Andy was born in London just in time to see England win the World Cup, and much later began his career in academia, gaining a PhD in American Literature and lecturing at several universities, including Maryland and Gothenburg in Sweden, and pursuing a sideline in sheep-farming before moving back to London and becoming a literary agent and TV documentary-maker (working for various broadcasters and making series such as the BBC’s Monsoon Railway, set in Bengal).
He has written several biographies, including the Second World War story American Pimpernel, and became the official biographer of India’s Prime Minister (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) publishing Narendra Modi, a Political Biography (Harper Collins).
Andy joined Asian Media Group in 2018, his first “proper” job, and has been there ever since, believing that, while trade journalism might not save the world, it might just save journalism.
Dolin, a historic family-owned spirits company established in 1821 in the Alpine region of Savoie, France, is set to expand its UK presence through a new distribution partnership with Mangrove Global.
With a legacy spanning over two centuries, Dolin has distinguished itself through authentically sourced local ingredients and traditional production methods that create premium spirits to be enjoyed worldwide. The company's first international Vermouth award in 1876 marked the beginning of its enduring reputation in Parisian cafes and European cocktail culture.
“Aperitifs like Vermouth have enjoyed a renaissance in the last few decades, and Dolin represents the quintessential French classic,” said Nick Gillett Managing Director of Mangrove Global. “The Mangrove team have long admired the range, and we’re excited to showcase these exceptional, provenance-driven spirits.
“We’re all about exceptional brands that celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship behind their liquids, and Dolin fits the bill perfectly. We’re ready to get started, building upon all the wonderful work that’s been done so far.”
The partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, as contemporary drinkers increasingly seek spirits with strong heritage, authenticity, and provenance. Dolin Vermouths embody these qualities in abundance, with their lighter, more delicate flavours making them a perfect choice for a wide range of cocktails, such as the classic martini, or even enjoyed neat.
Each Vermouth is crafted through the maceration of at least 30 Alpine botanicals in white wine, offering a complex flavour profile that has consistently ranked Dolin among the top five global Vermouth brands since 2020.
Joining the Mangrove portfolio will be Dolin Vermouth Dry, Dolin Vermouth Rouge, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, and Dolin Chamberyzette, the latter of which is a delicate cocktail made from Dolin’s white Vermouth Blanc and its much-loved Liqueur Framboise – strawberry liqueur. Each variety of Dolin’s Vermouth uses a unique selection of herbs and plants, blended with quality wine to achieve the resulting flavour – a flavour which, as noted by Drinks International, has kept Dolin amongst the top five best-selling Vermouth brands, since 2020.
Pierre-Olivier Rousseaux President Owner of Dolin said: “We are delighted with this new partnership. Mangrove will bring its distribution expertise and its solid presence in the spirits sector to promote the authenticity of Dolin products in the UK, while respecting the heritage and artisanal know-how for which our brand is renowned since 1821.”
CÎROC Super-Premium Vodka has unveiled a brand-new limited edition spirit drink: CÎROC Strawberry Limonade. The launch marks the brand’s first coloured liquid, giving consumers a taste of the sun-kissed coastline of the French Riviera.
Launching just in time for summer, CÎROC Strawberry Limonade is the perfect luxury drink for after work drinks, picnics, or just relaxing at home with friends. Strawberry and lemon flavoured variants have high purchase intent among spirit drinkers, with this latest launch giving retailers the opportunity to drive more volume in the category.
“We’re constantly looking to redefine the luxury drinking experience and elevate the premium spirits category through flavour,” said Pippa Lewis, Senior Brand Manager at CÎROC Vodka.
“I’m delighted to launch CÎROC’s first coloured liquid, a shade of pink that mirrors the hues of a Riviera sunset – reminiscent of sun, beaches and lively soirées that define the Riviera experience. A delicious tasting spirit made with vodka distilled five times from fine French grapes infused with strawberry, lemon and other natural flavours, CÎROC Strawberry Limonade can complement any occasion.”
This launch will be supported with Social and Digital OOH media from April to September. To further amplify the launch, there will be terrace takeovers and cultural partnerships, to encapsulate the spirits of the French Riviera and celebrate the beauty of the South of France.
CÎROC Strawberry Limonade is available to order now, with official launch as of April 1 across grocery, wholesale and digital channels in a 70cl bottle at 30 per cent ABV. (£35.50 MRSP)
The final stages of the Emirates FA Cup are approaching and Carling is building excitement with the launch of an all-new on-pack promotion, trivia competition and marketing campaign.
