Whisky Magazine has just awarded the title of Best Whisky in the World to a 20-year-old pure malt whisky distilled on the shores of the Sea of Japan on the island of Hokkaido. It is the first time a beverage which is not Scottish made, wins this distinction. (Source: Le Soir)

There was a time when the alcohol content did not even feature on wine labels. Labelling is undergoing a discrete revolution, where more and more obligatory information is required to appear, supposedly for the benefit of drinkers and especially their health. After the sulphite content and the pregnant woman logo, other information could appear soon, such as storage conditions or even nutritional value. (Source: Sud Ouest)

Spirits exports reached record volumes of 51.62 million 12-bottle cases, up 5.8%, and turnover of €2.64 billion representing growth of 3.3%. The category is clearly led by cognac, which sold more than 13 million cases, increasing its turnover considerably by 11.9% to reach €1.68 billion. Cognac accounts therefore for one quarter of French spirits volumes sent abroad. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale)

Advertisements encouraging consumption of alcoholic beverages or promoting the quality of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Thailand. However, alcohol producers, importers or distributors can advertise the image of the product or promote social responsibility. (Source: IWSR)

Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Daghestan, famous for its brandies, plans to open a whisky distillery. The estimated cost of the project, which sould be recouped in three years, is €5, 9 million. The first batch f whisky from the distillery will go on sale in Russia in three years. (Source: RIA Novosti)

Anne-Marie Idrac, French Secretary for Foreign Trade said that Hong Kong has all the attributes to be the wine hub of Asia, and hopes Hong Kong succeeds in this field as she succeeds in other many fields. (Source: Vinexpo)

Scotch whisky exports earned £90 (€115) every second for the UK in 2007, with the value of shipments increasing by 14 % to reach a new record of £2.8 bn (€3,58 milliards d’euros). The export volume was also at a historic high, growing 8% with the equivalent of 1,135 million bottles of Scotch whisky shipped overseas. (Source: Scotch Whisky Association)