Organic Swedish vodka brand Virtuous has increased its abv to 40% and will launch the new liquid within a revamped bottle design this spring.

German sparkling wine company Henkell has reached an agreement with Cava producer Freixenet to buy 50.7% of the latter’s capital for just under €220 million it has been reported.

Broadland Wineries is introducing Proudly Vegan to meet the growing demand from consumers who have made this lifestyle choice.

Badge Beverage Corporation has introduced an Unoaked Chardonnay to their successful Plungerhead brand.

Diageo has acquired German vermouth brand Belsazar – the first company to have “graduated” from innovation incubator Distill Ventures, which is funded by Diageo.

Italian gin brand Malfy has added a new expression to its range – Malfy Gin Con Arancia, which is distilled with Sicilian blood oranges.

Poetic License Distillery, based on England’s northeast coast, has released a limited-edition sweet bell pepper and naga chili-flavored gin.

 Switchback Ale, Vermont’s number one selling draught beer for over 10 years, is now available in The Big Apple. Manhattan Beer Distributors will service 16 counties, including New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley

Enjoyers of Earth Rider will be able to purchase 12 oz. cans of the brewery’s beer at retail outlets throughout the Twin Ports beginning Thursday.

 St. Patrick’s Day marks an important week for the beer distributors and their retail partners in the hospitality industry.