Diageo boss Paul Walsh has suggested that the company could launch its own tequila brand. He revealed the news after he was questioned about the surprise pull-out from the Jose Cuervo deal last year, which would have seen Diageo taking a slice of the company. He said, “An organic play is the best entry into [...]

Scotland’s brewers are putting up wholesale prices, but the increases are not as much as last year. Molson Coors have increased wholesale prices by an average of 3.1% equivalent to 5p a pint while Carlsberg are set do the same while AB Inbev are increasing theirs by 4.7% from February 1. Diageo is putting 5% [...]

After negotiating for a year, Diageo has withdrawn from talks with Cuervo which would see Diageo having a equity deal with the family-owned brand. Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh had been talking with the multi-billionaire Beckmann family – owner of the Mexican spirits group – but could not agree on price. This will mean that [...]

Diageo plc, United Spirits Limited and United Breweries (Holdings) Limited have announced agreements under which Diageo would acquire a 27.4% stake in USL, the leading spirits company in India, and the company behind Whyte & Mackay. The total consideration will be approximately £660 million. Following completion of these agreements, Dr Vijay Mallya will continue in [...]

Diageo and Jose Cuervo International haverevealed a £2m investment to reinvigorate tequila brand, Cuervo Especial, using the strap line‘ WHO’S IN?’ Research by Diageo GB into consumption patterns has found tequila is almost always introduced into consumers’ nights by ‘the instigator’ of the group asking “WHO’S IN?” To harness this a host of engaging activities [...]

Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya of United Spirits is reported to be close to selling a controlling stake to drinks group Diageo. Mallya, owner of Whyte & Mackay, is likely to stay on as chairman with some of his top team remaining on the board of United. However, the roles of chief executive and chief financial [...]

Diageo has confirmed tentative discussions to acquire an interest in United Spirits have begun. United Spitits is the company behind Whyte & Mackay, Dalmore and Black Dog. A joint statement from the two companies read, “United Spirits Limited and Diageo plc confirm that Diageo plc is in discussion with United Spirits Limited and United Breweries [...]

Diageo, the world’s biggest drinks company has just announced it is to invest £1bn in its Scotch whisky production over the next five years. A major new malt distillery will be built as part of the investment, alongside a programme of major expansion at a number of Diageo’s existing distilleries. Detailed plans will also be [...]

Diageo has announced that it has partnered with CPL Training to sponsor £35,000-worth of FREE age verification training across Scotland. The training will be available for up to 1,000 employees, and covers the law in relation to age verification policy and dealing with the conflict that can arise when the sale of alcohol is refused. [...]

Diageo is set to report a 5% rise in annual profits to £2.9bn on Thursday, on sales of £10.1bn. Sales are expected to have remained tough in Europe, where Guinness sales fell 6% in the first half. UPDATE •Stronger second half performance with improved price/mix and operating margin expansion led to 5% organic growth of [...]