From 23 March until 30 June 2025, adults can scan QR codes on promotional multipacks of Carling and enter the code displayed on the inside of the sleeve alongside their details for the chance to win*.
The prizes up for grabs include four seats in the stands at Wembley Stadium for the Emirates FA Cup final and a pre-match Wembley Stadium tour, which includes a one-night stay at a four-star Wembley hotel and travel allowance, as well as Deliveroo vouchers for secondary draw winners.
New this year, shoppers that enter the on-pack promotion will have a second chance to win a one of ten, £20 gift vouchers to spend at selected retailers if they correctly answer an Emirates FA Cup-themed trivia question*.
The promotion is designed to help retailers build up excitement amongst football fans and will run across 4x440ml, 10x440ml, and 18x440ml packs. Priced-marked 4x440ml, and 10x440ml packs will also be available.
In past years, Carling’s on-pack promotions have helped drive sales for retailers, increasing value sales of Carling by 60.8 per cent and 30.6 per cent during promotional periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
“Carling is proud to support football at every level – that’s why we’re the lager brand consumers most commonly associate with the beautiful game,” said Lee Willett, Carling Brand Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company.
“This campaign is about celebrating Carling’s football heritage and the history of the world’s oldest national football tournament. In bringing together clubs from across the football pyramid, the Emirates FA Cup creates truly unique sporting moments, and the final stages present a massive opportunity for our customers to drive sales.”
The beer brand, which has been a partner of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup since 2023, will also be sponsoring talkSPORT’s Emirates FA Cup and UEFA Nations League coverage, with Carling branding featuring prominently on match previews and reviews on talkSPORT Drive.
Carling has moved to strengthen its ties to football in recent years through sponsorship deals with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and a host of top clubs including Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Carling is also supporting local football clubs up and down the country through its ongoing Grassroots Goals initiative, in partnership with Umbro, by giving them the opportunity to win prizes including new team kits throughout the course of the year.
*T&Cs: 18+, UK and ROI only (tie-break question for ROI). Scan the QR code on your promotional pack or go to www.carlingpromotions.com/winFAtickets and enter the unique 8-digit code found inside your pack to be entered into the promotion. Main Prize Draw: Prizes: 4x tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final including a pre-match Wembley stadium tour, on Saturday 17th May 2025 (5x). Each prize includes a 1-night stay at a 4* Wembley hotel (2x twin rooms) and up to £250 travel allowance per winning entrant. Prizes limited to 1 per household. 1 entry per person per day. Entry closes 11:59pm 01/05/2025. Trivia Question Prize Draw: Prizes: £20 / €25 Grocery eGift cards (10x). All entrants who correctly answer a trivia question will be entered into the draw. Wrap Up Draw: Prizes: £50 Deliveroo takeaway vouchers (100x). Trivia and Wrap Up Draws close 11:59pm 30/06/2025. Non-main prize draw winners will automatically be entered into the wrap up draw. Full T&Cs at www.carling.com/terms.
Four Loko, the bold and unconventional RTD brand, has unveiled its latest flavour, Camo Mango.
This new variant of the premium vodka-based RTD combines the refreshing sweetness of ripe mango in a camo-themed can.
“Designed to appeal to consumers seeking more than just a drink, it’s a statement of individuality,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko distributor, Red Star Brands. “With its dynamic packaging and daring flavour, Camo Mango reinforces Four Loko’s commitment to delivering disruptive, category-defining RTD experiences.”
To support the launch of Four Loko Camo Mango, a nationwide campaign will feature influencer collaborations, sampling events and exclusive merchandise drops. The campaign will invite consumers to share their boldest Four Loko moments via user-generated content featuring the hashtags #CamoLoko and #PartyInACan, bringing to life the brand’s authentic, bold positioning while driving deeper connections through social engagement.
The striking green, black and orange camouflage-style can underpins Camo Mango’s “Stay Hidden, Stay Bold” theme and has been designed to deliver high on-shelf visibility to help maximise sales and encourage shoppers to the fixture.
“The fact that premium priced RTDs have grown faster than any other segment in the last two years means that there are some great opportunities out there for retailers to capitalise on this popularity,” added McIlroy.
Camo Mango (8.4 per cent ABV) will be available from March in 440ml cans, RSP £3.49, and like the rest of the Four Loko range, is caffeine-free. Its launch brings the total range available to 10 flavours; other variants include Pink Melon, Dark Berry Burst, White, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical, Blue, Fruit Punch, Gold and Tutti Frutti (all 8.4 per cent ABV).
