a new malt whisky distillery.

Wine Australia has outlined the next phase of its generic programme as it ramps up activity focusing on independents and consumer education.

Weight Watchers is hoping to gain a larger slice of the market with four wines made in partnership with McWilliam’s.

Sloane’s gin producer Toorank Distilleries is entering the rum market with the launch of a range called Rebellion.

Laphroaig malt whisky is to host an online interactive tasting, broadcast live from a sherry boedga.

Coca-Cola GB has signed a deal to become an official partner of the Scottish Premier League in football from the start of the 2010/11 season.

Heineken UK has launched a phone app for its Bulmers cider brand.

Lidl is aiming for a more specialist approach to wine following a £1 million investment in the launch of a premium range.

Off-trade sales of beer, cider, RTDs and sparkling wine saw an uplift in the week of the Olympic opening ceremony – but overall the games brought less joy to drinks retailers than the Diamond Jubilee, according to market data firm Nielsen.

Owners of independent shops are the hardest working professionals in Britain, according to a report from the Association of Convenience Stores.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, OLN is again working with Wines of South Africa to target leading independents. We are offering two readers the opportunity to win a trip to the Cape Wine fair, taking place in Cape Town from September 25-27. 

Treasury Wine Estates has launched a fine wine business unit for the UK and Ireland, aimed at boosting sales of its regional and premium wines.

The Chancellor's speech covering the government's plans for tobacco and alcohol duty in full.