Leading Prague beer Staropramen has launched a new 10x440ml can ‘Fridge Pack’ in response to rising demand for multi-pack can formats in the world beer category.
The packs will launch in stores nationwide from Monday, 17 March, with the most recent data showing that 30 per cent of shoppers who purchase multi-packs in the world lager category exclusively buy can formats.
The new cans are encased in a new recyclable cardboard sleeve and include an easy-to-carry handle and quick tear-open fold.
The launch will be supported by a new marketing campaign including in-store POS, digital assets and a paid social media programme.
Each 440ml can and outer sleeve will include a scannable QR code, giving consumers access to exclusive Staropramen content as well as the brands website where they can learn more about Staropramen’s heritage and brewing process.
“Shoppers want a pack format that works for them. Adding a mid-size pack to our range enables retailers to provide more choice, making sure their world lager offering has the formats to suit all shopping habits,” Bethan Roberts, assistant brand manager at Staropramen, said.
“Every pack comes with a scannable QR code to give customers access to exclusive Staropramen content and promotions, as well as an insight into the brands heritage and brewing processes.”
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Sip smart this St. Patrick’s Day with Kahlúa’s Schneaky Espresso Martini glass
Cocktail lovers can rejoice this St. Patrick’s Day with the release of Kahlúa’s “Schneaky” Espresso Martini glass. Disguised to look like a pint of stout, the specially designed, hand-blown glass sneakily conceals an Espresso Martini inside a pint glass. The crafty solution was created following research revealing that cocktail lovers feel “St. Patrick’s Day pressure” to drink stout – even if they don’t savour its flavour.
According to the study, around two in three drinkers (64 per cent) have felt the need to order a "certain stout drink" to fit in and nearly half (42 per cent) fear they might be judged poorly for choosing a cocktail over a pint on St. Patrick’s Day. Enter the Schneaky Espresso Martini glass by Kahlúa – a saviour for many cocktail lovers on 16 and 17 March.
Kahlúa has enlisted former England rugby star and devout stout drinker James Haskell to raise awareness of the Schneaky Espresso Martini glass – showing that even the most loyal fans of stout can sip undercover.
“For any punters looking to avoid an unwanted pint of stout, Kahlúa has got you covered,” said Haskell. “The Schneaky Espresso Martini glass means you can enjoy the deliciously indulgent cocktail you crave, without the fear of being judged.”
Following the huge success of last year's St. Patrick’s Day campaign – Feliz St. Patrick’s Day – Irish TikTok sensations Tadgh & Derry are joining forces with Kahlúa again. They join 3bucksleft in a cheeky video revealing the Sneaky Espresso Martini glass in all its glory.
On 16 and 17 March, Kahlúa is giving away free Schneaky Espresso Martinis* in its bespoke glasses exclusively at two pubs – the Howl At The Moon pub in Hoxton, London and O’Loclainn’s in County Clare, Ireland. Punters can try the undercover glass for free by ordering a “Schneaky Espresso Martini” at the bar**. There will also be an exclusive opportunity to win a Kahlúa Schneaky Espresso Martini glass via the Howl At The Moon’s Instagram page.
Alison Perrottet, Brand Director for Pernod Ricard UK, said: “Kahlúa loves showing up in unexpected ways and that’s exactly what we’re doing this St. Patrick’s Day. While stout has traditionally been a favourite for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s time to stir things up with a Schneaky Espresso Martini, and what better way to celebrate than with the UK’s number one coffee liqueur. Slainte!”
**T&CS: The activation is open to all individuals aged 18 years or older, operating the “think 25” policy. Customers must present a valid photo ID to prove eligibility. Only one free drink per person will be given, subject to availability and the discretion of pub staff. The activation is valid from 12pm to 11pm on Monday 17th March at Howl At The Moon and from 5pm to 11pm at O’Loclainn’s on Sunday 16th March, subject to stock lasting. Alcohol consumption should be done responsibly. The pub reserves the right to refuse service to any individual who is intoxicated or behaving inappropriately. The Sneaky Espresso Martini by Kahlúa cannot be substituted for any other alcohol or item. The Schneaky Espresso Martini glass by Kahlúa is not available for purchase nor giveaway, all glasses are the property of Pernod**Customers can claim one Kahlúa espresso martini using the codeword “Schneaky Espresso Martini” at the bar, subject to T&Cs.